Compact Five-Inch SCT with Wireless GoTo Control
The Celestron NexStar Evolution 5 combines a compact 125mm Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube with a computerised single-arm GoTo mount, built-in Wi-Fi and an integrated rechargeable LiFePO4 battery. It is a portable visual telescope for observing the Moon, planets, double stars and brighter deep-sky objects without carrying a separate mount power supply.
- 125mm f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube with StarBright XLT coatings
- Built-in Wi-Fi control through the Celestron SkyPortal app
- NexStar+ hand controller with a database of more than 40,000 objects
- Integrated LiFePO4 battery for up to 10 hours of observing
- Brass worm gears, manual clutches and integrated carrying handles
Wireless Control or Included Hand Controller
Connect a compatible smartphone or tablet directly to the mount’s own Wi-Fi network and control the telescope through Celestron SkyPortal Powered by SkySafari. The app provides a graphical sky map, object information and GoTo control. A NexStar+ hand controller is also included, so the telescope can be operated without a mobile device.
The mount creates its own Wi-Fi network for normal field use, so an external internet connection is not required while controlling the telescope. Date, time and observing-location information are supplied by the connected mobile device when using the app.
Compact 125mm Schmidt-Cassegrain Optics
The 5-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube provides a 1250mm focal length in a compact 330mm tube. Its combination of manageable size and long focal length is well suited to detailed lunar and planetary views, double stars and brighter star clusters and nebulae. StarBright XLT coatings improve transmission through the complete optical system.
Evolution Mount and Internal Battery
The Evolution mount uses DC servo motors and brass worm gearing for smooth GoTo movement and tracking. Manual clutches on both axes allow the telescope to be repositioned when the mount is not aligned or powered. Four AUX ports support compatible Celestron accessories, while the USB output can charge a mobile device during an observing session.
The integrated 9.6V, 4.5Ah LiFePO4 battery provides up to 10 hours of operation. Celestron recommends keeping it charged during storage and using the supplied charger or a suitable certified 12V DC power supply.
Visual Observing and Astroimaging
The telescope is suitable for lunar and planetary imaging and for experimenting with shorter-exposure images of brighter objects. Because the standard mount operates in altazimuth mode, field rotation limits long exposures. Celestron states that wedge operation requires the optional HD Pro Wedge together with a suitable CPC tripod; cameras, adapters, wedge and CPC tripod are sold separately.
This telescope is not a fully automated smart-imaging system: a compatible camera and all required imaging adapters must be selected separately.
Transport and Setup
The complete kit weighs 17.23kg (38lb). The optical tube weighs 4.54kg (10lb), the mount head 7kg and the tripod 5.44kg. The optical tube uses a CG-5-format dovetail connection, while integrated mount handles and indexed tripod legs simplify assembly.
Users should still assess lifting requirements, vehicle space and the route to their observing location before ordering.
What Is Included?
- 125mm f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube
- NexStar Evolution computerised single-arm mount
- Adjustable stainless-steel tripod and accessory tray
- Integrated Wi-Fi and rechargeable LiFePO4 battery
- NexStar+ hand controller
- 40mm and 13mm Plössl eyepieces (1.25-inch)
- StarPointer red-dot finderscope
- 1.25-inch visual back and star diagonal
- AC charger with US, EU, UK and AU plug fittings
- Celestron Starry Night Special Edition software and SkyPortal app
Please note: A smartphone or tablet, imaging camera, camera adapters, dew-control equipment, equatorial wedge and focal reducer are not stated as included unless specifically listed above.
Specifications
Optical Tube
| Optical design | Schmidt-Cassegrain |
|---|---|
| Aperture | 125mm (5 inches) |
| Focal length | 1250mm |
| Focal ratio | f/10 |
| Optical coatings | StarBright XLT |
| Included eyepieces | 40mm and 13mm Plössl eyepieces (1.25-inch) |
| Included eyepiece magnification | 31× and 96× |
| Finderscope | StarPointer red-dot finderscope |
| Star diagonal | 1.25-inch star diagonal |
| Highest useful magnification | 295× |
| Lowest useful magnification | 18× |
| Limiting stellar magnitude | 13 |
| Rayleigh resolution | 1.11 arcseconds |
| Dawes resolution | 0.93 arcseconds |
| Light-gathering power | 329× compared with the human eye |
| Secondary obstruction | 51mm (2 inches); 40% by diameter and 17% by area |
| Optical tube length | 330mm (13 inches) |
| Optical tube diameter | 152mm (6 inches) |
| Optical tube weight | 4.54kg (10lb) |
| Dovetail | CG-5 dovetail bar |
Mount, Electronics and Weight
| Mount type | Computerised altitude-azimuth single fork arm |
|---|---|
| Instrument load capacity | 11kg (25lb) |
| Height adjustment range including mount and tripod | 1193.8–1752.6mm (47–69 inches) |
| Tripod legs | 31.75mm (1.25-inch) stainless steel |
| Mount head weight | 7kg (16lb) |
| Tripod weight | 5.44kg (12lb) |
| Slew speeds | Nine, with a maximum of 4° per second |
| Tracking rates | Sidereal, Solar and Lunar |
| Tracking modes | Alt-Az, EQ North and EQ South |
| Dovetail compatibility | CG-5 saddle plate |
| AUX ports | Four; the hand controller can use any AUX port |
| Autoguide port | No |
| USB | Hand-controller input and mount output for mobile-device charging |
| Power | Internal 9.6V, 4.5Ah LiFePO4 battery |
| Motor drive | DC servo motors |
| Alignment procedures | SkyAlign, 1-Star, 2-Star, Auto 2-Star, Solar System, Quick-Align, Last Alignment and EQ North/EQ South with an optional wedge |
| Periodic error correction | No |
| Hand controller | NexStar+ hand controller with backlit LCD and USB connection |
| Object database | More than 40,000 objects, including 220 selected deep-sky and Solar System objects |
| Software | Celestron Starry Night Special Edition and SkyPortal app |
| Total telescope kit weight | 17.23kg (38lb) |
Solar Safety
Warning: Never look at the Sun through this telescope unless a suitable certified aperture solar filter is securely fitted over the complete front aperture.
Never use an eyepiece-type solar filter, a Herschel wedge or the telescope to project an image of the Sun. Unfiltered sunlight can cause immediate and permanent eye damage and may damage the telescope or attached accessories.
Never leave the telescope unattended, especially when children are present. If the suitability or fit of a solar filter cannot be confirmed, do not point the telescope at or near the Sun.
Instruction Manuals
Celestron supplies the NexStar Evolution series manual from the Evolution 5 product page. Its cover specifically lists the 6-inch, 8-inch and 9.25-inch models, so use the verified Evolution 5 specifications on this listing alongside the common mount and operating instructions in the manual.