Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 5" SCT - The Best of StarSense
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- Опубликовано: 9 сен 2024
- My experience with the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 5" Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope (SCT). In this video we'll demonstrate how to set up this telescope as well as demo the StarSense system. We'll go over the benefits of this telescope's compact design, as well as some upgrades to get the most out of this telescope.
Books by John A. Read:
110 Things to See with a Telescope:
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Learn To Stargaze For Kids:
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Planetary Camera:
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I love your lad knowingly shaking his head as you play with the new toy and stack the video around 9:30. Priceless!
This was super helpful! Thank you very much for putting it together for us beginners out here! Can't wait to play with mine and will keep learning!
You’re most welcome!
Yours is the first review I've seen that actually shows images through the eyepiece. Amazing that no one else seems to think demonstrating a telescope's primary purpose is important in a review.
The challenge with demonstrating what you see through the eyepiece is that Cameras and the Human eye are insanely different. It’s very challenging to show what is seen through the eyepiece accurately, that’s why it’s not done very often.
Another great video! The Starsense is quite a versatile system. I got the 100AZ and can also use my 90 Mak on it. I tried the C6 put it is a little too heavy for mount, too much wobble. Just added the 8 inch DOB due to Aperture fever and am quite happy! Keep up the videos, enjoying the info you share.
OMG thank you for showing how to use the slow motion controls properly!!! You TWIST the knob. no idea how I missed it, but I’ve been pulling them up down, left right wondering why nothing is happening. I was getting really frustrated with not being able to track objects easily, and thought I’d made a mistake not getting a scope with go to
9:58 The Orion nebula. On my Celestron 102mm Explorer DX refractor, I can distinctly see the Orion triangulum in M42 as a fine cluster of pinpoint stars using a Baader Hyperion 10mm 1.25 lens. If Celestron would sell the 5" DX OTA separately I would buy it for deep sky. Use the same tripod and smart phone dock.
Yes, I could easily see the Triangulum visually. This is more difficult to capture in an image because after a few seconds of exp the stars blend together. You may be able to find a used 5inch sct somewhere (possibly B&H photo)
Thank you. This tiny telescope is amazing.
Greetings from Mauritius. Watched this video and it helped me in choosing my first purchase - the celestron starsense explorer dx6. Thanks a lot for your well explained video.
You’re most welcome! I knew a lot of people from Mauritius who came to Halifax for their physics degrees at Saint Mary’s University!
Thanks! It looks like it is easier than my 6SE. I am having a learn curve with it. But still great information.
I Bought this today and exited to use !!!!
Congrats on the telescope!
"it's so cute and tiny"..... The story of my life 🤣
All jokes aside, I just bought the DX6, love it and love your review. But i would like to get the most magnification out of it, the 10mm supplied with it just won't do it for me. What would you recommend I buy for maximum "zoom"? Should I get the 2" adapter + diagonal and a 2" eyepiece? This is my first ever telescope so 100% newbie here 😅
Because of you this is the one I’m getting thank you
It’s a really fun scope!
I really liked your review of this telescope! Very clear explication 👍
These scopes are great (except for the LT ones) the only problem i see is that they cost to much for the aperture and mount. I understand that they raise the price for the starsense, but i feel like the price is just a bit to high
They show up used all the time on B&H photo. I got my LT version (which did review poorly) for just $100. DX versions are around $300.
The telescope is as advertised. But be careful tightening the screws on the legs. One of the sleeves on mine cracked and I had to get a replacement. Also the software doesn't work well on my phone camera. It doesn't resolve night objects well. I'm using a Motorola Moto stylus 5g. So I am having to use an older phone.
Nice detailed description, I am thinking of buying this or possibly the 6 inch version
Its a fine little scope, and good video.. however, although this scope can technically accommodate 2" eyepieces, it really isn't practical.. the rear aperture is only about 24.5mm so most 2" eyepieces vignette considerably
In case you missed it, this video is paid for by Celestron.
I have a 127 SLT, and I love it. Nice and compact, but this one looks super sweet. I will have to check those apps out. That stacker you used looked way easier than what I am doing atm. I wonder if one of those mounts are available for my scope... Or get the wifi control... My imagess always seem washed out a bit, although getting a bit better. 😀 Thank you for your videos.
Yes! Those Mak telescopes are fantastic!
Nice
Thanks!
Nice video, John. Too bad we can't carry this scope in our scope store; it's a branded product of Popular Science.
Wow, thank you so much, and I'm cashing in my goto's! Great and informative video, Thank you!
Thanks!
Good one! Hello Mrs Stargaze 😊
I've got to stop watching your videos because you make me want to spend more money!!! LOL
WTF
@@derkjh It’s a joke man. John knows I’m a loyal fan!
Haha more Telescopes more accessories
Same here Anthony! lmao
An my money is gone🎉
Ok if your phone is compatible. Mine (Galaxy A40) doesn't despite stated on Celestron's website and during app install that it is. Celestron came back to me once but despite several request have hidden behind the sofa. I'm a bit pee'd off because I bought the phone for the telescope. The wife's pixel 4 works well. When working starsense is superb but I ain't happy. Take heed.
Just put the phone in the mount and use Astrohopper. artyom-beilis.github.io/astrohopper.html
Your videos are awesome!
Thanks!
Very nice video. What eye piece had you used for Orion Nebula ? Which USB camera do you use for taking photos?
I don’t remember which eyepiece, but I currently use the ASI2600mc duo for taking photos.
my app cant find my position good enough so if i point it at andromeda galexy it wont show in the eye piece
That’s not a good target for this telescope, it’s far to large and diffuse. Binoculars would work better for that target.
hey what barlow lens would you recommend for best quality imaging that isnt from x-cel as they are very pricey
Really any Barlow lens will work. Just look at the image of the Barlow online and make sure it’s a big piece of glass on the bottom and not a tiny hole. A basic Svbony Barlow will work just fine.
Ok, I just decided what my first telescope would be! :) Do you recommend any other accessories, eye pieces, barlow, filter.... should I get to pair with it and make it even better? thnx.
Hi! Definitely no Barlow, this scope has a very long focal length already. See my video on choosing an eyepiece, a nice high focal length eyepiece would improve the experience on deep sky objects from dark skies.
You should make some more videos about the star sense goto system
This was my third StarSense video, and we have another in production. In that video we'll race the StarSense dobsonian against the University Observatory.
Hey I could just buy the OTA because I already have the DX 102 AZ😊
Does the star finder apps worked with other telescope?
Are you talking about StarSense? If so I made a video called “Can StarSense be moved to another telescope?”
@@LearnToStargaze Thanks.
Hey can you help me out a little can you compare this telescope with the starsense dobsonian 8 because I am having trouble deciding one I want one with super clear image and high magnification so I can observe the planets
They both would have great views of the planets. The dob is huge. The DX 5 fits in a backpack.
@@LearnToStargaze your right and by the way is the dx 5 able to see Mars with some surfaces detail
I got the same question! Still undecided which one to get. I recently returned the LT 114 because the images were super blurry. I could only appreciate the moon with the LT 114.
Hey mate. Awesome video. I’ve been saving quite a bit of money for a while and recently got into astronomy and have watched quite a few of your videos and they are really awesome. However I’m struggling to find info on what telescope I could buy with my budget. I have around £400. I am really hoping to see nebula and other awesome things such as that. If possible I’m hoping the telescope could be somewhat portable (able to fit in the main baggage of like a plane etc.) this might be a ridiculous ask and I apologize for that but I was wondering if there is any telescope you would be able to recommend me. Thank you so much in advance
I mean, this one is pretty awesome, and as you can see, it would fit in a backpack. Sometimes when I fly, I just carry the tripod. Other times I take a travel mount. Another option would be a 102mm Mak on the AZ-GTi. I travel with that set up occasionally as well. The AZ-GTi would give you tracking, and lots of upgradeability.
Ok awesome. Thanks so much for the reply. What are some clusters/nebula I could expect to have a decent view of in the telescope you recommended me. Thanks again 🙏
@@kinghack2990 your first step is to work through the messier list of 110 objects. That’s what my 110 things to see book is all about.
@@LearnToStargaze awesome thank. I will definitely be buying your book soon!
I’m so sorry. One more question because I am so new to this. Will the telescope in this video be good enough to view all the objects in your book?
A starsense telescope on a tabletop dobsonian was exactly what I was wondering. Which one do you think is going to give the best overall experience while stargazing? A starsense 130dx on tripod or the 130mmm tabletop dobsonian model? I am more inclined towards the tabletop dob because I have never gotten a chance to have my hands on a dobsonian but which one do you think is going to be more stable when adjusting the focus knob and stuff that usually shakes the view.
You tend to walk in circles around the tripod when using the telescope. That’s the downside to the tabletop versions (unless you have a small stable table).
Great videos!
Any thoughts on where to buy the compatible tabletop base for travel
That’s just a Z100 or Orion Skyscanner. I think these can be picked up for either $99 or $130.
It’s too bad this is 800$ in Canada. The starsense ex 130 as is 600 and the new starsense 130 tabletop dobsonian is 600. Is the sct worth the extra?
B&H photo ships in Canada. If you watch the used section you might find these for a heck of a lot less. I keep that site bookmarked and hit refresh a few times per day. That’s how I got my first Starsense scope for $100.
Excellent review as always am wondering would this be a good second scope or maybe a dob not sure which
What’s your first scope?
@@LearnToStargaze the celestron starsence 102dx refractor
Hey Pal,
Can the tripod height be adjusted for children and adult viewing?
Thanks for reviewing this scope - informative.
Yes, this tripod can go quite low, and the eyepiece position at the back of the telescope is easy for kids as well.
2 questions:
How stable is the tripod?
How long can you view something before having to readjust for the earth’s rotation?
Hi! I’ve found it quite stable. About 2 minutes.
Thank you very much. I love your attitude. It's addicting and makes me want to get into this hobby!@@LearnToStargaze
Can you use the same video trick/stacking with a planetary camera on a DSO like a galaxy?
No, planetary sensors are too small.
What is a ASI air? What telescope would be easiet for my kids to take pictures using their phones connected to the telescope? Thank you!
Hello! The “easiest” telescope to take pictures with phones would be the SeeStar S50. An ASIair is a tiny computer you mount to your telescope, it controls the camera, mount, guide camera, filter wheel, etc.
Hi. What planetary camera would you recommend this is telescope. That can also be used for deep space that will not break the bank or just planet viewing. Thanks
I’m not sure that exists. You can get a planetary camera for a few hundred bucks because they have a very small sensor. Deep sky objects require very large sensors, which is why they cost thousands of dollars.
Is there a review for the dx 6 looks compact, I was gonna buy a 8 inch Dobs but I’m not sure now 😮
I’m sure someone has reviewed the DX 6. I’m not sure it would be different enough to merit a separate video though. These take about a month to film.
@LearnToStargaze As always thank you for all of videos and your books. I have a question regarding Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 5" SCT vs STARSENSE EXPLORER DX 130AZ. Which scope would you recommend, and which one is better for deep sky objects? Some information that may help with your answer: I live in a city and of course there's light pollution. I use to own STARSENSE EXPLORER DX 130AZ but I tripped over the stand at night and fell on top of the scope haha Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Thanks! The DX5 is a higher quality scope with better optics. That said, for a given eyepiece, the magnification is much higher, making things harder to find, and some objects are better at lower magnifications. Since you live in a city, Saturn and Jupiter are going to be prime targets this summer, and the DX5 is a much better scope for these targets.
@@LearnToStargaze Since the DX5 is better quality, would it help with seeing galaxies? Thank you for your response. The 130 was awesome seeing the beehive cluster.
@@yankeeownz9980 I haven't tested these scopes side by side on galaxies. That would depend on the eyepiece/telescope combo, and the exit pupil for the eyepiece, matching your pupil size. (But mostly the darkness of your skies).
Is there any possible way to replace the mirror of this telescope???
I doubt it, but it’s worth a call to Celestron.
Have you reviewed the sky watcher GTi 150P computerized dobsonian telescope?
I have not. But I don’t think I’d chose that over the Starsense DX 130, as I’m not a fan of tabletop designs (for adults), and Starsense would be much quicker at finding targets.
Thank you! Also could i use the phone attachment to take pics ?
No, there is no magnification on the phone attachment that comes with the telescope. That is just so the phone can determine it’s position.
good video, but celestron starsense 10 inch dob is the best
Haha, yes, that's why I said "In its class". In our next video, we carry the StarSense Dobsonian up several flights of stairs (to the University observatory) and drama ensues!
Which telescope would give better views of planets and moon? This scope here or a Celestron starsense explorer 130 DX az.
They’re pretty close, but in my experience with SCT is a better telescope.
Everything shows up in black and white? I am confused.
With the exception of red and blue stars, the human eye generally cannot see the color of deep sky objects. Our eyes are just not that sensitive.
Is there a case that you recommend for this telescope?
I just throw it in a backpack and carry the tripod.
Great video and I really like how celestron made finding objects so affordable now but I want to be able to have tracking.
I also think a portable table top mount is great for travels. Can you recommend one that can handle a c90 or c6 OTA with tracking abilities?
I use an AZ-GTi for portable tracking.
last week i got a celestron omni az 102 telescope but i cant even see jupiter with it it just shows a blurry white dot on the eye piece i tried to 10 mm and 20 mm eyepice none worked i tried to change the focus but thats didnt help i dont know if its a manufacturer defect or its just because im a beginger at star gazing the only thing i can see clearly is the moon can you give me some tips?
Hi! The most important thing is to check in with your local astronomy club. Keep practicing on the Moon, here is a program with about 100 lunar targets, see if you can spot them all: www.rasc.ca/sites/default/files/EtM_Telescope_V4_1.pdf
Hello, is there any difference between the OTA of starsense DX5/DX6 and the classic orange tube of C5/C6?
It depends. Some of the models are Hyperstar Compatible, you’ll have to compare the specs, but I’d say they’re most likely identical on paper.
Ed Ting says the mount is crud (not his exact words lol) and will be hard keeping it still. Whats your experience? I have ordered the dx6 - bigger/heavier but presumably has the same mount. Thanks
Slow motions are a bit loose, but the mount is typically for the price.
Is the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ worthy as a 1st ... I've watched a number of videos and would either prefer a refractor package or going all in with a SCT and spend a fortune on the dew devices and attachments ... I'd prefer computerized as an option but not integral ... again ... I've heard of their failures and have neither the time nor the resources to tolerate epic fails like they sometimes yield.
The 102 is a great first scope. Just upgrade the eyepiece to a 24mm Baader Hyperion and you’ll have a great setup.
Great video. What is the app you are using on your tablet to edit photos?
That’s all within the ASIair app (requires an ASIair device).
Do you use a polarizing filter for daytime Moon viewing or something or nothing else? I just bought one and am waiting for it to arrive.
No, not because I don’t have one, but because I always forget about it, haha.
is the color accuracy really like that or did you do some stuff so it looks like that 😅 9:58
I processed the image in the video. This is what the camera sees (remember, cameras are not human eyes).
Hmm I saw that the app failed to locate telescope location, was that just a quick error that fixed by itself?
I just purchased the newtonian one from B&H still need a chair though
Also I cant seem to ever get saturn I have to go outside right as the sun sets but even then still cant find the darn planet.
I think Saturn is too low these days, at least in the evening.
Congrats on the telescope!
hello, I love your videos. what asi camera do you recommend for lunar and planets
You need to choose the best camera for your specific purpose. Ideally, lunar and planets would be captured on different cameras. Lunar requires a large sensor while planets can utilize a small sensor and small pixels. Read through each product description here: astronomy-imaging-camera.com/product-category/planetary-cameras
I think you should really compare SSE to AstroHopper that solves the same problem.
I mean SSE is nice but the scope selection and bundling really limits. it.
I’m so much in doubt about buying dx5 or dx6, is there a big difference? I live in a darksky zone. But it would be hard for my wallet to buy the dx6.
The difference is that the DX6 collects over 30% more light and about 15% higher resolution. Whether that is really noticeable from dark skies is a bit subjective. I’d go with the DX5 for the portability, it’s really a great size.
I just bought the Starsense DX 5 and a solar filter to see the eclipse on April 8. I set it up and with the 25mm eye piece I can see the whole sun, but it pretty much takes up most of the field of view. I don't know if I'll be able to see the entire corona during totality.
Is that to be expected? Would a different eye piece help to see the corona?
You could try a 32mm eyepiece, but that scope has a naturally high focal length. And please don’t use it for the corona (which you need to remove the solar filter to see). If you hit C3 unexpectedly you could go blind.
@@LearnToStargaze Thanks for both pieces of advice! I'll try a new eyepiece and I definitely want to keep our eyes safe.
We'll have 4 minutes of totality - would it be safe to see the corona through the telescope for a short time (20 seconds or so) if it is well before C3, or is even viewing the corona just a bad idea? I'd have a timer set to alarm with 1 minute left in totality so that we'd put the filter back on well in advance.
@@kevinlynch-eq4bh For legal reasons, I can't say I recommend it, but it's your eyes, haha. Technically, the amount of sunlight that would hit each individual cell at the back of your eye decreases with the square of the focal ratio (multiplied by some constant). Since the focal ratio of that scope is really high, the worst case scenario may be less bad then looking at the sun without the telescope (but still bad).
Hi John! Would you recommend this or the StarSense DX130 for a first time purchase? At my retailer there is only a AU$200 difference in price and I would love to know your thoughts!
Hi! The DX5 is a more premium telescope, but if the 130 is $200 cheaper it then cost might be a consideration. I really like the DX5.
@@LearnToStargaze Thanks! I'm leaning towards the DX5 now, and I appreciate your input!
Hello John! Beginner here! Would you recommend this telescope to see more nebulas and galaxies? Debating to buy the DX6 inch due to its portability.
That would be a great choice. Note that the determining factor in observing galaxies and nebulae has very little to do with the telescope, and almost everything to do with how dark your skies are.
I see thank you! 🙂
What would you say is the best telescope for a beginner?
Price range of 300-500
See the chart on the homepage of LearnToStargaze.com
@@LearnToStargaze thank you! :)
may I ask, how did you connect the asi camera to your ipad/device that is controlling the camera
and how do you attach a asi camera to a 1.25" barlows?
A devise called an ASIair (or ASIair mini) connects the camera to the iPhone. The camera simply fits into the Barlow with the included adapters.
@@LearnToStargaze do you need some cable to connect the asiair to the asi camera?
Hello! I’m having trouble with the celestron star sense app being accurate finding objects. It’s way off and I calibrated it.
How did you calibrate it? Can you walk me through it?
I did exactly what you did on your video and when the app walks me through it. It just is off on the eye piece and on the laser light. Also my laser light is very faint and I also changed the battery. I’m kind of disappointed on this telescope. I’m probably going to have to return it. What telescope do you recommend for a good beginner telescope. I’m also trying out the sky watcher GTi 150p. I’m also going to try a Barlow 2x on these scopes
@@petelopez5826 I'm not sure what you mean by Laser light. How much is it off by? Have you tried using a distant street light for the alignment?
@@LearnToStargaze yes, but I got frustrated with it so I returned. I purchased the NexStar 127slt. I hope it’s better. Thanks for the replies
Have you tried the Celestron Nextar 127slt? If so, how do you like it?
I hear good things about it. That’s the Mak telescope, and Maks are a fantastic piece of engineering.
Can you show how to build
Step 1. You take it out of the box.
Step 2. You attach the telescope.
*... setting up these telescopes is easy...*
No it's not. But that's ok, that's why we have RUclips videos.
Edited to add: That thing is sick, my son is going to lose his mind. He won't want to come in, I'll save this because I have no experience with any of this whatsoever and this was a good introduction. I bought a 114mm tabletop version but that's already more than I know what to do with.
Hey John! Another question here. I've done a little bit of research and have seen that a few people modify their mounts to allow motorized tracking of objects, however no content about the dx5 model. With the pop science version of dx5, is there opportunity to change from manual tracking to automated?
You would just pop the scope off the mount it came on and place it on a tracking mount. I don’t see how you could possibly motorize the basic mount it came with.
@@LearnToStargaze So it IS possible to put the scope tube itself on an automated tracking mount? Is there one you recommend?
@@stephenmorales6940 Depends what you're using it for. If you ever plan on taking photos, you might try a small computerized mount like the ZWO AM3: www.highpointscientific.com/zwo-am3-harmonic-drive-equatorial-mount-am3
@@LearnToStargaze yes so with the starsense dx 5, the priority is planets at this point. Although the same should apply to any object viewed as the rotation would affect all. Is there a specific mount that I should get to transfer my starsense dx5 to automated tracking of planetary objects
What tabletop mount was that? Did it belong to a firstscope?
It was from a Z100. The firstscope does not have a dovetail adapter.
Can I use the explore scientific 82 degree 30mm 2” eyepiece in an Orion xt8?
Yes.
Ok, thank you
Would you be able to put a focal reducer on with the imaging camera to make it a wider field of view.
Yes, but another camera with a larger sensor would be far more effective. The sensor on the planetary camera is extremely small.
@@LearnToStargaze Thanks. Does the dovetail fit other mounts that you could set up longer shots with tracking? I have an 8” Orion SkyQuest and if I wanted to see the spiral arms of the whirlpool galaxy or the spikes of the cigar galaxy would a 10” or 12” be able to pick the out or only with electronic assisted?
@@fredaw61 Yes, the dovetail is standard, and will fit other mounts. Spiral arms are extended objects, so the size of the telescope doesn't matter nearly as much as the darkness of your sky. I saw the spiral arms clearly on Glacier Point at Yosemite in an 8 inch telescope.
@@LearnToStargaze thanks again. I was trying to see the Horsehead Nebula and was unable to so I went to see the Owl nebula and. Oils not see that. I wasn’t sure if more aperture would hep. If not I was thinking EAA being a possibility.
@@fredaw61 realistically EAA would require much more gear or a designated EAA scope like an eVscope or intelliscope. I do EAA all the time using my Sharpstar, but that’s about a $3500 setup. The horsehead is simply not a good target for visual astronomy. Better to stick with visual astronomy targets only until you’ve advanced in the hobby enough that you’re willing to spend quite a bit.
Would you recommend this or a Nexstar 6SE for a beginner. I'm in the SF Bay Area and stargaze looking West.
That’s a great scope. The NexSrar Evolution 6 would have a better mount and is easier to transport. www.celestron.com/products/nexstar-evolution-6-telescope
Make sure to make it to the Mount Diablo asteonomy nights (with the MDAS astronomy club).
@@LearnToStargaze thank you very much. I enjoy watching your videos, keep up the good work.
@@dyna94 Thanks so much!
Where i can find this app ? Which doing the editing
?
@@LearnToStargaze8:50 the application on which you doing the editing process
How would you compare the deep sky observing on this to a 100/120mm refractor?
You mean a 1200mm focal length refractor?
Sorry I meant a 100/120mm aperture, sub 1000mm focal length, e.g 120mm A, 600mm FL
@@davidt5534 Those are called "short tube refractors" and they're a great telescope for dark skies. However, they have chromatic aberration on bright objects, particularly the Moon and Planets. The DX5 is an SCT, so it won't have chromatic aberration. It also has an aperture advantage over the refractor, so resolution will be greater. The SCT is also extremely portable.
Thanks for the advice, I'm going to get the SCT as that does seem the all-round best. But I might look into a short tube refractor sometime in the future, as I do like look the of the Skywatcher skytravel you reviewed a while back
Im a beginner star gazer and i have this same telescope…but i have a problem viewing planets… all i can see on the telescope is a speck of light just like viewing with your naked eye…the only thing that i could see clearly on the telescope is the moon..the rest are just speck of light… tried all the eyepiece 25mm 10mm and 5mm it is still same spec of light….What do i need to do to be able to see just like in the vid? Do I have to be in a place where no light pollution so that i will be all dark?? Or there is a problem with my telescope?
How clearly could you see the Moon? We’re the craters super sharp? Sounds like your focus is off.
@@LearnToStargaze not that sharp ..but i tried the knob to focus and unfocus ..it still not that sharp but i could see the details(crater) of the moon ..tried the 10mm and i cant see any crater…
When i try to see the jupiter earlier it still same speck of light..from my view it looks like when you focus a light on a magnifying glass
@@devoid418 you might want to visit your local astronomy club. You should easily see 100’s of craters with that scope using either eyepiece. (In fact all of the clips from my latest RUclips short were taken with this telescope). Have you tried using it during the day, pointing it at distant objects? Both eyepieces should bring in sharp images of anything over about 300 feet away.
Thanks for this vid, John! I appreciate all the insight you give us begginers with your channel. How would you stack the DX 5 against the new Starsense Dobsonian 8''? I recently returned a starsense LT 114 to upgrade for something that produces clearer/sharper views, but I'm still undecided between the Dob 8 and the DX 5? What would you suggest? Any recommendations outside Celestron? Thanks!
It really depends on how you stargaze. If you travel with the telescope, or have stairs to your yard, the Dobsonian is a hinderance. If it’s in your garage, and you just roll it out, it’s great.
@@LearnToStargaze Thanks! It’s just a straight shot to my backyard. I’m just curious because the Dob 8 obviously has a substantially more magnification, but how does that really translate to clear images? I prefer to have slight less magnification if it means clear/crisp images. I’m leaning towards the Dob, but it has a f/5.9 and the DX5 has a f/10. Still learning the nuances
@@wresteban focal length is for the most part irrelevant for visual observation, it basically determines which eyepiece you’ll use to reach a given magnification. Aperture is everything. The area of the mirror on the Dob is 2.5 times that of the SCT, and its resolution will be substantially better as well.
@@LearnToStargaze john you’re da man! Thanks for your help! I think I’ll go with the Dob
Dob 8 is always better, if you don't have issues with the space and mobility
StarSense Explorer DX 5" or StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ. Which one do you recommended?
The DX5, though you may want to buy a second telescope, a 102mm refractor (these will fit on the same Starsense mount) for wider field targets since the DX5 has quite a high focal length. Depending on what you’re looking at, there is a “right” tool for the job.
@@LearnToStargaze Thank you for your advice! I am going for DX5~ but NexStar 5SE keeps in my head~ This is my first telescope for planet view. Any 2inch eye piece recommended brand? that carbon fiber diagonal mirror looks very cool sir~
@@jamessong5838 For that scope, I would just get a 24mm Baader Hyperion eyepiece. These fit both 2 inch and 1.25 inch diagonals.
@@LearnToStargaze Thank you very much! DX5 with Baader!
how much this cost because i might buy this
Depends on where you’re buying it from. It should be under $600 in the USA, although some sellers are marking it up due to limited supply.
Have you had any problems getting the starsense app to work? For the 4th night in a row it keeps failing for me and getting stuck in a loop of 'StarSense Failing To Locate Telescope'
I’ve never had a problem. Can you clearly see the sky in the reflected image on the screen during the setup process?
@@LearnToStargaze yeah it looks clear and a good reflection of the sky I see. I can see a large number of stars, Orion and Mars are both very clear and easy to see, so I usually use them to align.
It seems to automatically move the cross hair to the star I'm pointing at, and I just have to zoom in to get it more exact.
I'll have another try next clear night and if it's still not working I'll contact tech support.
Loving the scope though, my 5 year old son and I had our first good looking at the moon through it today, incredible views.
@@davidt5534 yes, the optics on the scope are wonderful.
Hey David, I had the same issue. First time, it worked, by guiding me to my targets(Saturn for instance). Then subsequently failed 4times, with the same error message as you. I ended up using the fonderscope. Using a pixel7pro...
do you recommend the Celestron nexstar 5se for planetary imaging
Yes, that would be a good scope for planetary imaging, the wider the aperture the better thought, since aperture determines resolution. I’ve seen amazing images with the 8se.
Thank you for your quick response Iam looking to purchase your book 110 things to see with your telescope.
@@markman8813 thanks!
Hi, What planetary camera did you use?
Hi! This was the ASI224MC
Thank you. I new to stargaze. @@LearnToStargaze
Thanks. Is that an app on ipad for photo/stacking?
ASIair
@@LearnToStargaze Thanks. Have a dx 6 on order. My first ever telescope 😃 And ordered a couple of your books
@@wenlambotomy6231 awesome!!! Enjoy the books!
I have a 10" dob and don't see the orion nebula like that , I'm jealous :P
The view of the Orion Nebula is mostly dependent on the darkness of your skies.
Is there a good app that I can use to help me find stars planets etc?
Stellarium
I did try the the Stellarium app, which is pretty good, but the tracking is not that great. I ended up using the SkEye app, manually aligning on the first star/planet, and you are set for the rest of the stars/planets, and it is about 70% spot on to the star you want to find. The only thing you need is to come up with a way to mount your phone on the telescope with the camera pointed to the night sky. I did a 3D print DIY phone mount with the recycled part from the old selfy stick, and attached it to the vixen dovetail mount. Hope this help.
@@ANg-yz1zl ahh, if you want an app to help direct the telescope itself to planets (a Starsense alternative) try this website: artyom-beilis.github.io/astrohopper.html
Thank you all for the help. I am 34 and just getting into astronomy my daughter is fascinated with space and I dont wanna look silly when we start looking at stars. This is the most helpful youtube community
Are you still using the DX 5 as much?
A fair bit. We just used it in the eyepiece video. Weather has not been great here, fires and floods haven’t helped either.
@@LearnToStargaze oh I know. Here in Western NY it has destroyed a lot of clear nights for transparency.
I was looking at the new Celestron StarSense E 12” Dobsonian and dreaming I could afford it before this 62 year old body gives out. Lol. Medical expenses have just whipped out any cash.
Im going to probably go to War with Celestron tech support. A week ago, I got my new brand new Starsense Explorer LT114, t telescope is fine. But, the app is not. After downloading the app, the unlock code is invalid, and does not unlock the app. This is a brand new product. Rather disappointing.
Yeah, I hear that happens sometimes.
@@LearnToStargaze I can see if it was used or something like that. But to ship out a brand new telescope with an invalid code is just poor quality control. I'll of course call them if I have to, I' ve already filled out several tech support tickets. One was filled out several days ago. Nothing yet. Follow up with a phone call on Tuesday morning. I won't be a very popular person, but lol, that's too bad.
@@duchessstudioband7896 I mean, it might be worth returning the scope. If you're this passionate about astronomy, you'll grow out of that telescope really quick. A used 6 inch dobsonian would be far more rewarding, and provide 10x better views. You can use an app like astro hopper instead of starsense for finding targets (or just use a book like 110 things to see with a telescope).
@@LearnToStargaze lol. I'd love the opportunity to out grow it first. I work graveyard shift job, opportunities to use a telescope are limited.
hello, I was wondering how you generated the simulated eyepiece view @ 7:39. is it through a tool online/software?
That’s just a picture I took earlier.
Best of starsense? Have you tried the 10"?
I have it on a 12. The point is you can fit this one in a backpack so you’ll use it more than the Dobsonians
I was planning to buy this telescope for the past 6 months, but the $600 price tag is kinda hard to swallow. So, just window shopping on RUclips. LOL
Next year it might be $800 with the way prices are going. It’s a great telescope, I think it’s worth $600 because of how versatile it is.
@@LearnToStargaze The News already mention the 10-20% increase in prices for an electronic product, so I am not going to be surprised about the prices increase again (politic ~ business). I am still good with my old 130mm reflector tablet-top telescope, but no StarSense. I did a 3D print DIY phone mount with the recycled part from the old selfy stick, attach it to the vixen dovetail mount, and used the SkEye app as a guide. It is not accurate but it is doable I guess. Lastly, I do enjoy your telescope review and comparison (maybe a few mins explaining/picturing more would be great). Not sure you going to post another video soon, so Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Would you recommend this over a 8 inch dob?
They are very different! I like that I can throw this in a backpack. The Dob collects over 2.5 percent more light and has higher resolution, but is hard to move around.