The Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerised Telescope has Celestron's signature orange-tube and combines advanced features and excellent optics in one easy-to-use system. It is the perfect choice for your first serious telescope, offering striking views at an economical price.
The NexStar 8SE's 8-inch primary mirror packs enough light-gathering ability to observe the best that the solar system has to offer: Saturn’s rings, the cloud bands on Jupiter, and geographic features on the surface of the Moon. When it comes to deep sky objects, take your 8SE to a dark-sky site, and you will see hundreds of pinpoint stars in the Hercules Globular Cluster, the spiral arms of the Whirlpool Galaxy, and more.
We know the best telescope is the one you will use most often. That is why Celestron's engineers created NexStar SE's unique, patented single fork arm mount. It is perfectly portable and makes setup quick and easy. What is more, the NexStar SE breaks down into several lightweight and compact pieces, making it easy to transport, even in small vehicles. You will have no problem getting the NexStar SE to your favourite observing site, or setting it up quickly in your backyard.
Of course, it is what is inside the mount that really counts. Sturdy construction from high-quality components give NexStar SE the pointing and tracking accuracy needed to observe and follow your favourite targets with push-button ease. Use the included NexStar+ hand control to locate over 40,000 celestial objects, or take a Sky Tour and let your telescope show you the best objects currently visible.
Aligning your telescope is simple and painless thanks to SkyAlign. This process makes alignment easy: just centre three bright objects in your eyepiece and press ALIGN. For even easier alignment, attach our StarSense AutoAlign and your NexStar SE aligns itself.
The NexStar SE is compatible with all the high-tech accessories advanced users love. Provide GPS coordinates to your telescope with SkySync. If you are interested in astroimaging, the NexStar SE is Fastar-compatible for ultra-fast, wide field imaging. For planetary imaging, there is no better choice than a NexStar 8SE paired with a Skyris camera. From your first observing session and for years to come, the NexStar SE is your trusted companion.
Features
- Celestron's iconic orange tube design is updated with all the latest features to provide the best stargazing experience for beginners and experienced observers alike.
- 8 inch aperture provides excellent light-gathering ability at an affordable price. You will get impressive views of the Moon and planets, along with deep sky objects like the Orion Nebula, while retaining a compact form factor.
- Fully automated GoTo mount with database of 40,000+ celestial objects automatically locates and tracks objects for you.
- SkyAlign technology gets your telescope aligned and ready to observe in minutes. Even if you are unfamiliar with the night sky, you can easily align your telescope on any three bright objects.
- Unique single fork arm design and sturdy steel tripod all break down into separate components for easy transport and quick assembly.
Technical Specifications
Optical Design: Schmidt-Cassegrain
Aperture: 203.2mm
Focal Length: 2032mm
Focal Ratio: f/10
Focal Length of Eyepiece 1: 25mm
Magnification of Eyepiece 1: 81x
Finderscope Star Pointer: red dot finderscope
Star Diagonal: 1.25" Star Diagonal
Highest Useful Magnification: 480x
Lowest Useful Magnification: 29x
Limiting Stellar Magnitude: 14
Resolution (Rayleigh): 0.69 arc seconds
Resolution (Dawes): 0.57 arc seconds
Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye): 843x
Secondary Mirror Obstruction: 64mm (2.5")
Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Diameter: 31%
Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Area: 9.77%
Optical Coatings: Starbright XLT
Optical Tube Length: 432mm (17")
Optical Tube Diameter: 232mm (9.1")
Optical Tube Weight: 12 lbs (5.4 kg)
Dovetail: CG-5 Dovetail bar
Mount Type: Computerised Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm
Instrument load capacity: 12 lbs (5.44 kg)
Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod): 965.2mm - 1422.4mm (38" - 56")
Tripod leg diameter: 50.8mm (2") Stainless Steel
Mount Head Weight: 11 lbs (5 kg)
Accessory Tray: Yes
Tripod Weight: 9 lbs (4.08 kg)
Slew Speeds: 9 slew speeds - max speed 5°/second
Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Solar and Lunar
Tracking Modes: Alt-Az, EQ North & EQ South
GPS: N/A
Dovetail Compatibility: CG-5 dovetail
Number of Auxiliary ports: 1x Aux port
Autoguide port: Yes
USB port: Yes,
Hand Control input
Power Requirements: 8-AA batteries (not included) | 12 VDC-750 mA (Tip positive)
Motor Drive: DC serve motors
Alignment Procedures: SkyAlign, 1-Star Align, 2-Star Align, Auto 2-Star Align, Solar System Align, EQ North / EQ South Alignment (EQ align requires an equatorial wedge)
Periodic Error Correction: No
Computerised Hand Control: Double line, 18 character Liquid Crystal Display with 19 fibre optic backlit LED buttons
NexStar+ Database 40,000 objects, 200 user defined programmable objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects
Software: Celestron's Starry Night Special Edition Software, SkyPortal App
Total Kit Weight: 24 lbs (10.88 kg)
Included Items:
Optical tube
Single Fork Arm Mount and Tripod
Accessory Tray
Star Pointer Finderscope
NexStar+ Hand Control
25mm eyepiece
Star Diagonal
