5 replies to this topic

[Bob-Tim]

I purchased a Nexstar 4SE on Ebay without a tripod. I already have a 4GT with a suitable tripod, but the electronics of the 4SE are better. However, I'm wondering if the 4GT's tripod will be suitable for the 4SE, so perhaps I can sell the 4GT cheap for someone willing to use that scope on a table top. (I don't have the SE yet, so I suppose I'll find out what the situation will be.) But if someone more familiar with these instruments would like to give me some advice, it would be welcome.

[Noah4x4]

I don't know the 4GT, but I sold my 4SE. The 4SE OTE is a decent 4" Mak-Cass, albeit limited by flip-mirror rather than diagonal, but its original tripod is a poor unstable Alt-Az with a crude, imprecise built in wedge. It never cost-jusfified upgrading the tripod, but I always felt it the weak link. If you can find a decent replacement tripod (given you have bought only OTA) , it is certainly good as a lightweight small grab & go portable travel scope, but for other purposes its small aperture and long focal length is limiting. Sorry, I don't know the 4GT, so I can't comment on the suitability of its tripod. Not sure what you mean about the 4SE having better electronics. If you have only bought OTA, then it won't come with any electronics unless you mean you also have the mount?

[TomH1954]

The 4gt tripod will work with the 4se.

[rcooley]

Hm…, well, I’ve had this scope for years. I purchased an adapter so that I could mount a digonal at the rear and it works perfectly. I’m actually one of those guys who enjoys seeing things thru the telescope the same way I see them with my own eyes, so invested in a Williams Optics “correct image” digonal and I’ve never looked back.  As for the tripod you have, I would just say try it. The 4se weighs next to nothing so if it compares to the weight of the scope you were using before then go for it. As for the 4se dedicated mount and tripod. I’ve never had an issues with it. It’s a fairly simple Alt/Az goto, but utilizing auto two star alignment, I’ve never had a problem with it finding it’s target.  Full disclosure, I’m doing EAA these days with my Evo8” and Asiair, but will still pull out the 4se for travel and car camping, and it’s like hanging with an old friend. Cheers

[Bob-Tim]

The tripod I was using with the 4GT worked fine with the 4SE after I received it. The used SE came without any documentation, so now I'm going to look for that. 

[JMP]

Celestron manuals are available on line: https://s3.amazonaws...11049manual.pdf

 

Also check out the info at Nexstarsite.com