Celestron NexStar 6SE - The classic «orange tube» brought up to date
Discover the NexStar 6SE, Celestron's iconic «orange» telescope, modernized with the
technologies to deliver a fluid, educational and ultra-efficient viewing experience.
With its mirror 150 mm (6″), its compact format and its mount GoTo fully
automated, it is designed for both beginners motivated than experienced observers to the
search for a nomadic instrument that is quick to set up and performs well on the Moon, the planets and many other planets.
deep sky objects.
Highlights at a glance
- Diameter 150 mm excellent collecting power to reveal lunar craters, Jupiter bands, Saturn rings and bright nebulae like Orion.
- Compact size Short, lightweight, easy-to-carry tube, ideal for balconies/terraces and dark-sky escapades.
- GoTo mount (database 40,000+ objects): aim, center and follows the target automatically.
- SkyAlign alignment in minutes on any three bright stars - perfect even if you don't know the sky yet.
- Single-arm design + steel tripod quick assembly, rigidity and easy transport (separate components).
Why choose the 6SE?
The 6SE occupies a rare sweet spot: large enough to make an impression on planets and
offering beautiful deep-sky objects while remaining very compact. The optical formula
Schmidt-Cassegrain guarantees a long focus for comfortable planetary magnifications,
and remarkable versatility for all the sky. The alt-azimuth frame
GoTo frees you from tedious searches: select the object, observe, enjoy.
What you'll see
- Moon The company's unique design features include sharp relief, grooves and mountains - a spectacle to behold at every stage.
- Planets Jupiter's bands and Great Red Spot, Saturn's rings and Cassini division, Venus' phases, Martian caps during oppositions.
- Deep sky open clusters (Pleiades, Double Clusters), globular clusters (M13), bright nebulae (M42), the most luminous galaxies (M31)...
Celestron technologies included
- SkyAlign Align on three bright stars - the computer takes care of the rest.
- GoTo base 40,000+ items Messier, NGC, Caldwell catalogs, planets, double stars, etc.
- Motorized tracking the mount keeps your target in focus for comfortable viewing sessions.
- High-contrast optics (advanced processing): bright, sharp and stable image.
Ready in minutes
- Assemble the steel tripod and level it roughly.
- Fit the single-arm mount and secure the tube.
- Switch on, select SkyAlign, point out three bright stars/planets/moons.
- Select your target from the menu: the telescope moves and tracks automatically.
Compatibility & upgrades
The NexStar 6SE integrates easily into an ecosystem of accessories to enrich the experience:
- 1.25″ eyepieces (plössl, wide-field, orthoscopic).
- Filters (lunar, polarizing, UHC, OIII) to enhance contrast.
- Wi-Fi module (SkyPortal/SkyQ Link type) for smartphone/tablet control.
- StarSense AutoAlign (optional) for even simpler automatic alignment.
- Photo adapters (T-Ring and T-Adapter SCT) for lunar/planetary and short poses.
- Nomadic nutrition (PowerTank, 12 V battery) to pull out cables and observe everywhere.
- 90° angled return and improved diagonals for added comfort.
- Focal reducer f/6.3 (optional) for wider field of view and shorter exposure times.
For whom?
- Curious beginner wanting a first «real» telescope that's simple and scalable.
- Confirmed amateur looking for an instrument plug-and-play for planetary and luminous deep sky.
- Nomad a high-performance package that's easy to transport and assemble.
Directions for use
- Leave the tube acclimatize 20-30 min for best finesse on planets.
- Start with a wide-field eyepiece (25-32 mm), then increase magnification if turbulence permits.
- Under urban skies Moon, planets, open clusters. Under dark skies, dare galaxies and nebulae.
- A stable supply (12 V battery) significantly improves comfort compared with batteries.
Maintenance
- Protect optics and electronics from moisture (caps, covers, desiccant bags).
- Clean sparingly Use: bulb blower, very soft brush, suitable microfibre cloth.
- Store the telescope in a dry, temperate place.
Key features
| Optical design |
Schmidt-Cassegrain |
| Diameter |
150 mm (6″) |
| Focal length |
≈ 1500 mm |
| Opening report |
f/10 |
| Frame |
Alt-azimutale GoTo, single-arm, motorized |
| Database |
40,000+ items |
| Tripod |
Steel, adjustable height |
| Lens holder |
1,25″ |
| Power supply |
12 V (external battery recommended) |
| Recommended useful magnification |
up to ~300× depending on seeing and eyepieces |
Box contents
- Schmidt-Cassegrain 150 mm telescope («orange» tube)
- GoTo single-arm alt-azimuth frame
- Steel tripod
- 1.25″ angled return
- 1.25″ eyepiece (typically 25 mm) - ready to observe
- Finder (red dot or optical depending on batch)
- Pre-installed handle/dovetail
- Standard manufacturer's documentation and accessories
Recommended accessories (optional)
- Set of 1.25″ eyepieces (32 mm, 15 mm, 9 mm) for wide field coverage → high magnification.
- Lunar/polarizing filter and UHC/OIII to boost contrast.
- Focal length reducer f/6.3 for wider fields and fast start-up.
- Wi-Fi module and mobile control application.
- PowerTank / LiFePO battery4 12 V.
FAQ express
Is it a good first telescope?
Yes: easy set-up, reassuring GoTo, already substantial diameter and excellent scalability.
Can you do astrophotography?
Ideal for lunar/planetary (high-speed cameras, barlow if required). For the deep sky, use
light targets and short alt-az exposures, or consider an equatorial mount if CP photography becomes a priority.
Do I need batteries?
Depending on the version, the telescope can be battery-powered. 12 V power supply is highly recommended.
Compatible with
- Eyepieces and filters 1,25″ (standard).
- Wi-Fi modules Celestron compatible and control via application.
- StarSense AutoAlign (automatic alignment).
- Photo adapters (T-Ring/T-Adapter) for SLR/hybrid cameras.
- Focal reducer f/6.3 and focusing accessories (micrometer, MAP motor, etc.).
In a nutshell
Visit NexStar 6SE perpetuates the legend of the «orange tube» by adding a layer of modernity and a new look.
ease of use. If you're looking for a telescope versatile, compact, high-performance and ready to guide you
in your first (or future) nights of observation, it's a safe, durable and exciting choice.