The Celestron NexStar 8 SE telescope is the ultimate computerized telescope. With an 8-inch aperture, this scope provides sharp clear images of any visible celestial bodies. This scope is the ideal in-between from beginner level to intermediate-advanced level. It is a piece that enables anyone to learn as much as possible about stars and planets. Sporting the classic orange Celestron optical tube, the Celestron NexStar 8 SE telescope is a big step for all astronomy enthusiasts. This Celestron NexStar 8 SE review will inform you about the most important features of this great telescope.
What Is the Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope?
Celestron NexStar 8 SE is an 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope that comes with a database of more than 40.000 celestial bodies. This telescope is an amazing combination between a classical telescope and a brand new astronomy software. With this remarkable Celestron NexStar telescope, the stars are only one button away. All you have to do is to input you data (time, location, and date), and you will be ready to start your wonderful adventure in the world of stars and planets.
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The piece and all its accessories will come in a 48.5 pounds box. The best part is that even a beginner astronomer can mount the piece and make it ready for observation in a matter of minutes. No screws, bolts, or any other tools are necessary while mounting this piece. Instead, you will need 8 AA batteries to start the scope. You will have to purchase them. Then, after the initial setup is done, you can plug your Celestron NexStar 8 SE to a power source. There will be no need to buy so many batteries each and every time you want to explore.
Before starting your celestial observation, the telescope’s software will require some information such as date, time, and location. The software will align the piece, and then locate all the nearby celestial objects. In time, to avoid the hassle of having to input data each and every time you want to use your scope, you can purchase a GPS accessory that will automatically insert all the data into your computer’s software.
In the box, you will also find a StarPointer finderscope. This small plastic piece is a must when it comes to aligning and then using your telescope. Mount the 25mm eyepiece included in the pack, and you are ready to start your stargazing session. As the scope only comes with one eyepiece, you will have to purchase some additional eyepieces for better observation and higher magnification.
Celestron NexStar 8 SE is the scope to purchase if you want to learn more about space, planets, and stars in an easy and entertaining way. You can also use the Celestron NexStar 8 SE telescope if you want to refine your research in the field of astronomy.
Product Information
| Dimensions | Weight | Batteries | Aperture | Focal Length | Software |
| 42 x 23.7 x 13 inches | 16 lbs. | 8 AA batteries needed | 8-inch (203.2mm) | 80-inch (2032mm) | NexRemote telescope control software and Sky Level 1 Astronomy Software |
Pros & Cons to Using the Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope
Pros
- The scope comes with a metal tripod, making the telescope quite stable. Still, if you want to use it on a windy day, you will need to find something to balance it.
- Easy to mount and to use – you can use this scope immediately after opening the box. Anyone can mount it in a couple of minutes.
- Excellent optics – the scope comes with some excellent optics, even though we would’ve expected at least two eyepieces in the pack.
- Great software – the software is the best part of this piece. You can upgrade it whenever you want, and it really takes that percent of guessing work that is usually included in normal stargazing.
Cons
- Eyepiece – the scope comes with a single eyepiece. While this eyepiece is very good, having just one means you will have to purchase some additional eyepieces at some point.
- Battery eater – this scope needs a lot of power. This can be a huge con if your observation point is on the top of a hill where you cannot park. You will always need a power source while using this scope.
- Alignment – If you live in a light polluted area, you will find it difficult to align this telescope.
- Size – The scope is pretty big, so it takes up a lot of space.
Where to Find the Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope
One of the best places where you can buy the Celestron NexStar 8 SE telescope is Amazon. The standard price there will vary depending on the seller and on whether you want to buy it new or used. Still, there are some discounts that may apply to the original price, so you may want to follow the price’s fluctuation.
When it comes to this type of telescope, we strongly insist that you buy a new telescope from a trustworthy place, be that a shop or a website. Being a rather fragile piece, you may want to invest a bit more and have your brand new telescope from a renown provider. The Celestron NexStar 8 SE is not a department store, cheap scope, so you may want to be extra careful when purchasing it.
Telescope Performance
The Celestron Nexstar 8 SE has only one 25mm eyepiece. You will surely want to purchase some extra high and low power eyepieces to enjoy the great optics of the Celestron Nexstar 8 SE to the fullest.
For instance, with an 11mm eyepiece (200x magnification), you will be able to perfectly see Saturn’s rings and the famous Cassini Division. The Great Red Spot of Jupiter will also be visible. An eyepiece that offers 100x magnification will enable you to view the galaxies and star clusters. You can use a low power eyepiece to admire the Orion Nebula or the Andromeda Galaxy. The telescope control software is great for alignment and locating objects.
With aperture modes of over 200mm, the Celestron Nexstar 8 SE telescope guarantees sharp and bright images, keeping stargazing interesting. It is perfect for camping in the summer!
Extra Info
Maintenance Advice
Maintenance is rather regular. Nothing special when it comes to cleaning this telescope. Take care of your optics and clean them only when necessary. If dust covers the optics, remove it with a specialized brush (made of camel’s hair) or with pressurized air.
Do not use industrial cleaning solutions, as these may contain alcohol or other substances that may destroy the lens. Apply some optical cleaning solution on a very soft piece of cloth, and remove any debris left from center to the outer portion. DO NOT RUB IN CIRCLES!
Minimize the risk of contamination, and thus the need to clean your scope, by applying the lens covers as soon as you are done using the Celestron NexStar 8 SE telescope. This telescope will need to be collimated once in a while. You can find all the information about collimation either in the telescope’s manual or online.
Telescope Accessories
The Celestron NexStar 8 SE telescope comes with a quite stable metal tripod and a plastic accessory tray where you can store all your eyepieces. The pack also includes one 25mm eyepiece with an 81x magnification and a standard StarPointer finderscope. The Celestron NexStar 8 SE telescope also comes with a CD with the Sky Level 1 astronomy software that includes a remarkable object database, printable sky maps, and enhanced images.
Warranty and Guarantee Information
Like the majority of Celestron’s telescopes, this scope carries a two-year warranty. If the product ceases to work, do not try to repair it by yourself. In doing so, you will lose all warranty benefits. The warranty won’t cover a product that has been modified, abused, mishandled, or repaired by unauthorized personnel. For more details and information on this model, check out Celestron’s website.
Our Recommendation
One of the best telescopes currently existing on the market, the Celestron NexStar 8 SE telescope is the ultimate beginner’s telescope. Using this scope is like passing the line between beginner level and intermediate. This piece will help you learn more about space and celestial objects, and will definitely make you passionate about astronomy. Click here to purchase the Celestron NexStar 8 SE telescope and start exploring today!
If you’ve ever used the Celestron NexStar 8 SE telescope, and you want to tell us about your experience, you can do so down below.
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