Celestron NexStar 8 SE 8"/203mm Catadioptric Telescope Kit
Featuring Schmidt-Cassegrain optics, the Celestron NexStar 8 SE is an ideal telescope for observing and photographing celestial subjects. With a weight of just 33 lb (15 kg) including the tripod, the portable 8 SE features a precision optical system with 2032mm focal length at ƒ10, and provides 78% more light gathering than a 6" model.
- StarBright XLT high transmission coatings
- SkyAlign allows alignment on any three bright celestial objects, making for a rapid, efficient alignment process. It then functions as a 'go-to' system accepting commands through the handset and pointing the optical assembly toward any one of nearly 40,000 objects stored in its database. Using the (optional) CN-16 GPS accessory connection and an external GPS (not included), alignment is entirely automatic.
- NexRemote telescope control software and RS-232 cable included for advanced control of the telescope with a PC
- StarPointer finderscope helps with alignment and locating objects
- Flash-upgradeable hand control software and motor control units by way of downloadable updates
- Robust, computerized altazimuth mount
- Star Diagonal internal flip mirror for straight or 90-degree viewing angle. May also be used to rapidly switch from the eyepiece to a camera without disturbing telescope alignment
- Exceptionally sturdy steel tripod for long service and rapier-sharp astrophotography
| Optical Design | Schmidt-Cassegrain reflector |
| Optical Lens Diameter | 7.99" (203mm) |
| Focal Length | 80" (2032mm) |
| Focal Ratio | ƒ10.0 |
| Maximum Useful Magnification | 480x |
| Resolving Power | 0.57 |
| Optical Tube Dimensions | 17" (432mm) in Length |
| Mount Type | Computerized Altazimuth |
| Eyepiece Barrel Diameter | 1.25" |
| Finderscope | StarPointer |
| Tripod | Steel, with accessory tray |
| Motor | Yes |
| GO-TO Capability | Yes |
| PC Compatible | Yes- RS232 port on hand control |
| Power Source | 8-AA batteries (not included) |
| Weight | 33 lb (15 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
80%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Accurate (5)
- Compact (3)
- Quality lenses (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Astronomy (6)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual/ recreational (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (3)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 6 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
- Accurate go-to feature
- Easy to set up
- Nice fit and finish
- Portable
- Quality Optics
Cons
- Slight vibration-high mag
Best Uses
- Astronomy
- Solar with filter
Comments about Celestron NexStar 8 SE 8.0"/203mm Catadioptric Telescope Kit:
I have been involved in astronomy for some 30 years and have found if you want a nice aperture scope you usually sacrifice portability. Not so with the Nexstar 8 SE. The entire three piece setup - OTA, Forkarm,and Tripod- weighs only 33 pounds when assembled. Not only is it quick and easy to set up you are also treated to Celestron's legendary optics - second to none. The Go-To feature is awesome - you can now spend your evening viewing Deep Sky objects instead of searching for them! Also, I really like the retro orange finish on the OTA Celestron is now using - like their original scopes from the '80's that I remember.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Accurate
- Compact
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Astronomy
- Terrestrial
Comments about Celestron NexStar 8 SE 8.0"/203mm Catadioptric Telescope Kit:
From the first moment I looked through this scope, the detail and quality is breath taking.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Accurate
- Compact
Cons
- Difficult To Focus
- Unstable
Best Uses
- Astronomy
Comments about Celestron NexStar 8 SE 8.0"/203mm Catadioptric Telescope Kit:
Very good optical quality, nice tripod, easy to use alignment system, and nice goto capability.
The only real issue for me is the sturdiness of the fork mount with a 8" SCT. It is not stiff enough and any significant wind messes up the view. It is also difficult to focus because of the blurring. The eyepiece that it comes with is low quality.
Pros
- Accurate
- Compact
Cons
- Difficult To Focus
- Unstable
Best Uses
- Astronomy
Comments about Celestron NexStar 8 SE 8.0"/203mm Catadioptric Telescope Kit:
Very nice optical quality on this scope. The tripod is stable and the goto system is easy to use. It performs nicely for the price you pay.
On the delta side, the fork arm is not stiff enough to rigidly support an 8" SCT. The eyepiece is comes with is low quality. The biggest problem for me is vibration while focusing, due to the fork arm.
Overall, a nice product that I would recommend to others.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Accurate
- Quality Lenses
Cons
- Parts Quality
- Strong Construction
Best Uses
- Astronomy
Comments about Celestron NexStar 8 SE 8.0"/203mm Catadioptric Telescope Kit:
This product is [*] I have a lot of problems with the arm mechanism, it have poor quality components inside. And it easy to be damage by cold weather conditions for example. read some reviews on internet if you have doubts. Look for: Celestron No response 16, on internet and you will find what I am talking about.
Pros
- Accurate
- Comfortable Eyepiece
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Astronomy
Comments about Celestron NexStar 8 SE 8.0"/203mm Catadioptric Telescope Kit:
Very good optics, Saturn and Jupiter the first night out looked great. Go to system works very well and alignments are easy.
Displaying reviews 1-6
- Instruction Manual (PDF 78.3kb)
- Instruction Manual (PDF 3.4mb)
- Quick Set-up Guide (PDF 1.5mb)
Batteries
Required item:
- Price: $0.59
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- Original: $24.95
- Save: $2.49
- Price: $22.46
Cases
- Price: $299.00
Eyepieces and Barlow Lenses
- Price: $104.94
Cleaning and Anti Fog
- Price: $7.95
-
- Original: $4.99
- Save: $0.50
- Price: $4.49
Power Supplies
- Price: $17.89
Books & Tutorials
- Price: $24.95
What's in the Box
- Optical Tube Assembly
- E-Lux 25.0mm 1.25" Eyepiece
- Star Pointer Finderscope
- Visual Back (1.25")
- Star Diagonal - 1.25"
- Computerized Altazimuth Mount with Handset
- Tripod with Accessory Tray
- The Sky CD-ROM Software for Windows
- NexRemote Control Software CD
- RS-232 to Serial Port Cable - for GPS 16 Accessory
- 2-Year Warranty
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