Telescope Features and Benefits

Featuring high-quality Maksutov-Cassegrain optics, the NexStar 4SE is an ideal telescope for observing and photographing the wonders of space. This high-end telescope boasts a fully computerized operating system, easy to use hand control, and a feature that allows you to remotely take a series of timed exposures using your digital SLR camera. Plus, the included tripod with a built-in wedge makes short-exposure astrophotography a heavenly experience.

Whether you're a seasoned astronomer looking for a portable scope with advanced features, or just starting your astronomy adventure and looking for an easy way to enjoy the night sky, this computerized telescope will help you take a closer look. Each telescope includes a version of The Sky ® Level 1 Planetarium software for exploring the universe on your PC, and printing out custom star charts of the sky. You can also operate your telescope via your PC. Discover more features, learn the technical specifications for this telescope, and read about the benefits of using a Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope.

Telescope Features

• Finderscope helps with alignment and accurately locating objects
• Internal flip mirror provides convenient viewing straight through (with optional diagonal) or at 90 degrees
• Quick release fork arm mount, optical tube, and accessory tray ensure no-tool setup
• Sturdy computerized altazimuth mount
• Internal battery compartment to prevent cord wrap during use
• Ultra sturdy steel tripod
• Includes CD-ROM "The Sky" Astronomy Software, which provides education about the sky and printable sky maps
• 40,000 object database includes 200 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objects
• SkyAlign allows you to quickly and easily align on any 3 bright celestial objects
• Flash upgradeable hand control software and motor control units for downloading product updates over the Internet
• Includes a shutter release cable that allows you to remotely take a series of exposures using your digital SLR camera
• Custom database lists all the most famous deep-sky objects by name and catalog number; the most beautiful double, triple, and quadruple stars; variable star; solar systems; and objects and asterisms
• DC Servo motors with encoders on both axes
• Double line, 16-character Liquid Crystal Display Hand Control with backlit LED buttons for easy operation of goto features

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Technical Specifications

• 102 mm (4.02 in) aperture
• 1325 mm (52.17 in) focal length
• 12.99 focal ratio
• Aluminum optical tube
• 25 mm (0.98 in) eyepiece
• Highest useful magnification: 240x
• Lowest useful magnification: 14x
• Camera Shutter Cable
• Steel tripod with built-in wedge
• Runs on 8 AA batteries (not included)
• 12-1/2 limiting stellar magnitude
• 1.36 arc seconds resolution
• 1.14 arc seconds resolving power
• 212x light gathering power
• 1° angular field of view
• 52-1/2 ft (16 m) of linear field of view
• 10 lb (4.54 kg) tripod and mount weight
• Motor from integrated D.C. electronics
• Double line, 16 character Liquid Crystal Display with 19 fiber optic backlit LED buttons
• Nine slew speeds: 4°/sec, 2°/sec, 1°/sec, 64x, 16x, 8x, 4x, 1x, .5x
• Alt-Az, EQ North & EQ South tracking modes
• 24bit, 0.08 arcsec calculations
• Easy Communication Port: RS-232 communication port on hand control, Aux port, Camera Control port

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About Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescopes

The Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes are in a category of optics called Catadioptrics. Catadioptrics use a combination of mirrors and lenses to “fold” (reflect) the light path and form an image. There are two popular designs: the Schmidt-Cassegrain and the Maksutov-Cassegrain.

The Maksutov-Cassegrain is similar to the Schmidt-Cassegrain with essentially the same advantages and disadvantages. It uses a thick meniscus correcting lens with a strong curvature and a secondary mirror that is usually an aluminized spot on the corrector. The Maksutov secondary mirror is typically smaller than the Schmidt’s, which gives it slightly better resolution for planetary observing.

Advantages of Maksutov-Cassegrain Compared to Schmidt-Cassegrain:

• Smaller secondary obstruction results in a slight increase in planetary detail and contrast
• Less expensive to manufacture
• Longer focal lengths result in higher magnifications for planetary viewing

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