NexStar 8SE is a versatile 203.2mm Schmidt-Cassegrain GoTo telescope with StarBright XLT coatings, Fastar compatibility and the familiar orange NexStar SE optical tube. It is supplied as a complete visual-observing system with optical tube, computerised GoTo mount, tripod, hand control and essential accessories.
Classic NexStar SE Computerised GoTo Telescope
The NexStar+ hand control locates and tracks celestial objects from its extensive onboard database. Celestron's SkyAlign procedure allows the mount to determine its orientation after three bright celestial objects are centred, without requiring the user to identify those objects beforehand.
Nine slew speeds provide rapid movement across the sky and fine adjustment for accurate centring. Sidereal, solar and lunar tracking rates are available for appropriate observing sessions.
Schmidt-Cassegrain with Fastar-compatible secondary assembly Optics with StarBright XLT
The 203.2mm (8 inches) optical system has a focal length of 2032mm and a focal ratio of f/10. Celestron's StarBright XLT optical coatings are applied to improve light transmission.
This configuration is well suited to detailed lunar and planetary observing, double stars, globular and open clusters, nebulae and galaxies under suitable skies. Actual performance depends on atmospheric seeing, light pollution, target altitude and correct optical alignment.
Portable Single-Arm Mount and Steel Tripod
The optical tube, mount and tripod separate for transport and assemble without specialist tools. A CG-5 dovetail connection secures the optical tube to the mount, while the accessory tray braces the adjustable stainless-steel tripod.
The telescope may be powered by eight AA batteries or a suitable regulated 12V DC supply. Batteries and an external mains or portable power source are sold separately.
Visual Observing and Astroimaging Options
The supplied 25mm eyepiece provides 81× magnification. The StarPointer red-dot finderscope assists with initial alignment and target centring.
The mount is primarily straightforward for visual observing. Equatorial tracking requires a separately available compatible wedge and polar alignment. Long-exposure deep-sky imaging also depends on suitable balance, tracking accuracy, guiding and camera configuration.
Optional StarSense and Wireless App Control
Celestron lists the NexStar SE as compatible with optional StarSense automatic-alignment technology and WiFi control. A compatible StarSense accessory or SkyPortal WiFi Module is required; neither function is built into the standard telescope.
The included Starry Night Special Edition software supports sky learning and observing-session planning.
What Is Included?
- 203.2mm Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube
- NexStar SE computerised single-arm mount
- Adjustable stainless-steel tripod and accessory tray
- NexStar+ hand control
- 25mm eyepiece
- StarPointer red-dot finderscope
- 1.25-inch star diagonal
- Starry Night Special Edition software download
Specifications
Optical Tube
| Optical design | Schmidt-Cassegrain with Fastar-compatible secondary assembly |
|---|---|
| Aperture | 203.2mm (8 inches) |
| Focal length | 2032mm |
| Focal ratio | f/10 |
| Optical coatings | StarBright XLT |
| Included eyepiece | 25mm |
| Magnification with supplied eyepiece | 81× |
| Finderscope | StarPointer red-dot finderscope |
| Diagonal / viewing arrangement | 1.25-inch star diagonal |
| Highest useful magnification | 480× |
| Lowest useful magnification | 29× |
| Limiting stellar magnitude | 14.0 |
| Rayleigh resolution | 0.69 arcseconds |
| Dawes resolution | 0.57 arcseconds |
| Light-gathering power | 843× compared with the human eye |
| Secondary obstruction | 64mm; 31% by diameter and 9.77% by area |
| Optical tube length | 432mm (17 inches) |
| Optical tube diameter | 232mm (9.1 inches) |
| Optical tube weight | 5.4kg (12lb) |
| Dovetail | CG-5 dovetail bar |
Mount, Tripod, Control and Power
| Mount | Computerised altitude-azimuth single fork arm |
|---|---|
| Instrument load capacity | 5.44kg (12lb) |
| Tripod | Adjustable stainless steel with accessory tray |
| Height adjustment | 38–56 inches |
| Mount head weight | 5kg (11lb) |
| Tripod weight | 4.08kg (9lb) |
| Slew speeds | Nine speeds; maximum 5° per second |
| Tracking rates | Sidereal, Solar and Lunar |
| Tracking modes | Alt-Az, EQ North and EQ South |
| Alignment | SkyAlign, One-Star, Two-Star, Auto Two-Star, Solar System and EQ North/South |
| NexStar+ database | 40,000 objects plus 200 user-defined programmable objects |
| AUX ports | One |
| Autoguide port | Yes |
| USB | Input on NexStar+ hand control |
| Power | 8 AA batteries or 12V DC, 750mA, tip positive; batteries and external supply not included |
| Equatorial wedge | Not included; an optional compatible equatorial wedge is required for EQ alignment |
| Complete kit weight | 14.51kg (32lb) |
| Shopify shipping weight | 24.948kg |
Solar Safety
Warning: Never point this telescope towards the Sun without appropriate specialist solar equipment.
Solar observing requires a suitable certified full-aperture solar filter securely fitted over the telescope's front aperture. Never use an eyepiece-type solar filter and never project an image of the Sun. Unfiltered sunlight can cause permanent eye damage and damage the telescope.
If suitable compatibility and safe installation cannot be confirmed, do not point the telescope at or near the Sun.
Instruction Manual and Setup Guide
Read the official Celestron instructions before assembly, alignment and first use.