Head-to-head · Best Beginner Telescopes

Celestron NexStar 5SE Computerized Telescope vs Sky-Watcher Dobsonian Telescopes

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

Sky-Watcher Dobsonian Telescopes comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.1 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about value-seeking stargazers — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #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 →

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Beginner Telescopes

Sky-Watcher Dobsonian Telescopes

4.4

1 source$850as of Jul 31

The Sky-Watcher 6" Classic 150P Dobsonian draws praise for its optics, simple operation, and the accessories in the box, which makes it a reasonable first scope for beginners and hobbyists. Reviewer Zane Landers rates its value and capability high for the price while placing it behind newer models like the Apertura AD6 and Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTi 150P. Views are good straight out of the box, but users complain the finderscope is weak and that heavy eyepieces throw off the balance.

Strengths

— Great optics with 6-inch aperture
— Very easy to use and set up
— Includes useful accessories like 25mm and 10mm Super eyepieces

Watch-outs

— Annoying tensioning handles
— Mediocre finderscope with small aperture
— Balance issues with heavy eyepieces

$850 · 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.

Sky-Watcher Dobsonian Telescopes

The Sky-Watcher Dobsonian telescopes provide better optics and aperture than the Celestron NexStar 5SE, but they're less automated than the ZWO Seestar S50. Compared to the Sky-Watcher Heritage 150P, it offers a larger aperture and better accessories, though it suffers from balance issues with heavy eyepieces that the Heritage model avoids.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Celestron NexStar 5SE Computerized Telescope	Sky-Watcher Dobsonian Telescopes
Aperture	5 in	6 in
Focal Length	1250 mm	1200mm
Focal Ratio	f/10	f/8
Optical Design	Schmidt-Cassegrain	Newtonian reflector
Mount Type	Computerized Alt-Azimuth	Dobsonian
Eyepiece Included	1 x 25mm Plossl	25mm and 10mm Super eyepieces
Dimensions	32"D x 34"W x 52"H	29.5"D x 20"W x 36"H

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