Nextar mount
Moreover, a Maksutov is known to suffer more from aberration (different colors come into focus and different focal lengths). The shape is different (Schmidt has a complex shaped lens whereas a Maksutov has a spherical lens) meaning that the aperture’s (light gathering ability) differs. The biggest difference between a Schmidt and a Maksutov Cassegrain is the corrector lens. How does this relate back to the 4SE and 5SE? Light travels from the primary mirror to the secondary mirror, and then through the hole into the eyepiece. The primary mirror actually has a hole through it, whereas the convex secondary mirror is flat in relation to the primary. There is also a convex secondary mirror at the front. With a Cassegrain, there is a primary mirror that is positioned at the end of the optical tube. They use mirrors to help produce an image through the eyepiece. They are both Cassegrains which is essentially how the telescopes work. But what does this mean and what is the difference? The 4SE is a Maksutov-Cassegrain (MAKs) whereas the 5SE is a Schmidt-Cassegrain (SCT). Celestron Nexstar 4SE vs 5SE: Key Differences Difference #1: Optical Telescope Designįirst and foremost, the optical telescope design is actually a little bit different between the two telescopes. Then we can take a closer look into those similarities and differences referenced above. Let us now observe the specifications in a comparison table side by side. Similarity #3: Additional Equipment Included (Eyepiece, Finderscope, Star Diagonal).
Similarity #2: Computerized GoTo Mount (40,000+ Database Objects) & SkyAlign Technology.Similarity #1: Ease of Use (Setting Up & Dismantling).Difference #2: Aperture (Light Gathering Ability) – 4″ vs 5″.Difference #1: Optical Telescope Design.While it comes in at a higher price point, the 5SE is considered a better telescope that is worth the extra investment (if you can afford it). The 5SE will give you additional visibility (lower Focal Ratio) and will enable you to observe more distant DSOs (Deep Sky Objects). It has a greater Light Gathering Ability (it can collect 55% more light) and it also has the ability to acquire higher Magnification. However, the 5SE is optically superior to the 4SE. You can expect to see intimate details including Saturn’s rings, the cloud bands on Jupiter, and geographic features on the surface of the Moon.įurthermore, deep sky objects and hundreds of pinpoint stars like Hercules Globular Cluster and the spiral arms of the Whirlpool Galaxy will be visible with either scope. If you’re looking for a quick snapshot and high-level summary of this review and conclusions drawn, here it is:īoth the NexStar 4SE and 5SE telescopes are Cassegrains in design, featuring StarBright XLT Optical Coatings to ensure maximum clarity and vision of the sky.