Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Details

The largest of the NexStar SE family with 78% more light gathering than a 6" model, the NexStar 8SE will enable you to see deep into the Universe. The distinctive patented fork arm with ergonomically designed integrated hand control cradle gives solid support to Celestron’s classic 8" optics. The NexStar 8SE features Schmidt-Cassegrain 8" aperture optics with our premium StarBright XLT coatings, powerful 2,032mm focal length and an f/10 focal ratio.

The NexStar 8SE has all the same features as Celestron’s most advanced computerized GoTo telescopes, including our revolutionary SkyAlign™ alignment technology, a sky tour feature, a database of over 40,000 celestial objects and easy to use hand control.

Plug the optional SkySync GPS Accessory into NexStar’s Auxiliary port and download data from orbiting GPS satellites for truly quick and easy alignments. The universe may be full of mysteries, but using the NexStar 8SE isn’t one of them.

Every NexStar SE includes a version of The Sky^® software Level 1 Planetarium software for exploring the Universe on your PC and printing out custom star charts of the sky. In addition, you receive our NexRemote software that allows you to operate your telescope via your PC. Software package valued at over $100 included free with your NexStar SE!

NexStar 8SE - General Features

* 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope

* SE combines the classic heritage of the original orange tube telescopes with the latest state-of-the-art features

* StarBright XLT high transmission coatings come standard

* StarPointer finderscope to help with alignment and accurately locating objects

* Internal flip mirror for convenient viewing straight through (with optional diagonal) or at 90 degrees

* Quick release fork arm mount, optical tube and accessory tray for no-tool setup

* Sturdy computerized Altazimuth mount

* Internal battery compartment to prevent cord wrap during use

* Ultra sturdy steel tripod features built-in wedge which allows 8SE to be used for astrophotography

* Includes CD-ROM "The Sky" Astronomy Software which provides education about the sky and printable sky maps

NexStar 8SE - Computerized Mount Features

* Proven NexStar computer control technology

* Nearly 40,000 object database with 200 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objects

* SkyAlign allows you to align on any three bright celestial objects, making for a fast and easy alignment process

* Flash upgradeable hand control software and motor control units for downloading product updates over the Internet

* Includes a camera control feature and shutter release cable that allows you to remotely take a series of exposures using your digital SLR camera

* Custom database lists of all the most famous deep-sky objects by name and catalog number; the most beautiful double, triple and quadruple stars; variable
stars; solar system objects and asterisms

* DC Servo motors with encoders on both axes

* Double line, 16-character Liquid Crystal Display Hand Control with backlit LED buttons for easy operation of goto features

* NexRemote telescope control software and RS-232 cable included for advanced control of your telescope via computer

* GPS-compatible with optional SkySync GPS Accessory (93969)

Technical Specifications and Dimensions:

Optical Design	Schmidt-Cassegrain
Weight	Scope 24 lbs (10.89 kg) and Tripod/Mount 9 lbs (4.08 kg)
Aperture	203.2 mm (8 in)
Optical Tube Length	17 in (431.8 mm)
Focal Length	2032 mm (80 in)
Focal Ratio	10
Finderscope	StarPointer
Mount	Single Fork Arm Altazimuth
Optical Tube	Aluminum
Eyepiece 1	25 mm (0.98 in)
Magnification 1	81 x
Dovetail Compatibility	Quick Release Tube Clamp
Star Diagonal	1.25"
Tripod	Steel (sku 93593)
CD ROM	NexRemote V1.6.14 & "The Sky^®" Level 1
Power Supply	8-AA batteries (not included)
Highest Useful Magnification	480 x
Lowest Useful Magnification	29 x
Limiting Stellar Magnitude	14
Resolution (Rayleigh)	0.69 arcsec
Resolution (Dawes)	0.57 arcsec
Light Gathering Power	843 x
Angular Field of View	0.63 °
Linear Field of View (@1000 yds)	33 ft (10.06 m)
Optical Coatings	StarBright XLT
Secondary MIrror Obstruction	2.5 in (63.5 mm)
Secondary MIrror Obstruction by Area	9.8 %
Secondary MIrror Obstruction by Diameter	31.3 %
Motor Drive	Integrated D.C. Electronics
Computer Hand Control	Double line, 16 character Liquid Crystal Display with 19 fiber optic backlit LED buttons
Slew Speeds	Nine slew speeds: 5°/sec, 3°/sec, 1°/sec, 64x, 16x, 8x, 4x, 1x, .5x
Tracking Rates	Sidereal, Solar and Lunar
Tracking Modes	Alt-Az, EQ North & EQ South
Alignment Procedures	SkyAlign, Auto 2-Star Align, 1-Star Align, 2-Star Align, SolarSystem Align
Database	40,000 objects, 200 user defined programmable objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects
Software Precision	24 bit, 0.08 arcsec calculations
Communication Ports	RS-232 communication port on hand control, Autoguider port, Aux port (does not include USB connection)
Payload Capacity	12 lbs (5.44 kg)

Download Owner's Manual

Comm. Protocol v-1.2

Quick Setup Guide

Customer Reviews

Great scope!!!

Review by Chris | Posted on 3/5/12

Quality
Price
Value

First of all let me say that the guys at opticsMart are awesome! Rex and his team are the only guys in Alabama that deal in real quality made and professional grade telescopes. It was really neat to go down and get to look at the selection of telescopes and accessories like eyepieces and filters. The guys at opticsmart have a wide selection and are very helpful and friendly to do business with. The Nexstar 8SE is a fun scope to use and very well built. You will be stunned by the views in this scope. The 8SE is easy to setup, its light weight and easy to use. I've owned several telescopes and I've owned mine long enough to say this is a hard deal to beat and is a quality crafted investment that will last you a lifetime. Thanks Guys!