Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope
- 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, StarBright XLT high transmission coatings come standard
- StarPointer finderscope to help with alignment and accurately locating objects
- Quick-release fork arm mount, optical tube and accessory tray for no-tool setup
- SkyAlign allows you to align on any three bright celestial objects, making for a fast and easy alignment process
- Nearly 40,000-object database with 200 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objects
Product Description
Advanced computerized telescope has a large 8" aperture and sophisticated Schmidt-Cassegrain optics so you can see deep into the universe with incredible brightness and clarity. See 40,000 stars, planets, clusters, galaxies, nebulas and more with the press of a button. Simply use the backlit LCD hand control to select an object from the built-in database and watch the telescope automatically move and point at the object. The database has more than 40,000 of the best deep sky sights, plus you can add 200 user-definable objects of your own. Acclaimed SkyAlign technology and a StarPointer finderscope let you align the scope in minutes. The large 8" aperture combines with Schmidt-Cassegrain optics and StarBright XLT enhanced high-transmission lens coatings for ultra bright, razor sharp, high contrast images. Sturdy altazimuth mount and patented single fork arm ensure smooth, effortless movement. It weighs only 33 lbs., and the pre-assembled tripod, quick-relea... More >>
For the price and all the listed features, this telescope is a severe disappointment.
Out of the box, I noticed pieces missing. Celestron customer service (likely in India, China or Jamaica) doesn’t provide humans to speak with. Only terse online text responses. No luck getting the piece I needed.
A buddy and I set up the scope and the first thing that happened was that the batteries shorted out and literally spilled acid inside the battery tray. I cleaned the tray and put in freshly-charged rechargables. They ran out of power extremely fast. So, I put in brand-new disposable batteries. Three out of four alignment attempts didn’t work. Finally got it aligned. Motors seems to be really sloppy and very imprecise. Stars and planets weren’t where they were supposed to be. Scope does not track so, by the time you see something cool and tell your friend to look, it’s totally out of sight.
Objects viewed didn’t look anything like the pictures on the web / marketing materials. I used it on a clear dark night with the optional Celestron accessory pack.
Very disappointing. Too big to ship back. I’m stuck with a nice conversation piece.
Rating: 2 / 5
I got this telescope last year because Celestron was having a huge rebate. They tend to give a 200 dollars off rebate every 1/2 year. Since then, I’ve added a light pollution filter and a heater to it, along with a Denkmeier Power Switch. The quality of this telescope is top notch, and I’ve been able to hook up my laptop to it for control. I use a 12 volt, 2 amp power adapter when I’m outside in the garden. So far, from my suburban light polluted environment, I’ve seen over 60 Messier objects. The telescope is perfectly collimated. I highly recommend anyone looking for a computerized telescope to select this one.
Rating: 5 / 5
I received this telescope as a gift for Christmas. My husband did much research and purchased the telescope as well as ac/dc and portable power supply.
I was very fortunate that he purchased those external sources of power as the power source using the batteries is faulty. Loaded up 8 brand new batteries and turned on the scope: NOTHING. Thought perhaps they were loaded wrong, removed them and reinserted the batteries. Still nothing. Tried another set of brand new batteries. Still NOTHING.
I have been able to use the scope, it works well on external power, however if the power supply comes loose for even a second, I have to re-align the scope because the battery power supply seem disconnected from the scope. I have tried to call Celestron however, they are on vacation until 1/4/2009. Wonderful. I really don’t want to send the scope back for this (which they would cover under warranty I am sure–except they won’t pay for shipping).
Very disappointed with this as the scope was pricy.
E-mailed Celestron and received reply after everyone returned from vacation. I will have to return the base to the to have it evaluated.
Rating: 3 / 5
I am a beginner to astronomy and I find this is the perfect scope to begin and continue my adventure with. Its about as much telescope as you can have that is still be portable. It is solid and I can carry it out in one piece. Every time I take it out I learn more about astronomy. It is also an excellent platform to grow in the future with accessories, such as anti-vibration pads, upgraded finderscope, and a focal reducer. I am very pleased and would recommend it to anyone.
Rating: 5 / 5
I have a professional degree in astronomy before turning to medicine. I also have over 40 years of observing experience. This is a wonderful off-the-shelf telescope for the amateur observer who is mainly interested in visual observing. Optical and mechanical quality and image stability are excellent. I use a digital camera with it for planetary and lunar work, but I don’t do deep-sky photography. This type of alt-azimuth drive/mount is not really designed for serious deep-sky photography, but it is terrific for visual observing. My only complaint is that it does not have an onboard memory clock, so the time, date, and location must be re-entered with each use. That is a crazy software design. The other complaint is that the unit I have does not know about the change in daylight savings time dates that was made last year. It is a small hassle, but a hassle nonetheless.
Rating: 5 / 5