CelestronNexStar 6SE Computerized Telescope – 6-Inch Schmidt-Cassegrain Optical Tube – Fully Automated GoTo Mount with SkyAlign – Ideal for Beginners and Advanced Users – 40,000+ Object Database

I have owned several scopes over the years: a Meade ETX-90, an Orion 6" DOB, and a Zhumell 10" DOB (which I returned - read on).When I recently renewed my passion for astronomy earlier this year (2010), I started pulling out my little ETX-90 on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the aperture size and long focal length really limited my viewing to Saturn. I decided it was time to go for something with a bit more power. I bought the 10" DOB I mentioned above. It wasn't passed than the third trip outside, precariously carrying the OTA (Optical Tube Assembly) while "butting" the door open and avoiding hitting my dining room table, that I decided I needed to return that monstrosity for something more portable (by the way, it was a wonderful scope! If you can store it where moving it isn't a problem, it'll do the job!).Enter the Celestron NexStar 6SE.When the scope arrived, I opened the box and pulled out the parts. Having watched the instructional video on how to assemble the item earlier in the day, I didn't even need to look at the directions to get it put together. The tripod was solid and had little play. The OTA was easy to "drop" onto the pins on the tripod, and then I only needed to lock down the three knobbed screws to mount the scope completely. I did need to align the viewfinder, which was easy enough by lining up on Venus.I had forgotten how much I liked the GOTO system (my old ETX-90's mount had long ago stopped functioning). For the 6SE, I used the NexStar alignment method on my first attempt, which simply required 3 bright objects in the sky - I did not need to know what the objects were (you will, however, have to enter some other info like your latitude and longitude, time zone, date and time. Your latitude and longitude is easily found online). It was now time for the first viewing. I selected my old standby, Saturn. The scope slewed very quickly to the object, even going back and forth a bit to account for any play in the gears. When I looked through the low powered eye piece (25mm), Saturn was just left of center (likely my fault on the initial alignment). I then manually centered the planet and replaced my eye piece with a higher powered piece - a 9mm lens. All I can say is wow. I live a few miles from the Pittsburgh International Airport, so light pollution is a real problem for me. But, Saturn came in as crisp as I have ever seen it, and 4 of her moons were very easily discernible.However, planetary viewing isn't so difficult with even the most basic scope. I decided to try a few more difficult targets. I could see that The Big Dipper was out, so I typed in M51 - The Whirlpool Galaxy. After a few quick moments of slewing, I took to the eyepiece again (back to the 25mm, btw), and there were two "eyes" looking at me (M51 is actually two galaxies). Of course with bad seeing conditions and a 6" scope, I could not make out any of the "arms" of the galaxy, but I could easily see the telltale fuzzy eyes. I was quite surprised I was able to resolve them that easily with the smaller aperture on this scope! I don't remember my old 6" DOB having that easy of a time, but maybe that was due to the GOTO capability of this item.Next, I turned my attention to M81 and M82, two other galaxies very close to The Dipper. They came in great, with M82 showing off its profile nicely even with my (relatively) bad seeing conditions.Finally, I hit M3, which is a brilliant globular star cluster. The cluster was a wonderful view in this scope. Switching to a higher power eye piece caused many stars to shimmer in and out of view - it was jaw dropping.Anyway, I wanted to point out that, if you need a portable scope that is capable of showing you some wonderful astronomical sights, this scope fits the bill. Although another reviewer is right in that the stock eye pieces aren't incredible (nor are any other stock pieces!), you would certainly be happy with this scope for the occasional "quick" viewing session. Heck, put a few additional dollars (well, a few hundred!) down for some better eye pieces, and you'll be thrilled for years to come!One final note: due to the design of the Schmidt Cassegrain scope, you are almost required to buy a dew shield, unless you live in Phoenix or some other really dry area. Here in the northeast, my scope fogged up very quickly. I was able to build a temporary dew shield with some black construction paper that worked fine, but that's no long term solution. Astronomy is certainly not a cheap hobby!Overall, I am very pleased with this scope. And, unless you are more than casually into this hobby, I think you will be, too.

My last telescope was a 6 in Celestron Newtonian with a German eq mount. It was a good first telescope but a pain to set up and transport. I damaged the mirror a few years back and it's been gathering dust. With Saturn putting a show this month I wanted a new scope.I decided on a "go-to" scope because I read that it makes it much easier to find faint things. It's also easier to share with friends because it tracks automatically. I chose a six inch over a four inch because I wanted the increased resolution, and over a 8 inch for portability. I chose Celestron because it has a reputation for high quality and good service.The instrument arrived overnight. The packaging was impressive. It's intended to protect a precision instrument and it shows.Even though I am a lifelong technical man I read the instructions first. The full color setup manual was clearly written and illustrated and I had my scope unpacked and ready in an hour or so.The only negative aspect of this system is the computer interface. It's rs232 serial interface is rather retro and software is limited to windows. My main laptop is a MacBook and uses USB, so I'll need to drag out my old XP machine if I ever want to use those tools. But since the stars and planets are not likely to change their orbits during the useful life of the instrument I doubt I will ever need to. Just nit picking.I was impressed by the high quality of the materials and workmanship and the simplicity of the design of the Nexstar. I waited a day for a windstorm to pass and the dust to settle while I spent time with the user manual getting to know the instrument. The next day I set it up in my backyard (where shade trees obscure 50% of the sky). The stainless steel tripod is rock solid and the rubber leg tips provide a nice cushion against vibration. I sat the scope on the tripod head using the center pin and foot pads to align the mounting bolts, a much easier process than setting up my German EQ. Then I aligned the red dot spotting scope on a street light a few blocks away and waited for it to get dark.As soon as bright stars began to appear I went through the 3 star alignment. It sounds simple in the manual but it's even easier than it sounds. The hand controller has a cool red screen that stepped me through the process. I did it a few times so until I could do it with my glasses off.Then I picked Alcor as my first star.AMAZING! Just as advertised, the scope slewed around, stopped, and right in the center of the field was the double double, crystal clear. What optics! I went to Jupiter which was partially obscured by a tree, but through the branches I saw the disk clearly and 3 or 4 moons. And it wasn't even dark yet. One after another I looked for stars I knew and the Nexstar found them quickly.I am very impressed after my first evening with the Nexstar 6. The construction is high quality although some of the plastic components are, well, plastic. The optics seem well done and sharp. The mechanical elements are sturdy and appear to be quite robust. Setup and takedown are a snap. The entire rig fits in the boot of my MINI roadster which means getting to a better viewing site tonight will be all kinds of fun.