Telescope of the Year
In 2017, the Celestron NexStar SE telescope reigns supreme, winning our
Telescope of the Year
award for six straight years! Our team is continually impressed with
this workhorse. It’s the perfect combination of aperture, portability,
features, and value. Whether you’re buying your first telescope or ready
to upgrade, this is a telescope you can invest in and enjoy for years
to come.
What makes NexStar SE so special? You won’t be asking
once you look through its Maksutov-Cassegrain or Schmidt-Cassegrain
optical system. From 4” to 8” in aperture, these compact, grab-and-go
scopes pack serious light gathering ability. Celestron has been
manufacturing Cassegrain telescopes since the 1950s, and their expertise
shows when you look through the eyepiece. Proprietary StarBright XLT
optical coatings further enhance brightness and clarity.
When you get your observing site, setting up a NexStar SE is quick
and easy. What’s more, you’ll always have a rewarding night of viewing
thanks to the hand control’s internal database of more than 40,000
celestial objects.
The NexStar SE series held onto its title again this year thanks to
some key technology breakthroughs at Celestron. Now, the SE is
compatible with both the StarSense AutoAlign and SkyPortal WiFi
Module accessories. Use them together and you can turn this telescope
into a 100% automated tour guide of the night sky. The StarSense
analyzes star patterns overhead to automatically align the telescope’s
computer and SkyPortal turns your smartphone or tablet into a wireless
hand control. Simply hold your device up to the night sky and tap any
object you wish to view. In seconds, your NexStar SE has it centered in
the eyepiece and will track it as it moves across the sky. (Check out
our Innovation of the Year award to learn more.)
Another key update for 2017: Celestron has
released a wedge accessory for the 6” and 8” models. That means you can
now use your NexStar SE for long exposure astrophotography with your
DSLR camera. Our favorite telescope just got even more versatile.
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