The Celestron Nexstar 6SE telescope is currently available at its lowest price since March, marking a significant discount for both amateur and experienced astronomers. Amazon’s early Black Friday deals have slashed $160 off the retail price, bringing the cost down to $1039.
What Makes This Telescope Stand Out?
The Nexstar 6SE features a compact Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design with a 6-inch (150mm) aperture, providing sharp, high-quality views without excessive weight. This makes it ideal for portability and ease of use. The telescope’s computerized alt-azimuth mount contains a database of 40,000 celestial objects, simplifying navigation for beginners and allowing experienced users to quickly locate targets.
Key Specifications:
- Optical Design: Schmidt-Cassegrain
- Aperture: 6 inches (150mm)
- Focal Length: 59 inches (1500mm)
- Weight: 21 lbs (9.5 kg)
Performance and Review Highlights
In tests, the Nexstar 6SE delivered clear, crisp views of celestial objects like the Orion Nebula (M42) and Jupiter, with no noticeable chromatic aberration (color fringing). Its Starbright XLT coatings enhance image brightness and clarity. The telescope includes a single 25mm Plössl eyepiece for 60x magnification, but additional eyepieces are recommended for observing a wider range of objects.
Reviewers from Space and Digital Camera World have consistently awarded the Nexstar 6SE four and a half stars, praising its optical quality, tracking system, and versatility. The telescope’s ability to support astrophotography with a T-adapter further enhances its value.
Price History and Where to Buy
The current price of $1039 is the lowest seen since March when the telescope was available for $919. Prices have since fluctuated above $1044. Currently, Amazon, BHPhotoVideo, and Adorama all list the telescope at $1039.
Who Should Buy This Telescope?
The Celestron Nexstar 6SE is an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight, easy-to-use telescope with go-to object tracking. It’s also suitable for users interested in astrophotography, as it can accommodate a mirrorless camera or astrocam with a T-adapter.
However, it may not be the best option for deep-sky astrophotography, as its 6-inch aperture is relatively small for capturing faint, distant objects.
The Celestron Nexstar 6SE stands as a well-rounded telescope that caters to beginners and seasoned observers alike, offering a balance of portability, performance, and expansion potential.
