NexStar 4SE is a compact 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain GoTo telescope with StarBright XLT coatings, a built-in flip mirror and an integrated equatorial wedge. It is supplied as a complete visual-observing system with optical tube, computerised GoTo mount, tripod, hand control and essential accessories.
Classic NexStar SE Computerised GoTo Telescope
The NexStar+ hand control locates and tracks celestial objects from its extensive onboard database. Celestron's SkyAlign procedure allows the mount to determine its orientation after three bright celestial objects are centred, without requiring the user to identify those objects beforehand.
Nine slew speeds provide rapid movement across the sky and fine adjustment for accurate centring. Sidereal, solar and lunar tracking rates are available for appropriate observing sessions.
Maksutov-Cassegrain Optics with StarBright XLT
The 102mm (4.02 inches) optical system has a focal length of 1325mm and a focal ratio of f/13. Celestron's StarBright XLT optical coatings are applied to improve light transmission.
This configuration is well suited to high-contrast lunar and planetary observing, double stars and brighter compact deep-sky objects. Actual performance depends on atmospheric seeing, light pollution, target altitude and correct optical alignment.
Portable Single-Arm Mount and Steel Tripod
The optical tube, mount and tripod separate for transport and assemble without specialist tools. A CG-5 dovetail connection secures the optical tube to the mount, while the accessory tray braces the adjustable stainless-steel tripod.
The telescope may be powered by eight AA batteries or a suitable regulated 12V DC supply. Batteries and an external mains or portable power source are sold separately.
Visual Observing and Astroimaging Options
The supplied 25mm eyepiece provides 53× magnification. The StarPointer red-dot finderscope assists with initial alignment and target centring.
The mount is primarily straightforward for visual observing. Equatorial tracking requires the built-in wedge to be correctly configured and polar aligned. Long-exposure deep-sky imaging also depends on suitable balance, tracking accuracy, guiding and camera configuration.
Optional StarSense and Wireless App Control
Celestron lists the NexStar SE as compatible with optional StarSense automatic-alignment technology and WiFi control. A compatible StarSense accessory or SkyPortal WiFi Module is required; neither function is built into the standard telescope.
The included Starry Night Special Edition software supports sky learning and observing-session planning.
What Is Included?
- 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tube
- NexStar SE computerised single-arm mount
- Adjustable stainless-steel tripod and accessory tray
- Built-in equatorial wedge
- NexStar+ hand control
- 25mm eyepiece
- StarPointer red-dot finderscope
- Integrated flip mirror
- Starry Night Special Edition software download
Specifications
Optical Tube
| Optical design | Maksutov-Cassegrain |
|---|---|
| Aperture | 102mm (4.02 inches) |
| Focal length | 1325mm |
| Focal ratio | f/13 |
| Optical coatings | StarBright XLT |
| Included eyepiece | 25mm |
| Magnification with supplied eyepiece | 53× |
| Finderscope | StarPointer red-dot finderscope |
| Diagonal / viewing arrangement | Internal flip mirror for straight-through or 90° viewing |
| Highest useful magnification | 241× |
| Lowest useful magnification | 15× |
| Limiting stellar magnitude | 12.5 |
| Rayleigh resolution | 1.37 arcseconds |
| Dawes resolution | 1.14 arcseconds |
| Light-gathering power | 212× compared with the human eye |
| Secondary obstruction | 35mm; Celestron's inch conversion is inconsistent and is omitted |
| Optical tube length | 343mm (13.5 inches) |
| Optical tube diameter | 125mm (4.9 inches) |
| Optical tube weight | 2.7kg (6lb) |
| Dovetail | CG-5 dovetail bar |
Mount, Tripod, Control and Power
| Mount | Computerised altitude-azimuth single fork arm |
|---|---|
| Instrument load capacity | 4.54kg (10lb) |
| Tripod | Adjustable stainless steel with accessory tray |
| Height adjustment | 37–55 inches |
| Mount head weight | 3.2kg (7lb) |
| Tripod weight | 4.54kg (10lb) |
| Slew speeds | Nine speeds; maximum 3° per second |
| Tracking rates | Sidereal, Solar and Lunar |
| Tracking modes | Alt-Az, EQ North and EQ South |
| Alignment | SkyAlign, One-Star, Two-Star, Auto Two-Star, Solar System and EQ North/South |
| NexStar+ database | 38,181 accessible objects, with enhanced information for more than 200 |
| AUX ports | One |
| Autoguide port | No |
| USB | Input on NexStar+ hand control |
| Power | 8 AA batteries or 12V DC, 750mA, tip positive; batteries and external supply not included |
| Equatorial wedge | Built into the tripod/mount system |
| Complete kit weight | 10.4kg (23lb) |
| Shopify shipping weight | 10.4kg |
Solar Safety
Warning: Never point this telescope towards the Sun without appropriate specialist solar equipment.
Solar observing requires a suitable certified full-aperture solar filter securely fitted over the telescope's front aperture. Never use an eyepiece-type solar filter and never project an image of the Sun. Unfiltered sunlight can cause permanent eye damage and damage the telescope.
If suitable compatibility and safe installation cannot be confirmed, do not point the telescope at or near the Sun.
Instruction Manual and Setup Guide
Read the official Celestron instructions before assembly, alignment and first use.