Telescopes for Sale and Telescope Accessories at Telescopes.com
Call us: 1-800-303-5873
GUEST # 0
Telescopes Telescope Eyepieces Telescope Accessories Astronomy Binoculars Astronomy Spotting Scopes Telescopes 101
Telescopes.com   >  Telescopes   >  Telescopes  
Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope Bundle Alternate Image 1
Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope Bundle Alternate Image 2
Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope Bundle Alternate Image 3
Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope Bundle Alternate Image 4
Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope Bundle Alternate Image 5
Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope Bundle Alternate Image 6
Video
Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope Bundle

Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope Bundle

Item#: CELE329

Sale Price: $1,299.00 SAVE: $1,737.00 (57%)

List Price : $3,036.00

Q&A
Email
Print
  • Celestron Power Tank
  • AC Adapter for power near an outlet
  • Zhumell Urban Sky Filter for viewing in urban areas
  • The Celestron Eyepiece and Filter Kit for getting all magnification levels
More Info
Description

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!

The days of complicated telescope assembly and setup are over. NexStar SE telescopes can be set up in a matter of minutes with no tools required!

You do not need to know the names of the stars; you can pick the moon or bright planets.

General Features:

  • 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope
  • SE combines the classic heritage of the original orange tube telescopes with the latest state-of-the-art features
  • StarBright XLT high transmission coatings come standard
  • Quick-release fork arm mount, optical tube, and accessory tray for no-tool setup
  • Celestron's unique patented single fork arm with integral hand control design provides a rigid and smooth operating structure for the optical tube
  • Sturdy computerized altazimuth mount
  • Ultra-sturdy steel tripod with accessory tray
  • Star diagonal provides more comfortable viewing position when observing objects that are high in the sky

 

Computerized GoTo Telescope

  • Proven NexStar computer control technology
  • 40,000 object database with 200 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objects
  • SkyAlign allows you to align on any three bright celestial objects, making for a fast and easy alignment process
  • Flash-upgradable hand control software and motor control units for downloading product updates over the Internet
  • Custom database lists of all the most famous deep-sky objects by name and catalog number; the most beautiful double, triple and quadruple stars; variable star; solar systems; objects and asterisms
  • DC Servo motors with encoders on both axes
  • Autoguider port for long exposure astrophotography
  • Double line, 16-character Liquid Crystal Display Hand Control with backlit LED buttons for easy operation of goto features
  • NexRemote telescope control software and RS-232 cable included for advanced control of your telescope via computer

Dimensions & Specifications

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

FREE SHIPPING
Shipping Details
In Stock
Ships within 24 Hours if bought before the end of the day
Estimate Your Delivery
if bought before the end of the day
Estimate Your Delivery
Qty
Add To Cart
Buying Info
Details + Dimensions
Guarantee + Returns
Items 1-6 of 7
View All
The Perfect Accessories
Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope Bundle
 
4.6

(based on 70 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (44)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (24)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (1)

99%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Quality lenses (53)
  • Strong construction (53)
  • Accurate (46)
  • Compact (34)
  • Easy to use (26)

Cons

  • Heavy (5)
  • Difficult to focus (4)
  • Unstable (3)

Best Uses

  • Astronomy (67)
  • Travel (7)
  • Bird watching (4)
  • Astrophotography (3)
  • Bright conditions (3)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Casual/ recreational (54), Avid adventurer (16)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (44), Yes (5)

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

 

Where to begin?

Okay, I've been using the scope for about 3 months now so I feel like I can give a fairly decent review. [...]After everything was unpacked, it took about 10 minutes ...Read complete review

Okay, I've been using the scope for about 3 months now so I feel like I can give a fairly decent review. [...]After everything was unpacked, it took about 10 minutes total to get it completely set up. The setup is great; VERY easy and to the point. I took the scope out during one of my astronomy club meetings and the views through the scope were amazing...even near the light polluted skies of the metro-Atlanta area! After a quick (3-5 minutes) 3 star alignment, the goto worked great (HINT: when aligning a star, use the highest powered eyepiece you can after centering the star in an average powered eyepiece). The selected object was in the FOV every time. The biggest complaint that I have here is the focus. Because of the single fork design, the focus is EXTREMELY wobbly. You have to have very steady hands to get the focus just right, and even then it is quite difficult to get used to. I then borrowed a wedge to try my hand at astrophotography. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS SCOPE IF YOU WANT TO DO AP! If AP is what you are looking for, go with a german equitorial mount. You will find your money much more well spent going that route as there are several adjustments and upgrades needed for successful long exposure astrophotography with an Alt-Azimuth mount. Overall, this is a wonderful scope for viewing! If viewing is simply what you want to do, then putting your money in this scope is a good investment and I would recommend it. If AP is what you want to try...DO NOT GET THIS SCOPE and go with one of the scopes with the german equitorial mount. I hope that this will help future observers! Wishing you clear, dark skies!

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 70 customers

Sort by

Displaying reviews 1-5

Back to top

Previous | Next »

Jan

31

2012

 
4.0

First telescope with fantastic service!

By Dave the Novice Astronomer

from Oklahoma City, OK

About Me Casual/ Recreational

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Accurate
  • Easy to Use
  • Quality Lenses
  • Strong Construction

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Astronomy

    Comments about Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope Bundle:

    An excellent entry level scope in the moderate aperture range, making it the best balance of portability and light gathering ability in a single package. The go-to capability of this scope is Amazing. It wil greatly enhance the amount of objects you can see during a viewing session and it will make up for all the astronomical knowledge you used to have yourself. It is a fantastic tool for the new astronomy enthusuast!

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Was this review helpful? Yes / No

     - You may also flag this review

    Jan

    30

    2012

     
    5.0

    just what i wanted

    By slickmick2

    from racine wi

    About Me Casual/ Recreational

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Accurate
    • Easy to Use
    • Quality Lenses
    • Strong Construction

    Cons

    • None

    Best Uses

    • Astronomy

    Comments about Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope Bundle:

    received order earlier then date given when ordered. very well packaged. extremely satisfied with the whole order.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Was this review helpful? Yes / No

     - You may also flag this review

    Jan

    29

    2012

     
    5.0

    Great product for its price

    By Jim N I

    from Jackson, MS

    About Me Casual/ Recreational

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Good price for 8" scope
    • Quick setup

    Cons

    • Minor setup info missing

    Best Uses

      Comments about Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope Bundle:

      See markings on Jupiter even in city.
      Instructions didn't describe how to attach telescope tube to arm and how far to insert it.
      Fun to use.
      Can control from a PC.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

       - You may also flag this review

      Jan

      20

      2012

       
      5.0

      Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope Bundle

      By novice

      from grain valley, mo

      About Me Casual/ Recreational

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Accurate
      • Easy to Use
      • Quality Lenses
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

      • Heavy

      Best Uses

      • Astronomy

      Comments about Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope Bundle:

      arrived quickly ,customer service very helpful.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

       - You may also flag this review

      Jan

      14

      2012

       
      4.0

      Nextstar is a superstar

      By SpaceRacer

      from South Williamsport, PA

      About Me Casual/ Recreational

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Accurate
      • Compact
      • Easy to Use
      • Quality Lenses
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

      • Slight shakiness

      Best Uses

      • Astronomy
      • Bird Watching
      • Bright Conditions

      Comments about Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope Bundle:

      A great, high-performance yet medium-priced computerized star-finding telescope. Top quality all around, with one modest exception of a touch of shakiness when the wind blows or on decks on which people are walking around. A set of vibration-absorbing mount pads and/or an electric autofocuser should help eliminate shakiness. Nonertheless, even without these extra accessories, this scope performs at an excellent level. Best use is on the ground or on a hard surface like asphalt or concrete rather than on a deck.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

       - You may also flag this review

      Displaying reviews 1-5

      Back to top

      Previous | Next »

      Customer Q & A

      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.

      Ask a Question  

      Don't see the answer you need? Ask a Product Expert! The answer will be emailed to you and then posted here.

      Processing
      Telescopes.com is a Hayneedle Inc. store. Copyright 2007 - 2012 , Hayneedle Inc., all rights reserved.