I, for one, am extremely impressed that you were able to find two very specific digital photos from a decade ago to use for this review. That's an elite level of organization skill!
I got a C6 (silver tube) just before Christmas. Predictably, it's been almost completely overcast since then 😢, but from what I've seen it's producing some nice views.
That's typical new telescope weather, lol. I got an 8se in the spring time, and it was cloudy so often for like 2 months. It was really ticking me off. XD
Ed, as others have said, yes, Maksutov can indeed be collimated. Normally they're fine out of factory, but in some cases they're not. Probably not something people should be doing all the time, but the screws are there, just a matter of following the instructions, available online. The good thing is that they tend to hold collimation, once adjusted. I own a mak 127 which a like a lot and a C6 that I bought second hand in a rush, hoping to add a hyperstar later, but changed my mind and now it's pretty much sitting in a box. I think I'll give it some time under the stars this year. Thanks for this video, all the best in 2023!
Great video Ed, I love my old C5 Astro but I really like my Skymax 127 too. Yes it’s heavier and needs a little more cool-down, but it can turn out great planetary images if the seeing is good, and while I can collimate the Mak it’s only needed it once in a long time unlike the C5. Just my 2p. Happy New Year!
Great review Ed! I have a USA made Nexstar 5i, awesome scope, this model version had fantastic optics and USA made quality drive motors. Images viewed through it keep reaffirming why this scope will always remain in the family!
Great vide on the C5! I've had my C6 (part of the NexStar 6SE bundle) for 11 years now and it's amazing! I feel the pain of the dust cap. Mucho annoying! Mine probably dropped at least 10,000 times by now but somehow I still have it.
Great video, someone who have C5 already is wanting to get another one! Additional comments: 1. You can collimate the Maks, they have 3 screws in the back. 2. I don’t think it matters much 1250 vs 1500. What matters is the actual magnification in the end of the day, and that depends on what eyepieces you put in. 3. With the same diameter Maks give slight more contrast and brightness than SCT (see Cloudy Nights Forum).
I got one of the original Nexstar 5's, purchased in 2000. The visual back has the 2 set screws. While the electronics in the Nexstar mount died a while ago. I stripped the motors out and use as a manual now. Eventually got the dovetail adapter and mount so I can take the OTA off and put on my AVX. Still love my 5". I got the 8" Newtonian on the AVX. So having the smaller scope also gives many options. I still use the 5" on the original mount for portability.
Great review, Ed, and Happy New Year. I bought a Celestron C5+ in 1999 as my first telescope. The C5+ version consists of a white tube OTA on a single fork arm with a table-top wedge base. A 9V battery powers the RA motor. I later bought the add-on Dec motor. This is a handly grab-and-go setup. My OTA has excellent optics and the only time I ever had to collimate it was when I installed Bob's Knobs. There is zero image shift when focusing. I now have it mounted on a Celestron Advanced VX mount, which is more than adequate for the small amount of astrophotography that I do. I often use a 0.63x focal reducer, both visually and with a camera. I also now use it only with a 2" diagonal and 2" eyepieces. The biggest problem with the C5 is that it doesn't get enough use because my 8" and 11" tempt me with better deep sky viewing. 🙂
I saved a 5SE over the summer. Mount had some loose screws inside it, had no controller and no tripod. My initial thought was to run it on a CG4. That worked out fine but so did my C6. The C6 was so stable on my CG4 that I quickly realized I had no need to hold onto the C5. I was able to test that the 5SE mount was fully working so I tightened the screws and sourced a tripod and hand controller, then sold locally. Broke even on it, which is fine by me. C5 vs C6… The light grasp difference is significant. The amount of magnification I could get out of the C5 vs C6 before getting fuzzy was also noticeable. Advantage C6. C5 vs 127mm Maks. I didn’t have two side by side but I did test a 127 vs a C6 and the C6 won across the board. My memory of that 127 (an Orion Apex) suggests that it was sharper than the C5. So to me it’s C6>127>C5. Heck, I liked the NexStar 4se I also had in inventory at the same time as the C5 more than the C5 on planets. My sample might have just been a dud, but I’ll stick with the C6. Actually, scratch that, since I got an AT102ED I haven’t had the C6 out at all, instead opting for an 8” or larger Dobsonian or my C8 when I really want “more.”
My C6 is on a CG4 but I get quite a bit of vibration when I focus. Having said that, It could movement purely from the mirror as it travels but it 'feels' like it's induced from my fingers touching the focuser and making the whole rig vibrate.
I love your videos a lot, I’ve been wanting to get into the hobby for a couple years now but I have to save for a car and for an apartment when I move out. One day I will finally be able to relax and see the stars with a tonic water in my hand and jazz music in a field somewhere.
Hi Ed. Great video. I actually purchased my 127mm Orion sky view pro in the early 2000’s. Still remember your review of it. I tried duplicate your star test and remember being successful to some degree. I was a bit worried when I noticed you reviewed the apex burgundy one and I had the black one. Still am having a lot of fun with this scope and will probably end up passing it along to my nephew. Would love to see you review one of these on video!
I have the same orange tube C5/5SE, i'm surprised to see a review from you on this thing given the _universal_ love for the C6. I've owned mine since I was young and I left it sitting in a basement for the better part of a decade. When I regained interested in astronomy and astrophotography I decided to pick it up from that basement. It needed to be stripped down and cleaned of dust from the inside which was nerve-wracking but it was worth it. Fun little telescope!
I've had my C6 for over a decade. I put a reducer on mine to drop the focal length to 945mm which is perfect for some astrophotography targets like Bode's and Cigar galaxies as well as the Leo Triplet. I've gotten great results with that scope.
@@bobf4gsw649 I never thought I had a problem with the focuser. Then I put an electronic focuser on a new edgehd 800 and will never go back. I loved that C6 but it is gathering dust most of the year in place of the edgehd.
The C-5 is so appealing; I have had several😊. However, when I have one, I then move up to the 6”, significantly more aperture with relatively insignificant size and weight differences.
I scored a Nexstar 5se recently for $250. Came with accessories and Plossl and filter kit. This was weeks ago and only had two semi-clear nights to try to see Jupiter before it disappears behind the sun. Cant wait til Aug to see Saturn.
I was just given a C5+ white tube, including mount, wedge and tripod, all in mint condition. Of course, the new scope curse is in effect, so no first light yet. I can’t wait to try it out. Love your video reviews, thanks for making this one.
I think that there are *some* photographic tripod setups that can handle a C5. I don't have a C5, but I do have a C90 with the same focal length and roughly a pound less weight. I use it on Manfrotto 055XB tripod legs (only a medium-duty photo tripod) equipped with a Manfrotto 410 geared head (also medium duty). The geared head gives it smooth movement with the scope fully loaded, each knob has a clutch to move it faster without turning the knobs, and it is easily usable with settling times in the range of half to one second, even with an 8 mm eyepiece at 156x. That is about as much magnification as is really useable with the C90, as at that point, I'm just chasing objects in the tiny FOV and non-equatorial mount. Now, to buy a setup like that, you'll have to fork out as much or more than a dedicated astronomical alt-az mount. But it is possible, and if you already have such a setup (I did as I had originally bought it for use with a pair of Fujinon 16x70 binoculars and for precise telephoto photography), it can be worth using.
I definitely favor the C6 over the C5. The C6 is usually much cheaper per inch and sometimes cheaper overall than the C5 because it is made and sold in larger numbers. It is also still small enough for most people. Most people want a small scope so it doesn't take up much space in storage or a vehicle, and so it isn't too heavy to set up. The C6 uses the same mounts as the C5 and the mounts take up a lot more space, so it stores or rides in the car basically the same. And it's already small and light enough to be very easy to set up even for people who aren't very strong. Aside from the cool classic ones that are neat as historical artifacts, I view the C5 as being a kind of niche telescope for people who have a real need for absolutely minimum size and weight on their SCT. Like, maybe you're going to try to bird with it, or carry it up a mountain in a backpack or something.
Im few months in this new hobby. First telescope i bought (friend suggestion) was Sky Watcher Evostar 90/900. The views were excellent. But using an EQ mount is just a hassle. Since my main usage is from a balcony. So, im selling it through my local astronomy club. Now i bought Celestron DX5. Using it in the balcony or take it with you is so easy. All though starsense could work better. Some nights is perfect and other nights its just stuck on cant find telescope. My next upgrade will so be SCT . I love it.
Hi Ed, really enjoy your videos, always a lot of useful information in them. I remember when beginning this Astronomy journey there was lady where i worked, her husband was right into the hobby and lucky enough to get an invitation around to their home for some help, guidance . This was 1972 and he had big reflector and the Celestron C5 on his table top. Brand new I guess to the market then, never forgot that. Any how I saw a new C5 XLT for about $485 AUD the other day, just had to get one at that price. Nowadays as i get older lifting big scopes around has lost it's appeal. Just thought I'd share that with you, again thanks for what you do here Ed. Cheers Dennis
I have one of those. The black one. Like all the Nexstars it is a good scope. I like the Nexstar 8 best, but this one is easier to take around and set up. Because it is light and easy to set up I use if often. THANKS FOR THE VIDEO.
Hi Ed---Happy to see your review on this scope. I've had one for 2 years now and after getting the bob's knobs to precisely collimate it--it's all the scope i could hope for. It certainly is portable and on the SE5 mount--I located more Deep sky objects in an hour than I could manually in several nights of observing. It's not the sturdiest mount--it's not suitable for deep sky unless you piggy back a camera and use no more than 3-400 mm and short 30 sec exposures. But for what it does--gives you a good view, easily moved, easily aligned and not terrible on the pocket book, it's hard to beat. I'll not sell mine. Thanks again for a great and honest review.
¡Feliz año nuevo! What a great start to the new year to see another review of a modern classic! Thank you! May you and your family have a wonderful year!
Yikes, why are you interested in that thing? What kind of mount do you have? I am playing with the Orion 10" f/4 variant of this model and my G11-class mount will barely hold it.
Great work, as always, Ed. One minor niggle though - I tend to disagree that focal length per se determines the suitability of a tripod as has been mentioned in several reviews. Instead, it's actual magnifications used with appropriate eyepieces (which is governed by aperture rather than focal length), and physical tube length. The C5 would fare much better on a given photo tripod than a 102 f/10 refractor, despite the latter having a shorter focal length AND less aperture. I know because I tried. I do agree a C5 on a Porta is a great match though!
Thanks for the feedback. I should probably clarify that I am frustrated by the inclination of manufacturers to include a 25mm eyepiece regardless of the focal length of the telescope. You and I know to drop the power to frame larger objects, but many beginners are mystified at this concept. What's more, if they or the scope can't locate an object, the natural inclination of many beginners is to *increase* the magnification. This has led to a bias on my part that focal length is often the enemy of the beginner.
I’m a firm believer in “buy right, buy once” so when it comes to hobbies I tend to avoid beginners equipment. Would you say this is “too much” telescope for an absolute newcomer to the hobby? I’ve found a used Nexstar 5se with carry bag, instructions, stand and 2x barlow lens, 5x barlow lens and lenses 6mm - 30mm (5 other sizes in between). Would appreciate any thoughts.
I'd still recommend an 8" Dob instead. For $650 you get everything. Don't buy any of those accessories. A NexStar 5 is OK, but if you follow my writings, the NexStar mount has issues with pointing accuracy and long term reliability.
I just got an original Nexstar 5, the mount is OK, lots of backlash and pretty basic function but I popped out last night with some breaks in the clouds to look at Jupiter and Wow that was far better then I had thought, it looked like one of the best SCTs I've seen razor sharp, can't wait to get it out some place dark, though I'm pretty sure I'll re-mount it.
Hey Ed Happy New Year! I cut my astro teeth on a C5 and it was great! For planetary, it cut thought he seeing very well. Of course this little scope opened a rabbit hole I fell in and got a C6 so I could use a HyperStar. Got addticted to F2 and finally got a RASA 8. I have since sealed off the rabbit hole but I did get a lot of use out of my C5! I would say it is perfect unless you want to get into astrophotography then the C6 is a good way to get in with a $500 Hyperstar and either a planetary or cooled camera ($900) and you are imaging! Thanks for this video, really brought back some good memories. Now I have to dust if off and put it on Astromart 😀Clear Skies for 2023!
Really appreciate this video Ed! 😀I live in Singapore and I recently purchased an Astro Fi 5" SCT. After reading reviews I developed a tinge of regret about not purchasing the 6" model for a few hundred more. It means a lot that, with your experience and exposure to an amazing range of equipment you've, spoken highly about a similar 5" model. I'm getting a webcam for planetary imaging this weekend and am considering the ASI585MC (or something in the area of its price point, I'd be grateful if you happen to have a recommendation!). I'm excited to explore it further thank you so much!
It's good you did not get the 6" SCT with the Astro Fi mount since it's too heavy for that mount. The 5" on that mount should be okay with the 585 sensor. Hope you're enjoying it!
I'm a little curious how the DX mount handles a C6. I have a DX5, and it's fine to me. But it's sort of at the level of -- don't add more, this is the max before it becomes troublesome.
What about the Omni XLT 127 blue tube version? I got one on those with a CG4 EQ mount, but I run it on a Nexstar 4/5SE mount which I mount on the tripod for my CPC800. A real mix and match affair. Great little OTA.
I want to do that review as well. But since I have no experience with the RASAs it will likely take me a year to get comfortable enough to do a competent review.
I have an Orion Mak Cass 127mm and it has 6 screws on the back plate for colimation. Pretty easy to do. I like the smaller Mak's vs the Schmidt as I believe they need less frequent colimation and let in a bit more light. As you move up in size it becomes less of an issue. That Orion is a tough little unit. Gee how do I know? Its my backpack unit for spotting during the day and planetary during the night. Lives in the back of an FJ Crusier and has seen its fair share of "oh F's. My little buddy.
I have both a C5 grey tube and a C8 from early 2000s. The C5 is just an OK scope and I wouldn't recommend an SCT smaller than an 8" model. In the 5" range a cheaper newtonian would probably perform better visually assuming a decent parabolic mirror. Plus, the current inflated cost for a C5 is just not worth it.
I just bought a current model C5 (half of RRP) What I wanted to know is, can I add a crayford focuser to this? Or a 2" visual back? The scope arrives in a few days and before I order anything I thought I'd ask as I love this channel and you know your fair share of Celestron scopes :) Love the videos and keep up the amazing work. Huge fan from Australia
I was ok with you switching the visual back up till you put the 1-1/4" adapter with just.... ONE set screw in it!! LOL You literally made it the same back as you took off!
Ed Am the original owner of a white tube, early 90s C5+, with the orig tripod, fork/wedge with RA drive motor, eyepieces, finder scope, even have the orig box and foam cutout inserts. We ended up with one of the very well columinated OTAs right out of the box. What current technology automated GoTo mount would you suggest for our C5+ optical tube, given our long since retired eyes are in need of some assistance to be able to locate faster/better objects we still enjoy to see? Thank you for all of the time that you have dedicated to our hobby field and I have been following you and your writings since the early days on Scope Reviews…
You will find a lot of opinions on this one. Luckily the OTA is so light, many different mounts will work. I use the AVX/CG5/LX85/etc class of mount for my C5 and C6.
hum.. thinking about getting a C8. I have a OMNI 150 newt and just acquired a used AVX with the super tune and bearing upgrade. I'm using the ZWOASI 120 MC-S and a Canon 6D dslr :) also thinking of getting a 50mm guide scope.
Great video Ed! I have one complaint though. It is not C5 vs C6! One should own both! 😂 I got to play with a C5 a long time ago (it was a USA made one). I was very unimpressed by it. It seems the current SCTs Celestron makes are very good. I have not seen a bad one recently. I have one of those 127 Maks. I have a observing budding with a C6. That C6 is an awesome little scope. If I was buying, I would get the C6. I got the 127 Mak for free from a guy who had no use for it, so I cannot complain. But if I were to purchase today C6 all the way.
A 127 Maksutov will show a slightly brighter image and better contrast than the C5 due to having a smaller central obstruction. It will also hold collimation for years if looked after unlike the C5.
Oh, one good thing about Maksutovs: they can't be killed so easily. If we are 'wise' enough to loosen up the tiny grub screws holding the focus knob, and the poor scope is on the table, vertical, facing down, and the whole primary mirror falls on top of the corrector plate, it will survive, as it is thick enough (ask me how I know, sniff :'( ). A C6 corrector plate, being thinner, would definitely not survive this. I Also heard once of one Mak180 falling of the mount and still survived in one piece. So yeah Maks seem to be bit more resistant to abuse or human clumsy/sillyness.
I’ve never seen a 5” Synta Mak that is not easily collimated. They all have a set of six screws at the back for this. The 90 and 102 versions have the collimations screws covered by the rear, so are a pain to collimate like the ETX’s. I collimated two C5’s recently and it was a bit of a pain, as the secondary mount has a single screw to hold it in position. Even with the secondary mount threaded in tight, the mount can rotate are as you make collimation adjustments, ruining the adjustments you’ve made so far. C5’s are fun little scopes. They don’t seem to be as prone to extreme seeing sensitivity as the 8” SCTs. The light throughout on a C5 with starbright XLT is better than the 5” Maks. Generally I’d say I slightly prefer the views through a Mak, but the smaller size of the C5 makes me prefer the C5 overall.
When I was a kid, the only thing you could find that was made anywhere but the USA was a thimble and a drink umbrella. Now the only thing made in the USA is ... a thimble and a drink umbrella. Im guessing govts are deciding "its our turn". Good luck everyone !
One C5 model not mentioned is the Starsense DX5 (white, Popular Science). I own it, and based on reviews, there is no difference between it and the orange flavors. However I do notice the attachment on the back of mine differs a little ... it has two screws to hold in the diagonal, not one. So I guess they improved that a little bit for that specific model.
@@edting I own the DX5... and although I can't say it's 100% perfect, it's still certainly good enough. It's really no different than the 102AZ on a starsense mount. A tad shaky at times, but I can dial in targets pretty easily. Maybe I'm not that picky... I never expect perfection with my mount. Now a DX6... yes, that would be pushing it.
After watching your channel for a while I've decided to purchase an 8" dobsonian telescope! I have a question about cooling fans... they're always advertised as an addition to the telescope but I'm just not sure what they're used for. What is the benefit to using one as opposed to not using one and is it worth purchasing? Thanks for making great content as always!
The figure on your mirror is so precise that bringing it outside from your warm house will cause air currents in the tube and the mirror's figure may change while cooling down. The fan speeds all this up.
Could you please do a video about equatorial mounts (vs. other kinds of mounts)? And whether it's recommended for a beginner, and how to use it? (Is it difficult to figure out?) Are they better/more accurate than Alt-Az or other kinds of mounts (e.g., Dobsonian, GoTo, etc.)? Maybe these topics could be split up over a series.
I've thought about it, but my issue is I haven't seen everything. For example, I know very little about the iOptron mounts and I haven't seen the new harmonic mounts in detail yet.
Ed, how much vignetting would this OTA see using the 2" back and a full-frame DSLR? Is this OTA limited to APS-C format or would the vignetting be minor when using a full frame sensor?
@@edting That’s why I more so take my 60mm refractor… because at 360mm and 3.25 pounds, to your point in the video, it does work with standard photo tripods better than a C5.
Hey Ed, I have the gray/black tube C5 and love it, but I can't seem to find the right Vixen plate for it. The Svbony plate I have on mine is very short and is only held in by one screw, because the screw spacing isn't correct. Would you be able to give me a little more info on the vixen plate you have there on the orange tube in the video? That looks like it would fit mine perfectly, if I can find it.
I’m planning on getting the Celestron 9.25 schmidt-cassegrain as my first telescope. I’m considering 3 different Mounts, what one would you recommend? The Celestron CGEM II, Skywatcher EQ6-R pro, or the iOptron cem40. Biggest factors are Quality, ease of use, and included tech.
The CGEM and the EQ6 are the same product (as is the Orion Atlas). Shop around for the best deal. These are the most common solutions. Also price out a CGX for comparison. If quality is your first priority, get a Losmandy G11.
Be careful, the DX mount is not a goto. It holds your phone and uses the StarSense app as a navigation aid. Yes, the optical tube is a C5. Don't buy a DX5. The mount is nowhere near strong enough to hold an optical tube of that focal length.
The C5 has been around so long and made in different places so commenting on the focuser or other parts is like hitting a moving target. The newest Chinese sourced versions are usually pretty good, but there is some sample to sample variation.
The last time I checked, the NexStar 4 and 5 use the same (smaller, shorter) version of the NexStar mount. The 6 and 8 use the larger version. So you should be OK.
Ed, can you buy the orange C5 without the NexStar SE mount in the US? I can only buy it as a bundle with the mount, here in the UK. I'd be interested to know if there is a supplier in the US who sells the orange OTA on its own. Many thanks...
It is a bit of an offbeat choice but it should be fine. The most important thing is to make sure you have a good sturdy mount underneath it. From a mounting perspective, treat it like an 8" SCT.
Just discovered and subscribed to your channel. Have time for a quick question. Moving soon and looking to sell my Meade 10" LX200 GPS with the UHTC. Manufactured in 2004. Little use, like new and plenty of extras. Have any idea what this might sell for and where a good place to advertise would be? I live in Rhode Island. Thank you Ed!
The NexStar 5se is a C5 mated to a NexStar mount. Recycling parts is an old tradition in this hobby. I've talked about the NexStar mount a lot. It is good, not great. Depending on which one you get, you may have issues with pointing accuracy and/or long term reliability. But for the price it isn't bad.
How is the Nexstar mount for it? As I understand it, that mount is in two sizes the smaller for 4 & 5, and a bigger for 6 & 8 where everyone says the 8 is a bit undermounted. Does the 5 suffer similarly in the smaller mount or is it small enough to be steady anyway?
I've talked about these NexStar mounts a lot. They are good, not great. Mine have had issues with pointing accuracy and long term reliability. I don't see any performance difference between the smaller and (slightly) larger units. You are right; the C8 is too big and heavy for a NexStar. Stick with the 6 and below.
No debate here - get the Evo 6. The NexStar mount seems optimized for the C6. The older se mount is not strong enough to hold a C8 OTA and I've had accuracy issues with the mount.
@@kevingumfory thanks I appreciate it I'm starting with the Orion StarBlast 2 4.5 inch equatorial but I'm already planning on getting the REAL deal with a 10 inch dobsonian telescope from Sky Watcher, Apertura or Orion
Im seeing the C5 on nextstar for 800 and the nextstar 127slt max for only 599. Is the C5 worth that much of a price difference? It looks like the 127slt may not have a 2" eye capability?
The SLT is a lower grade of NexStar and if you've followed me, I consider the standard NexStar to be a good, but not great mount. Also the additional focal length of the Mak will make the mount look even less accurate. Between the two I'd pay extra and take the NexStar 5se.
@@edting thanks for the reply! It seems the nextstar evolution is even a much better bump as well. May save for the 6 there for many years of use ahead.
Sadly, that brand tends to sell dept store grade junk. The mounts are usually awful. As you get towards the top of their line, the stuff starts getting acceptable, but at that price you could go for one of the serious brands.
couldnt agree less on the collimation, my c8 had a bad one, i tried to collimate it using polaris and a camera, using sharp cap i manged to lessen the error yet not perfect, still it took amazing pics of jupiter
The secondaries on Maks are usually fixed and can't be moved unless they are RuMaks.. Also, although this is changing, most cheap Maks still have fixed primaries as well.
My Celestron 127slt can be collimated. 6 screws in in the back. Push pull arrangement. They need to turn in a specific order that is documented online. No big deal.
Hey there! Love the channel. I happen to own a Nexstar 5SE. Can you please list the links for the 2" visual back with the 1" 1/4 converter? I just want to make sure that I am looking at the correct accessory. Thanks!!
I, for one, am extremely impressed that you were able to find two very specific digital photos from a decade ago to use for this review. That's an elite level of organization skill!
I got a C6 (silver tube) just before Christmas. Predictably, it's been almost completely overcast since then 😢, but from what I've seen it's producing some nice views.
Been just looking at my new AT72EDii because I can't do anything else with it in this weather...
That's typical new telescope weather, lol. I got an 8se in the spring time, and it was cloudy so often for like 2 months. It was really ticking me off. XD
Ed, as others have said, yes, Maksutov can indeed be collimated. Normally they're fine out of factory, but in some cases they're not. Probably not something people should be doing all the time, but the screws are there, just a matter of following the instructions, available online. The good thing is that they tend to hold collimation, once adjusted. I own a mak 127 which a like a lot and a C6 that I bought second hand in a rush, hoping to add a hyperstar later, but changed my mind and now it's pretty much sitting in a box. I think I'll give it some time under the stars this year. Thanks for this video, all the best in 2023!
Great video Ed, I love my old C5 Astro but I really like my Skymax 127 too. Yes it’s heavier and needs a little more cool-down, but it can turn out great planetary images if the seeing is good, and while I can collimate the Mak it’s only needed it once in a long time unlike the C5. Just my 2p. Happy New Year!
Yes I think most 127mm and bigger Maks are collimatable
That image of Clavius is amazing I can almost see the monolith
Great review Ed! I have a USA made Nexstar 5i, awesome scope, this model version had fantastic optics and USA made quality drive motors. Images viewed through it keep reaffirming why this scope will always remain in the family!
Great vide on the C5! I've had my C6 (part of the NexStar 6SE bundle) for 11 years now and it's amazing!
I feel the pain of the dust cap. Mucho annoying! Mine probably dropped at least 10,000 times by now but somehow I still have it.
Great video, someone who have C5 already is wanting to get another one!
Additional comments: 1. You can collimate the Maks, they have 3 screws in the back. 2. I don’t think it matters much 1250 vs 1500. What matters is the actual magnification in the end of the day, and that depends on what eyepieces you put in. 3. With the same diameter Maks give slight more contrast and brightness than SCT (see Cloudy Nights Forum).
I got one of the original Nexstar 5's, purchased in 2000. The visual back has the 2 set screws. While the electronics in the Nexstar mount died a while ago. I stripped the motors out and use as a manual now. Eventually got the dovetail adapter and mount so I can take the OTA off and put on my AVX. Still love my 5". I got the 8" Newtonian on the AVX. So having the smaller scope also gives many options. I still use the 5" on the original mount for portability.
Great review, Ed, and Happy New Year. I bought a Celestron C5+ in 1999 as my first telescope. The C5+ version consists of a white tube OTA on a single fork arm with a table-top wedge base. A 9V battery powers the RA motor. I later bought the add-on Dec motor. This is a handly grab-and-go setup.
My OTA has excellent optics and the only time I ever had to collimate it was when I installed Bob's Knobs. There is zero image shift when focusing. I now have it mounted on a Celestron Advanced VX mount, which is more than adequate for the small amount of astrophotography that I do. I often use a 0.63x focal reducer, both visually and with a camera. I also now use it only with a 2" diagonal and 2" eyepieces. The biggest problem with the C5 is that it doesn't get enough use because my 8" and 11" tempt me with better deep sky viewing. 🙂
I have that same issue. I use the C6 because it's there. But if I only had the C5 I think I'd still be OK.
I saved a 5SE over the summer. Mount had some loose screws inside it, had no controller and no tripod. My initial thought was to run it on a CG4. That worked out fine but so did my C6. The C6 was so stable on my CG4 that I quickly realized I had no need to hold onto the C5.
I was able to test that the 5SE mount was fully working so I tightened the screws and sourced a tripod and hand controller, then sold locally.
Broke even on it, which is fine by me.
C5 vs C6… The light grasp difference is significant. The amount of magnification I could get out of the C5 vs C6 before getting fuzzy was also noticeable. Advantage C6.
C5 vs 127mm Maks. I didn’t have two side by side but I did test a 127 vs a C6 and the C6 won across the board. My memory of that 127 (an Orion Apex) suggests that it was sharper than the C5.
So to me it’s C6>127>C5.
Heck, I liked the NexStar 4se I also had in inventory at the same time as the C5 more than the C5 on planets.
My sample might have just been a dud, but I’ll stick with the C6.
Actually, scratch that, since I got an AT102ED I haven’t had the C6 out at all, instead opting for an 8” or larger Dobsonian or my C8 when I really want “more.”
My C6 is on a CG4 but I get quite a bit of vibration when I focus. Having said that, It could movement purely from the mirror as it travels but it 'feels' like it's induced from my fingers touching the focuser and making the whole rig vibrate.
Thanks for the report!
I love your videos a lot, I’ve been wanting to get into the hobby for a couple years now but I have to save for a car and for an apartment when I move out. One day I will finally be able to relax and see the stars with a tonic water in my hand and jazz music in a field somewhere.
Hi Ed. Great video. I actually purchased my 127mm Orion sky view pro in the early 2000’s. Still remember your review of it. I tried duplicate your star test and remember being successful to some degree. I was a bit worried when I noticed you reviewed the apex burgundy one and I had the black one. Still am having a lot of fun with this scope and will probably end up passing it along to my nephew. Would love to see you review one of these on video!
I have the same orange tube C5/5SE, i'm surprised to see a review from you on this thing given the _universal_ love for the C6. I've owned mine since I was young and I left it sitting in a basement for the better part of a decade. When I regained interested in astronomy and astrophotography I decided to pick it up from that basement. It needed to be stripped down and cleaned of dust from the inside which was nerve-wracking but it was worth it. Fun little telescope!
I've had my C6 for over a decade. I put a reducer on mine to drop the focal length to 945mm which is perfect for some astrophotography targets like Bode's and Cigar galaxies as well as the Leo Triplet. I've gotten great results with that scope.
Just started astrophotography with this OTA recently, hopefully I get some nice deep sky photos with it!
@@jamesw5713 good luck
@@astrojudebob hi what about the stock focuser ? do it allow fine focus ajustement like a dual speed crayford ?
@@bobf4gsw649 I never thought I had a problem with the focuser. Then I put an electronic focuser on a new edgehd 800 and will never go back. I loved that C6 but it is gathering dust most of the year in place of the edgehd.
The C-5 is so appealing; I have had several😊. However, when I have one, I then move up to the 6”, significantly more aperture with relatively insignificant size and weight differences.
I scored a Nexstar 5se recently for $250. Came with accessories and Plossl and filter kit. This was weeks ago and only had two semi-clear nights to try to see Jupiter before it disappears behind the sun. Cant wait til Aug to see Saturn.
Nice! You stole that scope!
I was just given a C5+ white tube, including mount, wedge and tripod, all in mint condition. Of course, the new scope curse is in effect, so no first light yet. I can’t wait to try it out. Love your video reviews, thanks for making this one.
I think that there are *some* photographic tripod setups that can handle a C5. I don't have a C5, but I do have a C90 with the same focal length and roughly a pound less weight. I use it on Manfrotto 055XB tripod legs (only a medium-duty photo tripod) equipped with a Manfrotto 410 geared head (also medium duty).
The geared head gives it smooth movement with the scope fully loaded, each knob has a clutch to move it faster without turning the knobs, and it is easily usable with settling times in the range of half to one second, even with an 8 mm eyepiece at 156x. That is about as much magnification as is really useable with the C90, as at that point, I'm just chasing objects in the tiny FOV and non-equatorial mount.
Now, to buy a setup like that, you'll have to fork out as much or more than a dedicated astronomical alt-az mount. But it is possible, and if you already have such a setup (I did as I had originally bought it for use with a pair of Fujinon 16x70 binoculars and for precise telephoto photography), it can be worth using.
I definitely favor the C6 over the C5. The C6 is usually much cheaper per inch and sometimes cheaper overall than the C5 because it is made and sold in larger numbers. It is also still small enough for most people. Most people want a small scope so it doesn't take up much space in storage or a vehicle, and so it isn't too heavy to set up. The C6 uses the same mounts as the C5 and the mounts take up a lot more space, so it stores or rides in the car basically the same. And it's already small and light enough to be very easy to set up even for people who aren't very strong.
Aside from the cool classic ones that are neat as historical artifacts, I view the C5 as being a kind of niche telescope for people who have a real need for absolutely minimum size and weight on their SCT. Like, maybe you're going to try to bird with it, or carry it up a mountain in a backpack or something.
Im few months in this new hobby. First telescope i bought (friend suggestion) was Sky Watcher Evostar 90/900. The views were excellent. But using an EQ mount is just a hassle. Since my main usage is from a balcony. So, im selling it through my local astronomy club. Now i bought Celestron DX5. Using it in the balcony or take it with you is so easy. All though starsense could work better. Some nights is perfect and other nights its just stuck on cant find telescope. My next upgrade will so be SCT . I love it.
Hi Ed, really enjoy your videos, always a lot of useful information in them. I remember when beginning this Astronomy journey there was lady where i worked, her husband was right into the hobby and lucky enough to get an invitation around to their home for some help, guidance . This was 1972 and he had big reflector and the Celestron C5 on his table top. Brand new I guess to the market then, never forgot that.
Any how I saw a new C5 XLT for about $485 AUD the other day, just had to get one at that price. Nowadays as i get older lifting big scopes around has lost it's appeal.
Just thought I'd share that with you, again thanks for what you do here Ed.
Cheers
Dennis
I have one of those. The black one. Like all the Nexstars it is a good scope. I like the Nexstar 8 best, but this one is easier to take around
and set up. Because it is light and easy to set up I use if often. THANKS FOR THE VIDEO.
Hi Ed---Happy to see your review on this scope. I've had one for 2 years now and after getting the bob's knobs to precisely collimate it--it's all the scope i could hope for. It certainly is portable and on the SE5 mount--I located more Deep sky objects in an hour than I could manually in several nights of observing. It's not the sturdiest mount--it's not suitable for deep sky unless you piggy back a camera and use no more than 3-400 mm and short 30 sec exposures. But for what it does--gives you a good view, easily moved, easily aligned and not terrible on the pocket book, it's hard to beat. I'll not sell mine.
Thanks again for a great and honest review.
¡Feliz año nuevo! What a great start to the new year to see another review of a modern classic! Thank you! May you and your family have a wonderful year!
I acquired what I believe is a G5 back in 1999. It is impeccable in it's images for such a tiny thing.
Thank you for the video Ed. Happy New Year. My granddaughter and I are waiting on some good clear skies.
No, mention of the C10-n. I havent found a single video of it anywhere.
Yikes, why are you interested in that thing? What kind of mount do you have? I am playing with the Orion 10" f/4 variant of this model and my G11-class mount will barely hold it.
I purchased the orange 6 inch versions OTA recently, so far so good.
I have the mentioned Celestron CG-4 mount, and yes it can handle a C6 just fine, but not anything bigger.
I was JUST wondering about these. Thanks Ed.
Very interesting review of the C5... I may be get one for a try! Thank you!
Great work, as always, Ed. One minor niggle though - I tend to disagree that focal length per se determines the suitability of a tripod as has been mentioned in several reviews. Instead, it's actual magnifications used with appropriate eyepieces (which is governed by aperture rather than focal length), and physical tube length. The C5 would fare much better on a given photo tripod than a 102 f/10 refractor, despite the latter having a shorter focal length AND less aperture. I know because I tried. I do agree a C5 on a Porta is a great match though!
Thanks for the feedback. I should probably clarify that I am frustrated by the inclination of manufacturers to include a 25mm eyepiece regardless of the focal length of the telescope. You and I know to drop the power to frame larger objects, but many beginners are mystified at this concept. What's more, if they or the scope can't locate an object, the natural inclination of many beginners is to *increase* the magnification. This has led to a bias on my part that focal length is often the enemy of the beginner.
Thanks for covering the mounts.
I’m a firm believer in “buy right, buy once” so when it comes to hobbies I tend to avoid beginners equipment. Would you say this is “too much” telescope for an absolute newcomer to the hobby?
I’ve found a used Nexstar 5se with carry bag, instructions, stand and 2x barlow lens, 5x barlow lens and lenses 6mm - 30mm (5 other sizes in between).
Would appreciate any thoughts.
I'd still recommend an 8" Dob instead. For $650 you get everything. Don't buy any of those accessories. A NexStar 5 is OK, but if you follow my writings, the NexStar mount has issues with pointing accuracy and long term reliability.
I just got an original Nexstar 5, the mount is OK, lots of backlash and pretty basic function but I popped out last night with some breaks in the clouds to look at Jupiter and Wow that was far better then I had thought, it looked like one of the best SCTs I've seen razor sharp, can't wait to get it out some place dark, though I'm pretty sure I'll re-mount it.
Hey Ed Happy New Year! I cut my astro teeth on a C5 and it was great! For planetary, it cut thought he seeing very well. Of course this little scope opened a rabbit hole I fell in and got a C6 so I could use a HyperStar. Got addticted to F2 and finally got a RASA 8. I have since sealed off the rabbit hole but I did get a lot of use out of my C5! I would say it is perfect unless you want to get into astrophotography then the C6 is a good way to get in with a $500 Hyperstar and either a planetary or cooled camera ($900) and you are imaging! Thanks for this video, really brought back some good memories. Now I have to dust if off and put it on Astromart 😀Clear Skies for 2023!
Really appreciate this video Ed! 😀I live in Singapore and I recently purchased an Astro Fi 5" SCT. After reading reviews I developed a tinge of regret about not purchasing the 6" model for a few hundred more. It means a lot that, with your experience and exposure to an amazing range of equipment you've, spoken highly about a similar 5" model. I'm getting a webcam for planetary imaging this weekend and am considering the ASI585MC (or something in the area of its price point, I'd be grateful if you happen to have a recommendation!). I'm excited to explore it further thank you so much!
It's good you did not get the 6" SCT with the Astro Fi mount since it's too heavy for that mount. The 5" on that mount should be okay with the 585 sensor. Hope you're enjoying it!
Just ordered a dx6. Same as the orange c6 but without motor and uses starsense. Very excited to start my astronomy journey soon. Clear skies.
The DX6 mount isn't very good and you will have trouble holding the thing still. Just you are aware...
I'm a little curious how the DX mount handles a C6. I have a DX5, and it's fine to me. But it's sort of at the level of -- don't add more, this is the max before it becomes troublesome.
@@edting Ok thanks. Was half the price of a C6 so got to be some compromise somewhere. I’ll try not to get the shakes when looking through it!
Great channel for novice and expert alike. Go Bombardiers!
Excellent video. There is now another version (Starsense Explorer DX 5) which has a silver tube.
What about the Omni XLT 127 blue tube version? I got one on those with a CG4 EQ mount, but I run it on a Nexstar 4/5SE mount which I mount on the tripod for my CPC800. A real mix and match affair. Great little OTA.
Excellent review as always! Please make a video about the RASA 8/11. 👍
I want to do that review as well. But since I have no experience with the RASAs it will likely take me a year to get comfortable enough to do a competent review.
I have an Orion Mak Cass 127mm and it has 6 screws on the back plate for colimation. Pretty easy to do. I like the smaller Mak's vs the Schmidt as I believe they need less frequent colimation and let in a bit more light. As you move up in size it becomes less of an issue. That Orion is a tough little unit. Gee how do I know? Its my backpack unit for spotting during the day and planetary during the night. Lives in the back of an FJ Crusier and has seen its fair share of "oh F's. My little buddy.
Exactly 👍
Great Review Ed,Still No Skies Here In NWPA,Happy New Year🙏🏼❤️✨🌏🔭
I have both a C5 grey tube and a C8 from early 2000s. The C5 is just an OK scope and I wouldn't recommend an SCT smaller than an 8" model. In the 5" range a cheaper newtonian would probably perform better visually assuming a decent parabolic mirror. Plus, the current inflated cost for a C5 is just not worth it.
I started my Love for Astronomy and astrophotography using my Nexstar SE4 and a Canon camera it worked until i got my current rig
Didn't know about the visual back definitely going to try to upgrade that since it's cheaper
I just bought a current model C5 (half of RRP) What I wanted to know is, can I add a crayford focuser to this? Or a 2" visual back? The scope arrives in a few days and before I order anything I thought I'd ask as I love this channel and you know your fair share of Celestron scopes :)
Love the videos and keep up the amazing work. Huge fan from Australia
I was ok with you switching the visual back up till you put the 1-1/4" adapter with just.... ONE set screw in it!! LOL You literally made it the same back as you took off!
Nice review! Happy new year! 👍✨
Ed
Am the original owner of a white tube, early 90s C5+, with the orig tripod, fork/wedge with RA drive motor, eyepieces, finder scope, even have the orig box and foam cutout inserts. We ended up with one of the very well columinated OTAs right out of the box.
What current technology automated GoTo mount would you suggest for our C5+ optical tube, given our long since retired eyes are in need of some assistance to be able to locate faster/better objects we still enjoy to see?
Thank you for all of the time that you have dedicated to our hobby field and I have been following you and your writings since the early days on Scope Reviews…
You will find a lot of opinions on this one. Luckily the OTA is so light, many different mounts will work. I use the AVX/CG5/LX85/etc class of mount for my C5 and C6.
hum.. thinking about getting a C8. I have a OMNI 150 newt and just acquired a used AVX with the super tune and bearing upgrade. I'm using the ZWOASI 120 MC-S and a Canon 6D dslr :) also thinking of getting a 50mm guide scope.
Great video Ed! I have one complaint though. It is not C5 vs C6! One should own both! 😂
I got to play with a C5 a long time ago (it was a USA made one). I was very unimpressed by it. It seems
the current SCTs Celestron makes are very good. I have not seen a bad one recently.
I have one of those 127 Maks. I have a observing budding with a C6. That C6 is an awesome little scope. If I was buying, I would get the C6. I got the 127 Mak for free from a guy who had no use for it, so I cannot complain. But if I were to purchase today C6 all the way.
A 127 Maksutov will show a slightly brighter image and better contrast than the C5 due to having a smaller central obstruction. It will also hold collimation for years if looked after unlike the C5.
Oh, one good thing about Maksutovs: they can't be killed so easily. If we are 'wise' enough to loosen up the tiny grub screws holding the focus knob, and the poor scope is on the table, vertical, facing down, and the whole primary mirror falls on top of the corrector plate, it will survive, as it is thick enough (ask me how I know, sniff :'( ). A C6 corrector plate, being thinner, would definitely not survive this. I Also heard once of one Mak180 falling of the mount and still survived in one piece. So yeah Maks seem to be bit more resistant to abuse or human clumsy/sillyness.
I’ve never seen a 5” Synta Mak that is not easily collimated. They all have a set of six screws at the back for this. The 90 and 102 versions have the collimations screws covered by the rear, so are a pain to collimate like the ETX’s.
I collimated two C5’s recently and it was a bit of a pain, as the secondary mount has a single screw to hold it in position. Even with the secondary mount threaded in tight, the mount can rotate are as you make collimation adjustments, ruining the adjustments you’ve made so far.
C5’s are fun little scopes. They don’t seem to be as prone to extreme seeing sensitivity as the 8” SCTs. The light throughout on a C5 with starbright XLT is better than the 5” Maks. Generally I’d say I slightly prefer the views through a Mak, but the smaller size of the C5 makes me prefer the C5 overall.
Wow telescope in space really immersive
When I was a kid, the only thing you could find that was made anywhere but the USA was a thimble and a drink umbrella. Now the only thing made in the USA is ... a thimble and a drink umbrella. Im guessing govts are deciding "its our turn". Good luck everyone !
One C5 model not mentioned is the Starsense DX5 (white, Popular Science). I own it, and based on reviews, there is no difference between it and the orange flavors. However I do notice the attachment on the back of mine differs a little ... it has two screws to hold in the diagonal, not one. So I guess they improved that a little bit for that specific model.
The DX mount often has trouble holding an SCT optical tube. But it's borderline with the C5 at 1250mm.
@@edting I own the DX5... and although I can't say it's 100% perfect, it's still certainly good enough.
It's really no different than the 102AZ on a starsense mount. A tad shaky at times, but I can dial in targets pretty easily.
Maybe I'm not that picky... I never expect perfection with my mount.
Now a DX6... yes, that would be pushing it.
thanks Ed !
5:00 Baader ClickLock ist also a nice option.
Yes, it is!
After watching your channel for a while I've decided to purchase an 8" dobsonian telescope! I have a question about cooling fans... they're always advertised as an addition to the telescope but I'm just not sure what they're used for. What is the benefit to using one as opposed to not using one and is it worth purchasing? Thanks for making great content as always!
The figure on your mirror is so precise that bringing it outside from your warm house will cause air currents in the tube and the mirror's figure may change while cooling down. The fan speeds all this up.
Could you please do a video about equatorial mounts (vs. other kinds of mounts)? And whether it's recommended for a beginner, and how to use it? (Is it difficult to figure out?) Are they better/more accurate than Alt-Az or other kinds of mounts (e.g., Dobsonian, GoTo, etc.)? Maybe these topics could be split up over a series.
I've thought about it, but my issue is I haven't seen everything. For example, I know very little about the iOptron mounts and I haven't seen the new harmonic mounts in detail yet.
Ed, how much vignetting would this OTA see using the 2" back and a full-frame DSLR? Is this OTA limited to APS-C format or would the vignetting be minor when using a full frame sensor?
C5 is a real nice compliment if you own a C8… the C5 fits as carryon luggage.
It does. You still have to deal with the mount, however.
@@edting That’s why I more so take my 60mm refractor… because at 360mm and 3.25 pounds, to your point in the video, it does work with standard photo tripods better than a C5.
Another great video Ed! What is the model of that planetary webcam? Looks nice and compact.
ASI120MM-mini.
you are a legend m8
Hey Ed, I have the gray/black tube C5 and love it, but I can't seem to find the right Vixen plate for it. The Svbony plate I have on mine is very short and is only held in by one screw, because the screw spacing isn't correct. Would you be able to give me a little more info on the vixen plate you have there on the orange tube in the video? That looks like it would fit mine perfectly, if I can find it.
I’m planning on getting the Celestron 9.25 schmidt-cassegrain as my first telescope. I’m considering 3 different Mounts, what one would you recommend? The Celestron CGEM II, Skywatcher EQ6-R pro, or the iOptron cem40.
Biggest factors are Quality, ease of use, and included tech.
The CGEM and the EQ6 are the same product (as is the Orion Atlas). Shop around for the best deal. These are the most common solutions. Also price out a CGX for comparison. If quality is your first priority, get a Losmandy G11.
Informative.
@Ed Ting is the C5 the same as the DX-5 with a go to mount?
Be careful, the DX mount is not a goto. It holds your phone and uses the StarSense app as a navigation aid. Yes, the optical tube is a C5. Don't buy a DX5. The mount is nowhere near strong enough to hold an optical tube of that focal length.
Do you have any opinion on the tabletop mounts these used to be offered on?
hi Ed what about the focuser on the C5/C6 ? reliability, stability, and finesse ? thanks
The C5 has been around so long and made in different places so commenting on the focuser or other parts is like hitting a moving target. The newest Chinese sourced versions are usually pretty good, but there is some sample to sample variation.
What does the SE stand for? Thanks
I have a 4SE and thinking to get a C5, can I use it in the 4SE mount? Thank you for your advice.
The last time I checked, the NexStar 4 and 5 use the same (smaller, shorter) version of the NexStar mount. The 6 and 8 use the larger version. So you should be OK.
Ed, can you buy the orange C5 without the NexStar SE mount in the US? I can only buy it as a bundle with the mount, here in the UK. I'd be interested to know if there is a supplier in the US who sells the orange OTA on its own. Many thanks...
As far as I can tell, you can only get C5 OTAs in black right now.
Ed please do the C6 as well!
He’s got a C6 Evo review.
Explore Scientific FirstLight 152mm Mak-Cassegrain Telescope - FL-MC1521900 is this a good telescope to buy? Thank you so much
It is a bit of an offbeat choice but it should be fine. The most important thing is to make sure you have a good sturdy mount underneath it. From a mounting perspective, treat it like an 8" SCT.
Just discovered and subscribed to your channel. Have time for a quick question. Moving soon and looking to sell my Meade 10" LX200 GPS with the UHTC. Manufactured in 2004.
Little use, like new and plenty of extras. Have any idea what this might sell for and where a good place to advertise would be? I live in Rhode Island. Thank you Ed!
Astromart and the Cloudy Nights classifieds are what we use. Also check out the RI Skyscrapers club in your area.
I don’t know if this is the Nexstar 5se
The NexStar 5se is a C5 mated to a NexStar mount. Recycling parts is an old tradition in this hobby. I've talked about the NexStar mount a lot. It is good, not great. Depending on which one you get, you may have issues with pointing accuracy and/or long term reliability. But for the price it isn't bad.
How is the Nexstar mount for it? As I understand it, that mount is in two sizes the smaller for 4 & 5, and a bigger for 6 & 8 where everyone says the 8 is a bit undermounted. Does the 5 suffer similarly in the smaller mount or is it small enough to be steady anyway?
I've talked about these NexStar mounts a lot. They are good, not great. Mine have had issues with pointing accuracy and long term reliability. I don't see any performance difference between the smaller and (slightly) larger units. You are right; the C8 is too big and heavy for a NexStar. Stick with the 6 and below.
I have a weakness for small telescopes
Would you be able to do a review of the C6 too? Thanks!
There is a review of the NexStar 6 Evo on this channel. Also the C6 is mentioned several times in various reviews as a recommended telescope.
Ed should I get a Celestron nexstar 8se or should I a Evolution 6?
No debate here - get the Evo 6. The NexStar mount seems optimized for the C6. The older se mount is not strong enough to hold a C8 OTA and I've had accuracy issues with the mount.
Thanks Ed for your quick response.
Would love to hear your thoughts flow on the Orion StarBlast 2 4.5 equatorial
It was my first scope. I still have it and will grab it on the run. You'll be much happier with an 8. Much much happier.
@@kevingumfory thanks I appreciate it I'm starting with the Orion StarBlast 2 4.5 inch equatorial but I'm already planning on getting the REAL deal with a 10 inch dobsonian telescope from Sky Watcher, Apertura or Orion
@@raymarvelez apetura is easily the best accessories in box
@@kevingumfory thanks brother appreciate your guidance
@@kevingumfory I can also buy the telescope with a performance upgrade kit
Best scope for beginners under 300$? Currently looking at one sky Orion Skyscanner Level products any advice I'd greatly appreciated guys 👍
Avoid the red Skyscanners. The newer black ones are better. I’d still recommend the Starblast if you can get one.
@@edting sure thing that'll be my pick then 🙂 thanks very much
The c5 screams "take me out" big advantage. Ed is right do the right mounting, have made some mistakes in the past.
Im seeing the C5 on nextstar for 800 and the nextstar 127slt max for only 599. Is the C5 worth that much of a price difference? It looks like the 127slt may not have a 2" eye capability?
The SLT is a lower grade of NexStar and if you've followed me, I consider the standard NexStar to be a good, but not great mount. Also the additional focal length of the Mak will make the mount look even less accurate. Between the two I'd pay extra and take the NexStar 5se.
@@edting thanks for the reply! It seems the nextstar evolution is even a much better bump as well. May save for the 6 there for many years of use ahead.
I have a review of the Evo 6 elsewhere on this channel.
@@edting thanks! I saw it, which lead me to that post. Great channel and thanks again !
Could you review gskyer telescopes?
Sadly, that brand tends to sell dept store grade junk. The mounts are usually awful. As you get towards the top of their line, the stuff starts getting acceptable, but at that price you could go for one of the serious brands.
Is the Celestron Astro master a good beginner telescope??
Avoid AstroMasters and PoweSeekers. See my review of the PowerSeeker 127 elsewhere on this channel.
@@edting thank you for the advice ❤️
how does it differ from the c5 spotting scope version?
Most "spotting scope" variants use the same optical tube but include a 45 degree erect image diagonal instead of the usual 90 degree diagonal.
@@edting wouldnt the out of focus areas look like donuts the highlights? at least during land viewing?
Whats the difference between the C5 and the G5 please ?
Color
The G5 was a C5 variant briefly sold in the 2000s. It came with an inexpensive equatorial mount.
@@edting thank you Ed.
couldnt agree less on the collimation, my c8 had a bad one, i tried to collimate it using polaris and a camera, using sharp cap i manged to lessen the error yet not perfect, still it took amazing pics of jupiter
All 127 Maks can be collimated, which one are you talking about that can't be?
The secondaries on Maks are usually fixed and can't be moved unless they are RuMaks.. Also, although this is changing, most cheap Maks still have fixed primaries as well.
My Celestron 127slt can be collimated. 6 screws in in the back. Push pull arrangement. They need to turn in a specific order that is documented online. No big deal.
@@edtingNo they don’t! Only the smaller 102 has fixed mirrors
my first telescope. which should i buy ? Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 5 SCT . Skywatcher Skyliner-200P . Sky-Watcher Heritage-150P dobsonteleskop.
No debate here - Get the 200 Dob.
Hey there!
Love the channel. I happen to own a Nexstar 5SE. Can you please list the links for the 2" visual back with the 1" 1/4 converter? I just want to make sure that I am looking at the correct accessory.
Thanks!!