01
Set up and enter your observing details.
Level the tripod, align the red-dot finder with the telescope and enter the location, date and time in the hand control.
Skeleton text
Skeleton text
Skeleton text
Skeleton text
Skeleton text
Skeleton text
Skeleton text
Celestron
Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope
$2,999.00
$3,499.00
-14%
Eight-inch optics, controlled from the handpiece.
The Celestron NexStar 8SE is a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope for visual observing of the Moon, planets and brighter deep-sky objects. Align the mount, choose a target and let its motors handle the pointing and tracking.
203.2 mmoptics
Schmidt-Cassegrain
The 8-inch-class optical system gathers light for astronomical observing. Darker skies help reveal faint deep-sky targets; atmospheric steadiness controls the finest planetary detail.
2032 mmfocal length
Magnification starts with the eyepiece.
The supplied 25 mm eyepiece gives approximately 81×. Changing to another compatible eyepiece changes the magnification; higher power is useful only when the target and conditions support it.
GoTomotorised mount
Find a target, then keep it in view.
After alignment, select an object with the NexStar+ hand control. The single-arm mount moves to it and tracks its motion, reducing the need to keep nudging the telescope.
Settle into the eyepiece while the mount tracks.
The 8SE puts its 8-inch optical tube on a single-arm mount with a removable hand control. A right-angle star diagonal lets you observe from beside the rear of the telescope. The tube, mount and tripod separate for transport.
Celestron photograph. The external PowerTank shown on the tripod is an optional accessory, sold separately.
SkyAlign starts with three bright objects.
02
Centre three bright objects.
Choose SkyAlign. Use the direction buttons to centre each object in the finder, then accurately in the eyepiece. You do not need to know the stars' names.
03
Choose an object or take a Sky Tour.
After alignment succeeds, select a target from the hand control. Sky Tour suggests objects for the current sky. A catalogue entry does not guarantee visibility from your site.
For the complete setup sequence, read the NexStar 8SE instruction manual.
Eyepieces, cameras and optional WiFi.
Eyepieces
The standard visual setup uses 1.25-inch eyepieces. The included 1.25-inch star diagonal turns the view through a right angle for a more comfortable observing position.
Camera connection
A camera and the appropriate camera adapters are additional equipment. The supplied eyepiece and diagonal are the visual observing setup.
Phone control
A SkyPortal WiFi module is an optional add-on. The free SkyPortal planetarium app by itself does not give this telescope integrated WiFi.
In the box.
Optical tube1
Single-arm GoTo mount1
Steel tripod and accessory tray1
StarPointer red-dot finder1
NexStar+ hand control1
25 mm, 1.25-inch eyepiece1
1.25-inch star diagonal1
AA batteries, external power supplies, cameras and WiFi modules are not included.
Good to know.
Plan a power source.
The mount takes eight AA batteries, which are not included. For an external supply, use a compatible centre-positive 12 V DC adapter or Celestron PowerTank. These are optional accessories.
Match imaging ambitions to the mount.
In normal altazimuth use, field rotation limits long-exposure deep-sky imaging. Equatorial operation needs an optional wedge and accurate polar alignment.
Let the sky set the useful magnification.
Turbulent air softens detail at high power. Begin with the supplied eyepiece and increase magnification only while the view remains clear. Deep-sky objects are easier to see away from bright skies.
Solar safety comes first.
Never point the telescope or finder at the Sun without a properly fitted, suitable front-mounted solar filter. Never use an eyepiece solar filter or project the Sun. Permanent eye injury can result. Supervise children and never leave the telescope unattended.
Specifications.
Optics
Optical Design
Schmidt-Cassegrain
Aperture
203.2 mm
Focal Length
2032 mm
Focal Ratio
f/10
Focal Length of Eyepiece 1
25 mm
Magnification of Eyepiece 1
Approximately 81x
Finderscope
StarPointer™ red dot finderscope
Star Diagonal
1.25-inch star diagonal
Optical Coatings
StarBright XLT
Optical Tube Length
432 mm
Optical Tube Diameter
232 mm
Mount and power
Mount Type
Computerised single-arm altazimuth
Instrument load capacity
12 lbs (5.44 kg)
Tripod leg diameter
38.1mm (1.5") Stainless Steel
Slew Speeds
9 slew speeds - max speed 5°/second
Tracking Rates
Sidereal, Solar and Lunar
Tracking Modes
Altazimuth; EQ North / EQ South with wedge and polar alignment
GPS
Not built in
Dovetail Compatibility
CG-5 dovetail
Number of Auxiliary Ports
1x AUX Port
Autoguide Port
Yes
USB Port
On NexStar+ hand control; connector revision may vary
Power Requirements
8 AA batteries (not included), or compatible 12 V DC supply, centre positive
Motor Drive
DC servo motors
Alignment Procedures
SkyAlign, One-Star, Two-Star, Auto Two-Star, Solar System; equatorial alignment with wedge
Periodic Error Correction
No
Store locator
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS PRODUCT?
Let Gemini, ChatGPT or Claude help you. Click a button and ask away.
Eight-inch optics, controlled from the handpiece.
The Celestron NexStar 8SE is a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope for visual observing of the Moon, planets and brighter deep-sky objects. Align the mount, choose a target and let its motors handle the pointing and tracking.
203.2 mmoptics
Schmidt-Cassegrain
The 8-inch-class optical system gathers light for astronomical observing. Darker skies help reveal faint deep-sky targets; atmospheric steadiness controls the finest planetary detail.
2032 mmfocal length
Magnification starts with the eyepiece.
The supplied 25 mm eyepiece gives approximately 81×. Changing to another compatible eyepiece changes the magnification; higher power is useful only when the target and conditions support it.
GoTomotorised mount
Find a target, then keep it in view.
After alignment, select an object with the NexStar+ hand control. The single-arm mount moves to it and tracks its motion, reducing the need to keep nudging the telescope.
Settle into the eyepiece while the mount tracks.
The 8SE puts its 8-inch optical tube on a single-arm mount with a removable hand control. A right-angle star diagonal lets you observe from beside the rear of the telescope. The tube, mount and tripod separate for transport.
Celestron photograph. The external PowerTank shown on the tripod is an optional accessory, sold separately.
SkyAlign starts with three bright objects.
01
Set up and enter your observing details.
Level the tripod, align the red-dot finder with the telescope and enter the location, date and time in the hand control.
02
Centre three bright objects.
Choose SkyAlign. Use the direction buttons to centre each object in the finder, then accurately in the eyepiece. You do not need to know the stars' names.
03
Choose an object or take a Sky Tour.
After alignment succeeds, select a target from the hand control. Sky Tour suggests objects for the current sky. A catalogue entry does not guarantee visibility from your site.
For the complete setup sequence, read the NexStar 8SE instruction manual.
Eyepieces, cameras and optional WiFi.
Eyepieces
The standard visual setup uses 1.25-inch eyepieces. The included 1.25-inch star diagonal turns the view through a right angle for a more comfortable observing position.
Camera connection
A camera and the appropriate camera adapters are additional equipment. The supplied eyepiece and diagonal are the visual observing setup.
Phone control
A SkyPortal WiFi module is an optional add-on. The free SkyPortal planetarium app by itself does not give this telescope integrated WiFi.
In the box.
Optical tube1
Single-arm GoTo mount1
Steel tripod and accessory tray1
StarPointer red-dot finder1
NexStar+ hand control1
25 mm, 1.25-inch eyepiece1
1.25-inch star diagonal1
AA batteries, external power supplies, cameras and WiFi modules are not included.
Good to know.
Plan a power source.
The mount takes eight AA batteries, which are not included. For an external supply, use a compatible centre-positive 12 V DC adapter or Celestron PowerTank. These are optional accessories.
Match imaging ambitions to the mount.
In normal altazimuth use, field rotation limits long-exposure deep-sky imaging. Equatorial operation needs an optional wedge and accurate polar alignment.
Let the sky set the useful magnification.
Turbulent air softens detail at high power. Begin with the supplied eyepiece and increase magnification only while the view remains clear. Deep-sky objects are easier to see away from bright skies.
Solar safety comes first.
Never point the telescope or finder at the Sun without a properly fitted, suitable front-mounted solar filter. Never use an eyepiece solar filter or project the Sun. Permanent eye injury can result. Supervise children and never leave the telescope unattended.
Specifications.
Optics
Optical Design
Schmidt-Cassegrain
Aperture
203.2 mm
Focal Length
2032 mm
Focal Ratio
f/10
Focal Length of Eyepiece 1
25 mm
Magnification of Eyepiece 1
Approximately 81x
Finderscope
StarPointer™ red dot finderscope
Star Diagonal
1.25-inch star diagonal
Optical Coatings
StarBright XLT
Optical Tube Length
432 mm
Optical Tube Diameter
232 mm
Mount and power
Mount Type
Computerised single-arm altazimuth
Instrument load capacity
12 lbs (5.44 kg)
Tripod leg diameter
38.1mm (1.5") Stainless Steel
Slew Speeds
9 slew speeds - max speed 5°/second
Tracking Rates
Sidereal, Solar and Lunar
Tracking Modes
Altazimuth; EQ North / EQ South with wedge and polar alignment
GPS
Not built in
Dovetail Compatibility
CG-5 dovetail
Number of Auxiliary Ports
1x AUX Port
Autoguide Port
Yes
USB Port
On NexStar+ hand control; connector revision may vary
Power Requirements
8 AA batteries (not included), or compatible 12 V DC supply, centre positive
Motor Drive
DC servo motors
Alignment Procedures
SkyAlign, One-Star, Two-Star, Auto Two-Star, Solar System; equatorial alignment with wedge
Periodic Error Correction
No
Recently viewed products
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Opens in a new window.