Opinions on the Nexstar 5SE as a beginner scope

[weixing]

Hi,

For planets & Moon, you can consider a 9-12mm ortho or plossl

I think the 5" SCT can use slightly higher magnification. IMHO, you can use magnification from around 150x to 200x... 8mm to 6mm or 16mm to 12mm with 2x barlow.

Anyway, use the following formula to determine:
Magnification = scope focal length / eyepiece focal length.
True Field of View = Eyepiece Apparent Field of View / Magnification

Have a nice day.

[astron]

Hello, I'm relatively new to astronomy and I'm thinking of getting a telescope to kick-start this hobby, since all I have done in the past years were just readings etc and would be really interested to see for myself how things really look like through a telescope.

I've read around and got interested in the Celestron Nexstar 5SE but however, reviews / information on the scope is scarce.

My aim is to be able to get in line with planetary viewing (just being able to see a faint orange circle as Mars is good enough), as well as astrophotography.

What would everyone's opinion be on this scope? Should I be looking at other alternatives for the same price range?

http://www.astro.com.sg/telescopes/cele ... tar5se.php

[astron]

Looked around the forum and I found another similar thread over at http://www.singastro.org/viewtopic.php?t=5916

I guess I will post there instead ^^ sorry for not looking through before posting

[astron]

Like codenamejag, I am interested to getting a Nexstar 5SE scope as well, by any chance is there a ob session happening anytime soon?

Would really like to pop by and take a look !

[weixing]

Hi,
Welcome to SingAstro!!

NexStar 5SE is a good portable scope, but you might want to look at other option if you interested in Astrophotography as the NexStar 5SE mount is not suitable for Astrophotography.

Get a decent EQ mount instead if you want to use it for Astrophotography in the near future.

Have a nice day.

[Airconvent]

whoa...I came in late.
Welcome to Singastro.
Firstly, the C5 is indeed a very nice package and I used to own one.
In Mersing it will provide very satisfying views for the price.
Unfortunately, I soon outgrew its performance under Singapore skies and upgraded to an N8. I personally think a minimum of 8" is required if you do most of your DSO obs in Singapore.
Also, the N5 uses the older haredware that has lesser features.
If you can, go for at least the 6SE instead. It features sky align, ability to add GPS and firmware upgradable. Astrobargains is selling one with free delivery in Singapore for $2159! I would't mind buying a 6SE mount if its available to upgrade my classic to SE too!

http://www.astrobargains.com/Telescopes-EPs.htm