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

Let’s Dive into Celestron NexStar Special Edition Telescope 11068 – 6in Computerized Schmidt-Cassegrain

The Celestron NexStar Special Edition Telescope 11068 – 6in Computerized Schmidt-Cassegrain promises to bridge the gap between serious astronomical observation and user-friendly technology. This telescope, from the well-respected Celestron, aims to bring the wonders of the night sky to both seasoned astronomers and ambitious beginners alike. Its computerized GoTo system and classic Schmidt-Cassegrain optics make it a compelling choice for anyone looking to explore the cosmos with ease and precision.

For years, I struggled with lugging around my hefty Dobsonian reflector to dark sky locations. I needed something more portable, with the brains to find celestial objects automatically, freeing me up to focus on observation and astrophotography. The Celestron NexStar 6SE seemed to tick all the boxes.

Out of the box, the telescope components felt substantial and well-made. The orange tube immediately evokes Celestron‘s heritage. I was impressed with the build quality and the intuitive layout of the hand control.

I considered the Meade ETX125 and the Sky-Watcher Skymax 127, but the NexStar 6SE’s larger aperture and Celestron‘s reputation for user-friendly software swayed me. The built-in database of nearly 40,000 objects was also a huge plus. My initial impression was one of excitement, tempered by the slight apprehension about navigating the computerized alignment process.

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

First Use Experience

My first night out with the Celestron NexStar 6SE was at a local dark sky site, about an hour outside the city. The skies were clear, but a bit humid. I set up the telescope, carefully leveled the tripod, and initiated the SkyAlign procedure.

The SkyAlign feature, which allows alignment using any three bright objects, worked surprisingly well. The initial GoTo accuracy was decent, bringing objects into the field of view, though some fine-tuning was often necessary. I did notice a slight amount of image shift when focusing at high magnifications.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Celestron NexStar 6SE has proven to be a reliable performer. The GoTo system continues to function well, and the optics provide sharp, contrasty views of planets, nebulae, and galaxies. The aluminum optical tube shows no signs of wear and tear.

I wipe down the optics with a microfiber cloth after each use and store the telescope in a padded case. The telescope is easy to clean and maintain, however, the plastic gears inside the mount sometimes make a concerning sound. Compared to my old Dobsonian, the NexStar 6SE offers a vastly superior observing experience, thanks to its portability and computerized object location.

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

Specifications

• The Celestron NexStar 6SE features a 6-inch (150mm) Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design. This design provides a good balance of aperture and portability.
• Its focal length is 1500mm, resulting in a focal ratio of f/10. This makes it suitable for both planetary and deep-sky observing.
• The telescope comes with a StarPointer finderscope, making initial object location easier. It also has a quick-release tube clamp, a sturdy steel leg tripod, and a 25mm eyepiece.
• The computerized hand control boasts a database of over 40,000 objects. It also has upgradeable software for future compatibility.
• The StarBright XLT coatings on the optics enhance light transmission and image brightness. This improves viewing quality, especially for faint deep-sky objects.

These specifications are significant because they dictate the telescope’s light-gathering ability, magnification range, and ease of use. The Schmidt-Cassegrain design provides a long focal length in a compact package. The computerized hand control and StarBright XLT coatings further enhance the overall observing experience.

Performance & Functionality

The Celestron NexStar 6SE excels at finding and tracking celestial objects. The GoTo system is accurate and efficient, placing objects within the field of view with minimal effort. The 6-inch aperture provides enough light-gathering power to observe a wide range of objects, from planets and the Moon to nebulae and galaxies.

However, the telescope’s performance is somewhat limited by its single-fork arm mount. This can introduce vibrations, especially at higher magnifications. The mount also struggles with heavier astrophotography setups. Despite this, the NexStar 6SE generally meets my expectations for a mid-range computerized telescope.

Design & Ergonomics

The Celestron NexStar 6SE boasts a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to transport and set up. The orange optical tube is a classic Celestron touch. The telescope is well-balanced on its steel leg tripod.

The computerized hand control is intuitive to use, even for beginners. The buttons are backlit, making it easy to navigate the menus in the dark. The telescope’s design is generally user-friendly. I only experienced a slight learning curve when initially setting up the GoTo system.

Durability & Maintenance

The Celestron NexStar 6SE feels well-built and durable. The aluminum optical tube and steel tripod can withstand regular use and transport. The telescope requires minimal maintenance. I simply wipe down the optics and occasionally lubricate the mount’s moving parts.

With proper care, the NexStar 6SE should last for many years. However, the plastic gears in the mount may eventually require replacement.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Celestron NexStar 6SE comes with a 25mm eyepiece, which provides a good starting point for observing. The included StarPointer finderscope is helpful for initial object location. The telescope is compatible with a wide range of 1.25-inch eyepieces, allowing for different magnifications and fields of view.

The NexStar 6SE is also compatible with various Celestron accessories, such as a focal reducer, T-adapter for astrophotography, and a solar filter. It can also be used with third-party accessories, such as dew shields and power tanks.

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

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

The Celestron NexStar Special Edition Telescope 11068 – 6in Computerized Schmidt-Cassegrain is perfect for beginner to intermediate astronomers who want a portable, easy-to-use telescope with GoTo capabilities. It’s also a good choice for those who live in light-polluted areas, as its computerized system can help find faint objects. This is a good option for someone who wants to do basic astrophotography of the moon and planets.

Those who should skip this product are experienced astronomers seeking a high-performance telescope for advanced astrophotography. This also isn’t for someone wanting a really large aperature. If these aspects are important to you, then look at a larger, more stable equatorial mount and larger optics.

A must-have accessory is a power tank to avoid the cost and hassle of replacing batteries. A dew shield is also recommended to prevent dew from forming on the optics.

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

The Celestron NexStar Special Edition Telescope 11068 – 6in Computerized Schmidt-Cassegrain is a well-rounded telescope that offers a great balance of portability, ease of use, and performance. While it has a few drawbacks, such as the somewhat shaky mount and the need for a separate power source, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.

At a price of $1149.00, the NexStar 6SE represents a solid value for the money. It provides access to a vast range of celestial objects with minimal effort. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a user-friendly computerized telescope.

So, grab your Celestron NexStar 6SE and start exploring the wonders of the night sky! You won’t be disappointed.