Celestron NexStar 8SE - Full Review

The Celestron Nexstar 8SE is one of the best-selling and most popular telescopes. This telescope is the top model from Celestron’s iconic orange tube-designed SE series telescopes. The telescope is loaded with many features and provides the best stargazing experience for beginners and advanced astronomers. This telescope is known for its superb optics and exceptional performance. So in this article, we will cover almost everything about this telescope. So by the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to decide whether this telescope is the right choice for you.

Specifications

Optical Design: Schmidt-Cassegrain

Aperture: 203.2mm (8″)

Focal Length: 2032mm (80″)

Focal Ratio: f/10

Mount Type: Computerized Single-fork AZ mount

Payload capacity: 12 lbs (5.44 kg)

Total Kit Weight: 24 lbs (10.88 kg)

Celestron NexStar 8SE mount

When I first picked up the mount, I felt it was a little heavier, but then I got used to it very quickly. It is not that heavy.

For any telescope, the mount is one of the most important parts. If the mount of your telescope is not good, then your optical tube assembly is kind of useless. The mount of this telescope is an Alt-Azimuth mount. But as it is a computerized go-to telescope, this mount can track an object. If you use a wedge, then this mount can be converted into an equatorial mount.

The 4SE and 5SE models have built-in wedges. But 6SE and 8SE mounts do not have the built-in wedge, and you have to buy it separately if you want to use this mount as an EQ mount. The mount has a database of 40,000 celestial objects. This computerized mount needs a 12V power supply. You can also power this mount by using 8 AA batteries.

Celestron NexStar 8se OTA (Optical Tube)

The optical tube, however, looks slightly big and heavy, but it is very lightweight. A normal person can easily carry the optical tube without any difficulties. The 8” optical tube is coated with Celestron’s in-house StarBright XLT coatings for maximum light throughput.

The optical tube has a focal length of 10, but it also comes with Fastar technology. This means that you can remove the secondary mirror of the OTA and put the camera there. With this, the focal length will reduce, which is usually good for deep-space long-exposure astrophotography. This is one of the best optical tubes you will find in the Schmidt Cassegrain telescopes.

Celestron Nexstar 8se tripod

The tripod, made of aluminum, is very sturdy and looks like it can easily handle the telescope and mount weight. This tripod is for regular use, and the NexStar 6SE and 8SE models use the same tripods.

Celestron Nexstar 8SE accessories

The accessories you get with the telescope are a 12v charger, a star diagonal, a red dot finder, a 25 mm Plossl eyepiece, a level checker for the tripod and mount, cleaning liquid, and a cloth for cleaning optical parts. You also get an eyepiece tray to attach to your tripod.

A battery pack: If you take this telescope to remote locations, then you will need this extra battery pack to power this telescope.

Wedge: If you want to convert this telescope mount into an equatorial mount, then you’ll need to buy a wedge.

Phone adapter: If you want to capture photos with the phone, then you will also need a good phone adapter.

Anti-Vibration Pads: The telescope vibrates while slewing you can reduce these vibrations with the help of anti-vibration pads.

Celestron Tabletop Tripod: This is the tripos made especially for travel and road trips. Also observing for kids is easier with this tripod.

How to assemble the Celestron Nexstar 8SE

To assemble the telescope. First, open the tripod. Remove the lock nut and the washer, put the eyepiece tray in, put the washer back in, and tighten the lock nut. Make sure that each end of the eyepiece tray is touching each leg of the tripod. If it’s not touching the leg and not tightly fixed, then your tripod may not feel sturdy, and it might cause leveling issues when you put a mount and optical tube on it.

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