Sale Price:
$1,299.98
The largest of the NexStar SE family with 78% more light gathering than a 6-inch model, the NexStar 8 SE will enable you to see deep into the universe. The distinctive patented fork arm with ergonomically designed integrated hand control cradle gives solid support to Celestron’s classic 8-inch optics. The NexStar 8 SE features Schmidt-Cassegrain 8-inch aperture optics with our premium StarBright XLT coatings and a powerful 2,032mm focal length and f/10 focal ratio.
The NexStar 8 SE has all the same features as Celestron’s most advanced computerized GoTo telescopes, including our revolutionary SkyAlign™ alignment technology, a sky tour feature, a database of over 40,000 celestial objects and easy to use hand control.
The universe may be full of mysteries, but using the NexStar 8 SE isn’t one of them.
In the tradition of Celestron's famous orange optical tubes, the new NexStar SE family combines the classic heritage of the original orange tube telescopes with state-of-the-art features including a fully computerized operating system, flash-upgradable hand control, our superior StarBright XLT coatings, our revolutionary SkyAlign™ telescope-alignment software, and much more.
Whether you are a seasoned astronomer looking for a portable scope with advanced features, or just starting your astronomy adventure and looking for an easy way to enjoy the night sky, a NexStar SE will help you take a closer look.
Every NexStar SE includes a version of The Sky® software Level 1 Planetarium software for exploring the Universe on your PC and printing out custom star charts of the sky. In addition, you receive our NexRemote software that allows you to operate your telescope via your PC. Software package valued at over $100 included free with your NexStar SE!
General Features:
Computerized GoTo Telescope
Recommended Usage
Viewing Galaxies/Star Clusters , Viewing Nebulae
Features
Alt-Az Mount , GoTo
Brand
Celestron
Finderscope
StarPointer
Lens Coating
StarBright XLT
GPS
No
GoTo
Yes
Good for Astrophotography
Yes
Telescopes Series
Celestron NexStar SE Telescopes
Optical Design
Schmidt-Cassegrain
Aperture
203mm
Focal Length
2032mm
Focal Ratio
f/10
Mount Design
Single Fork Arm-Altazimuth
Eyepiece 1
25mm (81.28x)
Highest Useful Magnification
480x
Limiting Magnitude
14
Resolution
.68 Arc Seconds
Resolving Power
.57 Arc Seconds
Star Diagonal
1.25 Inches
Model Type
1.25 Inch Eyepiece and Filters
User Level
For the Beginner , For the Enthusiast
Object Database
40000 objects
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 128 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
97%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
The Total Astronomical Package!!!
I'm finally able to see everything the sky has to offer. The telescope is great. It large aperture draws in every light source possible. This allows me to see even the faintest sky objects...Read complete review
I'm finally able to see everything the sky has to offer. The telescope is great. It large aperture draws in every light source possible. This allows me to see even the faintest sky objects. Although it isn't a spectacular sight, I found Pluto, which is a magnitude 14!!! I had to go to a very dark sight to see Pluto. The only real problem with the telescope is the tripod. It feels a bit weak and is difficult to level. If the tripod was more heavy and sturdy, it would really benefit easier viewing. The leveling bubble included with the telescope is worthless. I went to a local hardware store and bought a small bubble level that is larger and easier to use. This powerful telescope combined with the UHC/LPR filter, makes almost everything jump out. I've been in my front yard, surrounded by street lamps, and the faintest objects are still visible. The filter is a necessity for any telescope. It makes viewing more objects possible. The eyepiece and filter kit is very versatile. It compliments the telescope nicely. The large range of of the eyepieces makes viewing deep sky objects great. I've not used the highest power eyepieces yet. The kit comes with a barlow, which makes the highest power eyepieces unnecessary. The filters are great and of good quality. There is lots of unused space it the eyepiece case. I've put one more eyepiece, the diagonal included with the telescope, and the UHC filter, in the case and there is still room. It is well padded and has a very strong shell. The Celestron power tank is a life saver. Plug your telescope into it and you hours of viewing time. The red flashlight makes quick searches easy and doesn't affect night vision. The large flashlight makes moving to and from your viewing sight a cinch. Also included in this kit is a power cord to plug into an outlet. I feel this accessory is really unncecessary. I've never used it for in the 3 weeks I've had the telescope. The powertank is really all that is necessary to use the telescope. Either way, you have ample power for the scope. It's a great combination of accessories and highly recommended for any amateur astronomer. I'm very pleased.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Pretty good 'scope set, with drawbacks
I received delivery after about a week or two. I am still waiting for the power pack. The scope came carefully packed and delivered sound and intact. Setting up was easy, but 3-...Read complete review
I received delivery after about a week or two. I am still waiting for the power pack. The scope came carefully packed and delivered sound and intact. Setting up was easy, but 3-star alignment was hit or miss. A couple of times I got the 'alignment failed' message.
I was pleasantly surprised that I got the latest Nexstar+ handset, not the older one that had issues about cold weather. This wasn't advertised and caused me unnecessary grief.
Viewing the full moon was a big enjoyment. Nothing beats really seeing these celestial bodies for real, not on some screen. However, I wasn't able to see much cloud striping on Jupiter, or the Cassini rings on Saturn -- which by the way is in optimum viewing position these days (April-May 2013). This could be due to my eyesight, which is not perfect.
The UHC filter seemed useless blocking and dimming stars, as well as the colored filters -- at least so far. The extra lenses have a well-built feel to them and seem to have fairly good optics.
Motor noise level isn't bad. I don't know what some people are complaining about there. But the action jerks a little at times.
Still having difficulty aligning and tracking. Objects move off the view rather quickly but I'm just a beginner and maybe later I'll have better results with experience.
Also, I can't connect to my computer. They give you a near useless 1990's RSR-232 serial connector for old computers. Even when I tried to connect on an older computer, it didn't work. I even tried to download the latest NexStar software. Maybe eventually, with a USB adaptpter and some improved software it will work someday.
Reviewed by 128 customers
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope Bundle:
Great product! Easy to set up and use!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope Bundle:
Shipped very quickly and in perfect condition. After unpacking everything, it took me about 10 minutes to assemble. I had read the setup instructions and watched the assembly video online while I was waiting for the shipment to arrive, so I was already familiar with the setup procedures.
First night out I only had limited time to use the telescope. First target was the Moon. Amazing clarity! I could see details like I had never imagined I could see. focusing was straight forward, and the scope held the position of the moon as if the moon was not moving across the sky.
Saturn was my next target. I was blown away at how much detail I could see. I could even the the moons and the shadow of a moon on Saturn's surface. My seeing was cut short by clouds moving in, and since the first night, it has been cloudy for a solid week now. Bummer.
Aligning the Telescope takes some practice, but I think I will get the hang of it pretty soon.
The lens kit and filters seem to be very good quality.
My only complaint, which may be petty, is the power cord compartment on the power tank could be a little bigger. The cord is packed in this compartment from the factory, but getting the cord back in there after use is a REAL challenge, especially in the dark.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope Bundle:
Beautiful machine; arrived in only two days; great price; outstanding service.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope Bundle:
fast shipping and very well packed
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope Bundle:
I received delivery after about a week or two. I am still waiting for the power pack. The scope came carefully packed and delivered sound and intact. Setting up was easy, but 3-star alignment was hit or miss. A couple of times I got the 'alignment failed' message.
I was pleasantly surprised that I got the latest Nexstar+ handset, not the older one that had issues about cold weather. This wasn't advertised and caused me unnecessary grief.
Viewing the full moon was a big enjoyment. Nothing beats really seeing these celestial bodies for real, not on some screen. However, I wasn't able to see much cloud striping on Jupiter, or the Cassini rings on Saturn -- which by the way is in optimum viewing position these days (April-May 2013). This could be due to my eyesight, which is not perfect.
The UHC filter seemed useless blocking and dimming stars, as well as the colored filters -- at least so far. The extra lenses have a well-built feel to them and seem to have fairly good optics.
Motor noise level isn't bad. I don't know what some people are complaining about there. But the action jerks a little at times.
Still having difficulty aligning and tracking. Objects move off the view rather quickly but I'm just a beginner and maybe later I'll have better results with experience.
Also, I can't connect to my computer. They give you a near useless 1990's RSR-232 serial connector for old computers. Even when I tried to connect on an older computer, it didn't work. I even tried to download the latest NexStar software. Maybe eventually, with a USB adaptpter and some improved software it will work someday.
Displaying reviews 1-5
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Q1: I just bought the Celestron 8 SE telescope and I was wondering if there is anyway to hook it to my Nikon D60 Camera?
A: You will only need two pieces to begin astrophotography. You will need a t-ring and a t adapter. The t adapter is a standard 1.25inch size that will fit on any telescope. You can select any brand as it is a standard fit. The t-ring that attaches to your camera is going to have to fit the make and model of the camera in use. T rings are brand specific to your camera so we advise you consult Nikon and ask what size of a t-ring you will need. Once you have these two pieces you are ready to thread them together on your telescope and begin taking pictures.
Q2: Other than on the list what are the main benefits from a viewing perspective between the Celestron 8" SE and the 8" CPC????
A: Both OTA's are identical, the difference is in the mounting system. The CPC utilizes a robust dual fork arm mount while the SE uses a single arm mount. The CPC mount is a more stable mount if you plan on doing any time of astrophotography.
Q3: Will this scope also work as a terrestrial viewer?
A: Yes, you'll be able to use the 8SE for terrestrial viewing as well as celestial viewing.
Q4: Does this package contain the tripod as well?
A: The Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope ULTIMATE PACKAGE does come with a tripod.
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