Celestron Nexstar 4se Review

Perfect for beginners or amateur hour disaster? Today we're reviewing Celestron's Nexstar 4se Telescope

Many long term stargazers wince at the idea of a 'compact, computerized telescope'.

Many of us have been burned by that promise over the years. However, initial reports on Celestron's Nexstar range have been really promising.

Celestron Nexstar 4se Review Buying Guide

Optics

Let's get down to brass tacks and talk about the Nexstar 4se's optics. 

If you're a beginner, you'll find the 4se's 102mm aperture more than long enough. Whilst it isn't anywhere near the longest on the market, 102mm is a lot longer than what most other portable telescopes offer. 

Its focal length is also respectable, coming in at a solid 1325mm. It offers 241x High Theoretical Magnification and general Magnification of 52x. Both of these are, again respectable and pretty impressive on a portable scope. 

This is a Maksutov-Cassegrain model scope (as opposed to a Newtonian scope). This is great news for beginners. Maksutov-Cassegrain scopes need to be adjusted a lot less frequently than their Newtonian counterparts. 

Celestron coats their 4se lens with Starbright XLT high transmission coating. Not only does this make it easier to see through but it also protects it from the elements when stargazing outdoors. The scope itself has an airtight seal that prevents dust from getting into the lens. 

There is also an internal flip mirror that allows the user to flip images at 90 and 180 degrees whenever they wish. 

Ease of Use

If you're looking for something super portable that still packs a punch then this might be the perfect scope for you. The 4se is lightweight, easy to pack down, and still smart enough to take the hassle out of stargazing for any beginner. 

This isn't the most powerful scope in our kit, but it's the one we always bring out with us for trips (particularly ones that involve a little bit of hiking to get to the view point).

Is this an easy telescope to use? 

Yes, even beginners are going to have an easy time with this one. There is a reason Celestron have been market leaders for decades. They know how to build high-quality, easy to use, impressive scopes. 

And if you ever get confused just jump on their website. They have a mind-blowing catalog of resources on there that will help you with any of your issues. 

This really is a great choice and investment for beginners. Even as your skills outgrow using this as your main telescope you will still be able to use it as a travel tool. You will always have a use for it. 

Computerized Elements

Now, let's dive into the details of the Nexstar 4se's computerized elements. 

Celestron's SkyAlign technology is some of the best in the business. It offers point and tracking for the 40,000 celestial bodies in its database. Access to which is included with your purchase.

It also offers the fantastic ability to record and add up to 200 extra items of your own choice to your database (good on you if you can discover 200 new stars, don't forget to thank us in any acceptance speeches!). 

To get the most out SkyAlign you will need to know your precise location and time. Thankfully the 4se is GPS compatible. We recommend setting this one up before sunset, so you have time to get SkyAlign running perfectly. 

This software also offers you the opportunity to remotely direct your telescope from your computer - using an RS-232 cable (this comes with purchase). 

The 4se has a setting that allows you to take assisted photos with your camera. With a few tweaks, you can set the telescope up to boost the zoom on a DSLR. This combination can lead to some breathtaking long exposure shots of the night sky. Particularly the Milky Way. 

The Nexstar 4se has a side control panel that can be used from any location. The buttons on this panel are backlit by LED lights. This makes it possible to use them, even in pitch black locations. 

The 4se also comes with Flash upgradeable hand control software. Celestron is constantly putting out free updates for their devices. Simply plug your telescope into your computer and upgrade at your leisure. 

The telescope also comes with a free CD-ROM which contains a printable sky map, some awesome worksheets, and tons of educational material about space and the night sky. 

Other features include:

• DC Servo motors with encoders on both axes 
• Remote shutter release features 
• GPS compatibility with optional CN16 GPS accessory 

Customer Support

Celestron is a bit hit and miss when it comes to customer support. 

On the one hand, they have a fantastically in-depth website that can talk you through nearly any possible problem you might have. There are troubleshooting articles and a catalog of videos talking you through how to use their products. 

Unfortunately, their service over the phone isn't quite as good as their website. We found them to be a little curt and disinterested. We can't speak for all their operators. 

Another huge plus is Celestron's corner is that they offer a very inclusive 2-year warranty. Not that we'll think you'll need it with a product made this well. 

Conclusion 

Celestron is one of the leading names in Telescopes right now and has been since they formed in the 1960s. They are an innovative company, based in the United States. So, it's no surprise to us that this is a great product. 

This is marketed at beginners, but it's so well designed that it would make a valuable addition to any Stargazers kit. For the price, you'll struggle to find a better on the go tool.

Yes, Celestron's customer service does leave a little to be desired. But, these machines are so well made that we doubt you'll ever have to interact with them. We'll be honest, for a machine this good, at this price… we'd put up with a lot worse. 

So, is the Celestron Nexstar 4se the perfect telescope for beginners? 

Yes, and it's so much more…