Head-to-head · Best Beginner Telescopes

Celestron NexStar 5SE Computerized Telescope vs Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ Refractor Telescope

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Celestron NexStar 5SE Computerized Telescope comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.1 vs 3.7). The gap is mostly about computerized telescope users — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Beginner Telescopes

Celestron NexStar 5SE Computerized Telescope

4.1

3 sources2 derived$899as of Jul 31

The Celestron NexStar 5SE is a Schmidt-Cassegrain with a 5" aperture and 1250mm focal length, sold on its astrophotography potential. Reviewers grant it decent optics and a sturdy mount, then knock the small aperture, the thin eyepiece selection, and how long it takes to set up. Beginners get some value, but experts point to the NexStar 6SE or the Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTi 150P for more performance per dollar. Its large secondary mirror also blocks light and costs contrast against other designs.

Strengths

— Decent optics with 5" aperture and 1250mm focal length
— Sturdy mount with Vixen-style dovetail for easy attachment
— Fairly low maintenance for a computerized telescope

Watch-outs

— Long setup time required for use
— Small aperture limits light-gathering ability and resolution
— Only includes one 25mm Plossl eyepiece

$899 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

$Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ Refractor Telescope$

Ranked #5 in Best Beginner Telescopes

Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ Refractor Telescope

3.7

3 sources2 derived$229.99as of Jul 31

The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80 AZ is an 80mm f/11 achromatic refractor with optics good enough for the moon, planets, and double stars. Reviewers found it simple to set up and use, with decent accessories included. The small aperture and narrow field of view cut the target list short, though, and reviewers considered the StarSense technology wasted on a scope this size. The mount has no fine adjustments, and while the tube cools quickly, its limited reach makes it a poor recommendation for beginners. It works as a basic, portable refractor at a budget price and not much more.

Strengths

— Great optics for lunar, planetary, and double star observation
— Easy to set up and use
— Decent included accessories

Watch-outs

— Small aperture (80mm) and narrow field of view severely limit targets
— Mediocre mount design with no fine adjustments
— StarSense Explorer technology is essentially unnecessary with such a small, narrow-field telescope

$229.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Celestron NexStar 5SE Computerized Telescope

The Celestron NexStar 5SE is more versatile than the Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ due to its larger aperture and computerized GoTo system, but it's less user-friendly than the Sky-Watcher Dobsonian telescopes, which offer simpler setup and better value. Compared to the ZWO Seestar S50, it lacks smart automation but provides better optics for serious stargazing.

Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ Refractor Telescope

Unlike the ZWO Seestar S50, which offers automated astrophotography capabilities, the Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ is a basic refractor with no real advantage in smart features. While it's easier to set up than the Celestron NexStar 5SE, its small aperture and narrow field of view severely limit its usefulness compared to the Sky-Watcher Dobsonian telescopes, which offer far better value and aperture for the price.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Celestron NexStar 5SE Computerized Telescope	Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ Refractor Telescope
Aperture	5 in	3.15 in
Focal Length	1250 mm	900mm
Focal Ratio	f/10	f/11
Optical Design	Schmidt-Cassegrain	Achromatic refractor
Mount Type	Computerized Alt-Azimuth	Computerized
Eyepiece Included	1 x 25mm Plossl	10mm eyepiece
Dimensions	32"D x 34"W x 52"H	36"D x 36"W x 52"H

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