Celestron NexStar 4SE Telescope Ultimate Bundle

Good mobile scope

NOTE: review is for the 4SE Combo package (including eyepiece kit, Powertank external battery and AC adapter). As of writing this review, I have used the scope and accessories extensively for about ...Read complete review

NOTE: review is for the 4SE Combo package (including eyepiece kit, Powertank external battery and AC adapter). As of writing this review, I have used the scope and accessories extensively for about a month in south Florida.
My experience level is intermediate (have been stargazing for most of my childhood, but just recently became interested again).

Celestron 4SE Telescope: A sturdy, compact scope with nice design and easy setup. I chose the smallest of the line primarily because I wanted something portable to take on road trips. I have so far used it in a relatively dark area near the Everglades (though city lights are still visible and the humidity is usually quite high). The optics are great for the moon and planets (was able to spot Uranus for the first time) and you can make out some nebulae and galaxies. I am quite curious to see what the difference will be when I take this to New Mexico next year. One tip: keep the box that the tube comes in. It has molded foam that keeps the scope secure during transport. I also kept the tripod box, but I think the tripod is sturdy enough to be transported without the original box.

Overall, the setup is very fast once you get the hang of it. After setting it up level on the tripod, you just need to input the time, date and your exact latitude and longitude (don't use their city database, just get your coordinates from Google Earth, GPS, your phone, etc). Then align it to three bright stars using a low power eyepiece and you're done. Minor gripe is that it seems you have enter the time and date every time you turn it on. Manually tracking toward naked eye objects with the finder scope is easy after you align it. The database of objects in the drive computer seems to be accurate as well. I haven't connected the scope to my computer yet (you will probably need a serial/USB adapter as Celestron decided to stay in the 1990s and continue with the serial cable standard)

Eyepiece and filter kit: Excellent set of eyepieces, ranging from 4 mm to 32 mm, plus a 2x Barlow lens. Given that the scope uses only a 4" mirror, the 4 mm is a bit overkill but all the other eyepieces can be used quite effectively. In fact, with only the relatively low power 25 mm eyepiece that comes with the scope, you're not getting even close to full utilization. Filters are useful to see more details on the moon. So far, I haven't really been able to make much color differentiation with the planets using the filters, and this is probably a limitation of both aperture and my local atmospheric conditions. Finally, all the items come in a foam padded carrying case with room for a few other items (like cables, bubble level, finder scope)

Powertank battery: Basically, it's a mini car battery with flashlights. It can easily last the whole night and it is nvaluable if you will be using the scope out in the field. Otherwise you'll be using 8 AA batteries which don't last more than a few hours. Very versatile, can be recharged with AC or DC power.

AC adapter: Useful if you'll be doing most of your observations at your home. Could also be used from your car if you have an AC/DC converter for the car (not included).

Overall: Very good scope for beginners, families or anyone needing a small mobile scope that sets up quickly. The extra hundred dollars to get the Powertank and eyepieces is well worth it and it is a great value.