Home > Consumer Reviews > Celestron Nexstar 11 GPS Telescope (Telescope Only)

This scope is worth every penny. It's now been out for a while so all of the "bugs" in the first ones have been fixed (and there were very few issues even with the first N11 models). The scope is incredibly easy to set up with a genuine "can't miss" alignment procedure that only a moron could screw up. Once aligned (it takes no more than a minute or two) the scope will find every object you ask it to find. Not only will it find the stuff (and it finds EVERYthing) but it will put them right in the middle of the eyepiece just about every time. I can use an 8mm Meade Ultra Wide and the scope still puts everything in the middle of the eyepiece - - incredible. In addition, the tracking is fantastic. You can go to an object, view it for a while . . . go away for hours and when you come back it's still there - - right in the middle of the eyepiece.

The optics are great too. To beat this scope you would have to make a huge investment. I comparison shopped this scope and the equivalent Meade scopes and came to the conclusion that this was the hands down winner (and I was a dedicated Meade user before buying this instrument). It's one of the most satisfying purchases I have ever made.

I haven't used this or any scope for astrophotography, but it's tailor made for that kind of application as well.

It's only drawback is the obvious one - - it's big, heavy and not a lot of fun to cart around. That's not a knock on the scope - - it would be an issue for any large scope of any design. Despite it's size and weight I find it comfortable to transport to dark sky sites and fairly easy to set up. If you're used to little 5" SCTs this will be a big change, but once you look through the thing you will gladly endure the minor workout that comes with lifting and moving the scope.

I highly recommend getting the JMI case that fits this scope - - another worthwhile investment. You should also consider investing in a high quality 2" star diagonal and a set of very good 2" eyepieces for the instrument as well (i.e. Meade Ultra Wides or Naglers). The big eyepieces through this scope are like going on a spacewalk.

If you're new to GoTo astronomy I might save you some grief with this scope. When you set up on the two alignment stars after the GPS has found North, you will find the stars to be quite a way off the eyepiece. Don't worry about this, just align to the correct star (this will need quite a bit of scope movement) and all will be o.k. You will find that when you type in your Messier or NGC object, it will now appear right in the middle of the eyepiece. Totally amazing! I've always had astronomy as a hobby, but try as hard as I could I never found the vast majority of Messier objects with my binoculars. With the Nexstar 11 all I had to do was type in the number and it found it immediately. The first time I used this scope I found 27 of the 34 objects listed on one of the pages in Norton's in one observing session. This was the most amazing hour's observing I have ever had. Don't have any worries about buying this scope, it will fulfil your dreams.

All of the hype about this scope is on the money. Go To accuracy is amazing. Two star alignment is a breeze and once aligned the scope will find and track any object in the sky all night long. It's heavy, but still very portable. When "fully loaded" (i.e. 2" star diagonal, Nagler eyepieces, etc.) this instrument is even more amazing. It's easier to set up and use than its Meade equivalent in my view. The Meade and Celestron optics are about the same, but this is a better value and its slightly cheaper than the Meade product. Quieter than Meade too. Some folks have complainted about the tripod, but I find it perfectly sturdy and see no need to upgrade.

For the past 15 years I have used more telescopes than I can possibly remember. During the same period of time, I have only "owned" one brand; CELESTRON.

The optics are sometimes a toss up with other manufacturers but one thing always brings me back to purchase and that "one thing" is the steadiness & quality in CELESTRON products. They offer the best mounts, drives & tripods in business.

Their Nexstar G11 is a telescope designed with excellent optics and a "Go To" system that would satisfy even the most demanding astronomy enthusiast.

This system allows the operator the most "visual time" of any significant object due to the accuracy of its GPS system.

When you ask for a specific object the telescope responds with stunning accuracy. CCD imaging is a pleasure with this instrument.

I want to thank all of those who had a part in the design and production of this "state of the art" instrument. The performance of this telescope will not be rivaled for some time. But when this finally occurs, CELESTRON will have moved forward several steps. I can not imagine what lies ahead for what I consider the best telescope manufacturer on this planet.
mja

be careful...the title says telescope only---even tho the product specifications indicates there is a tripod included, there isnt. I was even assured it came with a tripod before i placed my order....just "not the deluxe tripod". so count on having to buy a tripod unless you already have one.

Easy to set up, and great views - really high quality for the money...

------wishing you clear skys-------