Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

The classic 8-inch orange tube, with GoTo that does the finding for you

The Celestron NexStar 8SE is the telescope many amateur astronomers dream about when they start: a full 8 inches of aperture in Celestron's iconic orange-tube Schmidt-Cassegrain, on a computerized mount that finds and tracks more than 40,000 objects. It shows the Great Red Spot on Jupiter, the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings and the spiral arms of galaxies, yet the tube is only 17 inches long and the whole kit breaks down into a few pieces.

The 8SE is on display in our Denver store, so you can see it in person before you buy.

What you'll see

• The Moon: craters, rilles, mountain ranges and fine surface detail that smaller scopes can't resolve.
• Planets: Jupiter's cloud belts and Great Red Spot, the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings and several of its moons, the phases of Venus, and surface markings on Mars when it's close to Earth.
• Deep sky: hundreds of pinpoint stars in the Hercules Globular Cluster, the Ring Nebula, the Orion Nebula, and from a dark site, the spiral arms of the Whirlpool Galaxy.

Set up in minutes with SkyAlign

You don't need to know the night sky to get started. Point the telescope at any three bright stars or planets, press Align, and SkyAlign works out where it's pointing. From then on, choose an object on the NexStar+ hand control and the 8SE slews to it and keeps it centered. The single fork arm mount, tube and steel tripod come apart into separate pieces for easy carrying.

What to add for the best views

• Power (required): the 8SE runs on 8 AA batteries, which aren't included and run down quickly in cold weather. We recommend the rechargeable PowerTank Lithium LT for observing away from home, or the Celestron 2 amp AC adapter for the backyard.
• A higher-power eyepiece: the included 25mm eyepiece gives 81x, which is great for finding and framing objects. Add a 12mm eyepiece for about 169x on the Moon, Saturn and Jupiter, a magnification that holds up well on typical Colorado nights: the Celestron Omni 12mm is a great value, and the Celestron X-Cel LX 12mm adds a wider field and more comfortable eye relief.
• A Moon filter: the Moon is dazzling through an 8-inch telescope. A variable polarizing filter lets you dim it to a comfortable level and brings out surface detail.
• Dew shield: the front corrector plate dews up on humid nights. The Dew Shield DX for 6"–8" SCTs keeps it clear longer.
• A case: the Celestron Deluxe Case for 8"–11" SCTs is made for NexStar SE telescopes with an 8-inch tube, and has wheels and a pull-out handle for rolling it to the car.

NexStar 8SE vs. 6SE and Evolution 8

Already have a mount? The Celestron C8 optical tube is the same 8-inch optics without the SE mount. Still deciding? Our Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope guide compares every size, from 5" to 11".

What's in the box

• 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube with StarBright XLT coatings
• Single fork arm computerized alt-azimuth mount with NexStar+ hand control
• Adjustable steel tripod with accessory tray
• 25mm Plössl eyepiece (81x)
• 1.25" star diagonal
• StarPointer red-dot finderscope
• Bubble level
• Starry Night Celestron Edition software download

NexStar 8SE FAQ

Is the NexStar 8SE good for beginners?

Yes. SkyAlign gets you aligned without knowing the stars, and the GoTo mount finds objects for you. It's a big step up from a first small telescope, and one many owners keep for decades. Take a few minutes with the manual to learn the alignment steps before your first night out.

What can I see on Jupiter and Saturn?

At 81x with the included eyepiece, Jupiter's cloud belts and four largest moons and Saturn's rings are obvious. With a 12mm eyepiece (about 169x), look for the Great Red Spot, the Cassini Division and Saturn's cloud bands.

Should I get the 8SE or the 6SE?

The 8SE gathers about 80% more light, so planets show more detail and galaxies look brighter. The 6SE is 12 lbs lighter, sets up faster and is easier for one person to carry. If you'll observe mostly from the backyard, the 8SE is worth the step up; if you'll travel often or want the quickest setup, choose the 6SE.

Should I get the 8SE or the Evolution 8?

Both use the same 8-inch optics. The Evolution 8 adds a sturdier mount that settles faster when you focus, a built-in rechargeable battery and built-in Wi-Fi for control from your phone. The 8SE costs less and suits observers happy with a hand controller and external power.

What accessories do you recommend for the 8SE?

These are the add-ons we suggest most often for new 8SE owners:

• A 12mm eyepiece for higher magnification on the Moon and planets. A 12mm eyepiece gives about 169x on the 8SE, double the included 25mm (81x), and it's a power our Colorado skies support on most nights. The Celestron Omni 12mm is a great value, and the Celestron X-Cel LX 12mm adds a wider field and more comfortable eye relief.
• A variable polarizing filter to dim the bright Moon to a comfortable level and bring out surface detail.
• The Dew Shield DX for 6"–8" SCTs to keep the corrector plate from fogging on humid nights.
• Power: the Celestron 2 amp AC adapter for the backyard, or the rechargeable PowerTank Lithium LT for observing anywhere.
• The Celestron Deluxe Case for 8"–11" SCTs to protect the telescope in storage and on the road, with wheels for easy transport.

What power does it need?

Eight AA batteries (not included) or an external 12V source. Rechargeable options like the PowerTank Lithium LT or an AC adapter are far more practical, and batteries drain quickly in cold weather.

Can I do astrophotography with the 8SE?

Yes, for the Moon and planets: a planetary camera and short video captures produce excellent results. Long-exposure deep-sky imaging is limited on an alt-azimuth mount because the field rotates. If deep-sky imaging is your main goal, a smart telescope or an equatorial setup is a better fit.

Can I see one before I buy?

Yes. The NexStar 8SE is on display in our Denver store, and we're happy to show you how it sets up and aligns.

Specifications

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