Celestron NexStar Special Edition Telescope 11068 – 6in Computerized Schmidt-Cassegrain Review

Was the Celestron NexStar Special Edition Telescope 11068 – 6in Computerized Schmidt-Cassegrain Worth It?

The Celestron NexStar Special Edition Telescope 11068 – 6in Computerized Schmidt-Cassegrain promises to bring the wonders of the universe to your backyard with its computerized GoTo system and a classic optical design. Celestron has a long history of producing quality telescopes, and this model attempts to blend tradition with modern technology, offering a compelling package for both beginners and experienced astronomers. Let’s dive into whether this telescope lives up to the hype and if it’s worth the investment.

For years, I’ve relied on star charts and manual telescopes, a process that’s rewarding but time-consuming, and I was longing for a telescope that could quickly locate celestial objects and allow me more time for actual observation. The promise of the Celestron NexStar SE’s GoTo system was the primary allure, promising a database of nearly 40,000 objects at my fingertips.

Upon unboxing the Celestron NexStar SE, I was immediately struck by the classic orange optical tube, a nod to Celestron’s heritage. The telescope felt substantial, with a good weight that inspired confidence in its build quality. The steel tripod seemed sturdy, although I noted it could be improved for maximum stability.

I considered other GoTo telescopes like the Meade ETX series and the Orion StarBlast AutoSeeker, but the Celestron’s Schmidt-Cassegrain design and larger aperture of 6 inches ultimately won me over, promising better light-gathering capability and sharper images. My first impression was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism – could this telescope truly deliver the ease of use and performance it advertised?

Real-World Testing: Putting Celestron NexStar Special Edition Telescope 11068 – 6in Computerized Schmidt-Cassegrain to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Celestron NexStar SE was under Bortle 5 skies, away from the worst of urban light pollution. The setup was straightforward, although the initial alignment process took a few tries to master, requiring precise pointing at the selected alignment stars. Once aligned, the GoTo system proved remarkably accurate, slewing quickly and quietly to a variety of objects.

Performance was impressive, delivering crisp views of the Moon, Jupiter with its Galilean moons, and the Orion Nebula. Even in slightly humid conditions, the optics performed admirably, though I did notice some dew forming on the corrector plate after a few hours. The Celestron NexStar SE truly shines when observing bright deep-sky objects.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Celestron NexStar SE has proven to be a reliable and enjoyable instrument. The mount remains stable, and the GoTo system continues to function accurately, even after multiple transportations to different observing locations. There are some minor scratches on the paint, but nothing that affects performance.

Maintenance has been minimal, primarily involving cleaning the optics with a microfiber cloth and occasional tightening of the tripod legs. Compared to my previous manual telescope, the Celestron NexStar SE has dramatically increased my observing time and allowed me to explore a wider range of celestial objects with relative ease. This Celestron has definitely exceeded my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Celestron NexStar Special Edition Telescope 11068 – 6in Computerized Schmidt-Cassegrain

Specifications

• The Celestron NexStar SE features a 6-inch (150mm) Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design, providing a good balance of aperture and portability. This design allows for a compact tube while maintaining a long focal length.
• It has a focal length of 1500mm and a focal ratio of f/10, offering a good magnification range for various celestial objects. The f/10 focal ratio makes it suitable for both visual observing and astrophotography.
• The telescope includes a StarPointer finderscope for initial alignment and object location. This finderscope is easy to use and helps in quickly locating bright objects in the night sky.
• The mount is a single-fork arm altazimuth design with a computerized GoTo system and a database of over 40,000 objects. This GoTo system makes finding celestial objects incredibly easy, even for beginners.
• It comes with one 25mm eyepiece, providing a magnification of 60x, and a 1.25-inch star diagonal. These accessories are standard and allow for immediate use out of the box.
• The telescope has StarBright XLT coatings for enhanced light transmission and image clarity. These coatings significantly improve the telescope’s ability to gather light and produce brighter, clearer images.
• It can be powered by 8 AA batteries (not included) or an external power supply. The battery compartment helps prevent cord wrap, although batteries can drain quickly.

These specifications contribute to the overall performance of the telescope by balancing portability with light-gathering capability and user-friendliness with advanced features. The Schmidt-Cassegrain design and StarBright XLT coatings are crucial for delivering high-quality images, while the GoTo system makes locating celestial objects a breeze.

Performance & Functionality

The Celestron NexStar SE performs exceptionally well in locating and tracking celestial objects, thanks to its computerized GoTo system. The system is accurate and easy to use, even for beginners, making it a joy to explore the night sky. The system’s accuracy relies heavily on a careful and accurate star alignment.

Its strengths include excellent optics, a user-friendly GoTo system, and a compact design. One area for improvement is the stability of the tripod, which can be somewhat shaky, especially in windy conditions. Despite the tripod, the Celestron NexStar SE exceeds my expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Celestron NexStar SE features a classic design with the iconic orange tube, giving it a retro yet modern aesthetic. The telescope is lightweight and relatively easy to transport, making it ideal for taking to dark sky locations. The design also makes it easier to store.

The hand control is intuitive and easy to navigate, though the buttons could be more tactile. The telescope is user-friendly, even for beginners, although the initial alignment process may take some practice. The Celestron design is ergonomic.

Durability & Maintenance

The Celestron NexStar SE appears to be built to last, with high-quality materials and a sturdy construction. With proper care, this telescope should provide years of reliable service. Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving cleaning the optics and keeping the tripod clean and dry.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Celestron NexStar SE comes with a 25mm eyepiece and a StarPointer finderscope, which are adequate for initial use. The telescope is compatible with a wide range of 1.25-inch eyepieces, allowing for various magnifications and fields of view. Filters can be added to enhance views of planets and deep-sky objects.

It also has an auxiliary port for GPS accessories and a communication port for computer control. The ability to upgrade and customize the telescope makes it a versatile instrument for both beginners and experienced astronomers. These options allow amateur astronomers to improve their experience.

Pros and Cons of Celestron NexStar Special Edition Telescope 11068 – 6in Computerized Schmidt-Cassegrain

Who Should Buy Celestron NexStar Special Edition Telescope 11068 – 6in Computerized Schmidt-Cassegrain?

The Celestron NexStar SE is perfect for amateur astronomers of all skill levels who want a portable and easy-to-use telescope with a GoTo system. It’s also great for those who live in light-polluted areas and need a telescope that can quickly locate objects.

Those who require maximum stability for astrophotography or prefer a completely manual experience might want to consider other options. A must-have accessory is a good quality power supply to avoid draining batteries.

Conclusion on Celestron NexStar Special Edition Telescope 11068 – 6in Computerized Schmidt-Cassegrain

Overall, the Celestron NexStar Special Edition Telescope 11068 – 6in Computerized Schmidt-Cassegrain is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the wonders of the night sky. The price is justified by its combination of high-quality optics, a user-friendly GoTo system, and portable design.

I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and enjoyable telescope that will provide years of astronomical adventures. Take a closer look at the Celestron NexStar SE and begin your journey into the cosmos today!