Opinions on the Nexstar 5SE as a beginner scope

codenamejag · Post by **codenamejag** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 1:20 pm

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Hi people.... i've joined here not too long ago, but this is my first post in the beginners forum. As a kid i've always been keen in our solar system and the universe. And finally i've decided that i should get a scope. Now i've come here to get some views from experts here. This is what i intend to get,
http://www.celestron.com/c2/product.php ... ProdID=414 a Celestron Nexstar 5 SE. Don't plan to get a bino now as it does worry me, because i've read about double visions and not able to focus completely. [smilie=woa.gif]

Need to know if this kind of scope is user friendly and beginner friendly especially. i understand it has a GOTO which apparently needs star alignment to be done before anything can be started, but this feature i presume is really going to be of great help for newbies like myself.

As for the combined weight of the scope, mount & tripod it'll be about 12.5kg which is quite manageable. But i do wonder if such a scope requires collimation.(think it does) This is the part which somewhat gives me shivers. My main interests are to view some planets and DSOs. Possibly wish to try out astrophotography in future. Bros here... pls do list some points which i might need to take note. Thank u all for your time.

Sam Lee · Post by **Sam Lee** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 2:01 pm

Hi,

The Nexstar that you are aiming for is a relatively good choice for a beginner. With the GOTO function , you only need to go through the star alignment and you are ready to observe.
Just remember that you still need a power source (either from a live feed or 12V battery power) to run it.
If you are more into challenging yourself, you can just get one with no GOTO function and locate the object with your hands and a star chart. It could be both a challenging and rewarding experience.

Do not worry about collimation for the Nexstar 5. It is easy enough to collimate it (unlike refractors) . Even if collimation is off, DSOs will not be a problem (for planets , you may not be able to get a tack sharp focus). If it is really off, you can consult the gurus here for advise or even meet up with them for a demo. A few turns in the knobs shld do the trick

hah.

As for astrophotography, it may not be viable. DSO photography needs to have a stable tracking mount. You may be able to do some planetary/lunar shots with a light camera attached to the back.

Hope that helps.

Sam

codenamejag · Post by **codenamejag** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 2:09 pm

hi Sam thanx for your info. [smilie=good-job.gif]

i do wonder if indeed after getting this scope should i get a laser collimator.
think i need to check with the seller wat are included together with the Nexstar 5.

MooEy · Post by **MooEy** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 2:58 pm

can't use laser collimator with sct. it will not gif a proper alignment. anyway, the nexstar 5 is a nice scope, small enuff to bring out, big enough to show u lots of dso and gd views of planets and the goto is a big plus. just need to spend some time learning how to align it and use it. do consider spending 200-300 bucks on a nice diagonal, finder and some eyepieces. it's gd enough to blow lots of money on quality accessories.

~MooEy~

swimaniac · Post by **swimaniac** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 5:06 pm

Why don't you come by Marine Parade CC tonight and have a look at the various scopes there. I have a SCT and you can try it out.

codenamejag · Post by **codenamejag** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 6:50 pm

thanx MooEy for the info and swimaniac for your invitation very kind of u.... i'm not too sure if i can go down tonight tough.... thank u anyway... thank u guys so far on your comments.

Post by **acc** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 10:54 pm

This is very competent OTA on a good goto mount and is perfect as a beginner scope. Highly recommended

BUT, if you can afford the N6SE, I would recommend that instead heheh. Its hardly heavier but comes with a better-built mount that boasts a faster slew rate and has an all-important extra inch of aperture.

Either way, you would be happy.

Post by **acc** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 10:57 pm

MooEy wrote:can't use laser collimator with sct. it will not gif a proper alignment. anyway, the nexstar 5 is a nice scope, small enuff to bring out, big enough to show u lots of dso and gd views of planets and the goto is a big plus. just need to spend some time learning how to align it and use it. do consider spending 200-300 bucks on a nice diagonal, finder and some eyepieces. it's gd enough to blow lots of money on quality accessories.

~MooEy~

Yup don't need laser collimator. The scope is easy to collimate. The diagonal that comes with the scope is quite competent so should not need to upgrade it. Its goto, so don't need to purchase another finder. But spending some bucks on nice eyepieces would be good.

Sam Lee · Post by **Sam Lee** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 12:27 am

Hi,

I have a 5inch SCT which is similar to the Nexstar 5 , except that it doesn't have the GOTO function. Let me know if you like to go for an observation one of these days, i can show you my SCT setup.

Sam

codenamejag · Post by **codenamejag** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 12:42 am

thank u guys for being so helpful.... think most prob. i'm gonna get this scope.... gotta do some more reading before that. Sam i'd like to go for an ob...... but am quite busy these days due to work.... when r u planning to go for an ob and where do u normally go?
oh btw.... i was really wondering how u guys who go for overseas trips such as mersing store your OTAs...aren't they supposed to be kept in dry boxes.... how do u guys do it? and it's best to keep OTAs n eyepieces stored in dry boxes right? correct me if i'm wrong. so when i get my scope it's best to get a dry box too right? im aware tat one can DIY a dry box...but would prefer something really reliable so tat im sure my stuff r safe....