Celestron NexStar 6SE Computerized Telescope

A computerized telescope that's easy to set up, and easy to love

The Celestron NexStar 6SE is one of the telescopes we recommend most often to families and first-time buyers who want a real telescope, not a toy. Its 6-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain optics show Saturn's rings, Jupiter's cloud belts and craters on the Moon in sharp detail, and the computerized GoTo mount finds and tracks more than 40,000 objects for you. The whole kit weighs 21 lbs and breaks down into a few pieces that fit in a small car.

The 6SE is on display in our Denver store, so you can see it in person before you buy.

What you'll see

• The Moon: craters, mountain ranges and valleys in crisp detail.
• Planets: Saturn's rings and, in steady air, the Cassini Division; Jupiter's cloud bands and four largest moons; the phases of Venus; and Mars's polar caps when it's close to Earth.
• Deep sky: the Orion Nebula, star clusters like the Hercules Globular Cluster, and bright galaxies such as Andromeda. From a dark site, the Whirlpool Galaxy's spiral structure starts to show.

Set up in minutes with SkyAlign

You don't need to know the night sky to get started. Point the telescope at any three bright stars or planets, press Align, and SkyAlign works out where it's pointing. From then on, choose an object on the NexStar+ hand control and the 6SE slews to it and keeps it centered. The single fork arm mount and steel tripod come apart into separate pieces for easy carrying and quick setup.

What to add for the best views

• Power (required): the 6SE runs on 8 AA batteries, which aren't included and run down quickly in cold weather. We recommend the rechargeable PowerTank Lithium LT for observing away from home, or the Celestron 2 amp AC adapter for the backyard.
• A higher-power eyepiece: the included 25mm eyepiece gives 60x, which is great for finding and framing objects. Add a 9mm eyepiece for about 167x on the Moon, Saturn and Jupiter: the Celestron Omni 9mm is a great value, and the Celestron X-Cel LX 9mm adds a wider field and more comfortable eye relief.
• A Moon filter: the Moon is dazzling through a 6-inch telescope. A variable polarizing filter lets you dim it to a comfortable level and brings out surface detail.
• Dew shield: the front corrector plate dews up on humid nights. The Dew Shield DX for 6"–8" SCTs keeps it clear longer.
• A case: the Celestron Deluxe Case protects the telescope in storage and on the road.

NexStar 6SE vs. 5SE, 8SE and Evolution 6

Still deciding? Our Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope guide compares every size, from 5" to 11".

What's in the box

• 6" Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube with StarBright XLT coatings
• Single fork arm computerized alt-azimuth mount with NexStar+ hand control
• Adjustable steel tripod
• 25mm eyepiece (60x)
• 1.25" star diagonal
• StarPointer red-dot finderscope

NexStar 6SE FAQ

Is the NexStar 6SE good for beginners?

Yes. It's one of the best first "serious" telescopes: SkyAlign gets you aligned without knowing the stars, the GoTo mount finds objects for you, and the compact tube is easy to handle. Take a few minutes with the manual to learn the alignment steps before your first night out.

Can I see Saturn's rings and Jupiter's moons?

Yes, easily. At 60x with the included eyepiece, Saturn's rings and Jupiter's four largest moons are obvious. With a 9mm eyepiece (about 167x) on steady nights, look for the Cassini Division and more detail in Jupiter's cloud belts.

Should I get the 6SE or the 8SE?

The 8SE gathers about 80% more light and shows more detail on planets and galaxies, but it's heavier and costs more. The 6SE is lighter, sets up faster and is easier for one person to carry. If you'll observe mostly from the backyard, the 8SE is worth the step up; if you'll travel with it or want the quickest setup, choose the 6SE.

What accessories do you recommend for the 6SE?

These are the add-ons we suggest most often for new 6SE owners:

• A 9mm or 10mm eyepiece for higher magnification on the Moon and planets. A 9mm eyepiece gives about 167x on the 6SE, a big step up from the included 25mm (60x). The Celestron Omni 9mm is a great value, and the Celestron X-Cel LX 9mm adds a wider field and more comfortable eye relief.
• A variable polarizing filter to dim the bright Moon to a comfortable level and bring out surface detail.
• The Dew Shield DX for 6"–8" SCTs to keep the corrector plate from fogging on humid nights.
• Power: the Celestron 2 amp AC adapter for the backyard, or the rechargeable PowerTank Lithium LT for observing anywhere.
• The Celestron Deluxe Case to protect the telescope in storage and on the road.

What power does it need?

Eight AA batteries (not included) or an external 12V source. Rechargeable options like the PowerTank Lithium LT or an AC adapter are far more practical, and batteries drain quickly in cold weather.

Can I do astrophotography with the 6SE?

Yes, for the Moon and planets: a planetary camera and short video captures produce excellent results. Long-exposure deep-sky imaging is limited on an alt-azimuth mount because the field rotates; adding the wedge helps. If deep-sky imaging is your main goal, a smart telescope or an equatorial setup is a better fit.

Can I see one before I buy?

Yes. The NexStar 6SE is on display in our Denver store, and we're happy to show you how it sets up and aligns.

Specifications