Celestron NexStar 5SE Computerized Telescope

A compact 5-inch computerized telescope that goes anywhere

The Celestron NexStar 5SE pairs a 5-inch (125mm) Schmidt-Cassegrain in Celestron's iconic orange tube with a computerized GoTo mount that finds and tracks more than 40,000 objects for you. The tube is only 13 inches long and weighs 6 lbs, yet it gathers enough light to show Saturn's rings, Jupiter's cloud belts, lunar craters and bright galaxies and nebulae. The whole kit breaks down into a few pieces for the car or the closet.

The 5SE is on display in our Denver store, so you can see it in person before you buy.

What you'll see

• The Moon: craters, mountain ranges and valleys in crisp detail.
• Planets: Saturn's rings, Jupiter's cloud bands and four largest moons, the phases of Venus, and Mars's polar caps when it's close to Earth.
• Deep sky: the Orion Nebula, the Ring Nebula, and from a dark site, hundreds of pinpoint stars in the Hercules Globular Cluster and a hint of the Whirlpool Galaxy's spiral arms.

Set up in minutes with SkyAlign

You don't need to know the night sky to get started. Point the telescope at any three bright stars or planets, press Align, and SkyAlign works out where it's pointing. From then on, choose an object on the NexStar+ hand control and the 5SE slews to it and keeps it centered. The single fork arm mount and steel tripod come apart into separate pieces for easy carrying and quick setup.

What to add for the best views

• Power (required): the 5SE runs on 8 AA batteries, which aren't included and run down quickly in cold weather. We recommend the rechargeable PowerTank Lithium LT for observing away from home, or the Celestron 2 amp AC adapter for the backyard.
• A higher-power eyepiece: the included 25mm eyepiece gives 50x, which is great for finding and framing objects. Add a 9mm eyepiece for about 139x on the Moon, Saturn and Jupiter: the Celestron Omni 9mm is a great value, and the Celestron X-Cel LX 9mm adds a wider field and more comfortable eye relief.
• A Moon filter: a variable polarizing filter lets you dim the bright Moon to a comfortable level and brings out surface detail.
• A case: the Celestron Deluxe Case holds the 5SE's tube and fork arm together for storage and travel.

NexStar 5SE vs. 4SE and 6SE

Still deciding? Our Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope guide compares every size, from 5" to 11".

What's in the box

• 5" Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube with StarBright XLT coatings
• Single fork arm computerized alt-azimuth mount with NexStar+ hand control
• Adjustable steel tripod with built-in wedge and accessory tray
• 25mm eyepiece (50x)
• 1.25" star diagonal
• StarPointer red-dot finderscope
• Starry Night Special Edition software and SkyPortal app

NexStar 5SE FAQ

Is the NexStar 5SE good for beginners?

Yes. SkyAlign gets you aligned without knowing the stars, the GoTo mount finds objects for you, and the compact tube is easy to handle. Take a few minutes with the manual to learn the alignment steps before your first night out.

Can I see Saturn's rings and Jupiter's moons?

Yes, easily. At 50x with the included eyepiece, Saturn's rings and Jupiter's four largest moons are obvious. With a 9mm eyepiece (about 139x), look for Jupiter's cloud belts and the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings on steady nights.

Should I get the 5SE or the 6SE?

The 6SE gathers about 44% more light and shows a bit more detail on planets and galaxies. The 5SE's tube is shorter and lighter, and its tripod includes a built-in wedge. If you want the most capable SE that's still easy to carry, choose the 6SE; if compactness matters most, the 5SE is a great fit.

Should I get the 5SE or the 4SE?

The 5SE gathers about 50% more light than the 4SE, which helps on galaxies and nebulae. The 4SE's Maksutov design is even more compact and excels on the Moon, planets and double stars.

What accessories do you recommend for the 5SE?

These are the add-ons we suggest most often for new 5SE owners:

• A 9mm eyepiece for higher magnification on the Moon and planets. It gives about 139x on the 5SE, a big step up from the included 25mm (50x) and a power that holds up well on most nights. The Celestron Omni 9mm is a great value, and the Celestron X-Cel LX 9mm adds a wider field and more comfortable eye relief.
• A variable polarizing filter to dim the bright Moon to a comfortable level and bring out surface detail.
• Power: the Celestron 2 amp AC adapter for the backyard, or the rechargeable PowerTank Lithium LT for observing anywhere.
• The Celestron Deluxe Case to protect the telescope in storage and on the road.

What power does it need?

Eight AA batteries (not included) or an external 12V source. Rechargeable options like the PowerTank Lithium LT or an AC adapter are far more practical, and batteries drain quickly in cold weather.

Can I do astrophotography with the 5SE?

Yes, for the Moon and planets: a planetary camera and short video captures produce excellent results. Long-exposure deep-sky imaging is limited on an alt-azimuth mount because the field rotates. If deep-sky imaging is your main goal, a smart telescope or an equatorial setup is a better fit.

Can I see one before I buy?

Yes. The NexStar 5SE is on display in our Denver store, and we're happy to show you how it sets up and aligns.

Specifications