Celestron NexStar 8SE 8-Inch GoTo Computerized Telescope
The Celestron NexStar 8SE 8-inch GoTo computerized telescope combines powerful Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with a fully automated mount in a portable, easy-to-use system. Known for its iconic orange tube design, the NexStar 8SE is one of the most popular 8-inch telescopes for beginners and experienced astronomers alike—delivering serious performance at an accessible price.
8-Inch Schmidt-Cassegrain Optics for Stunning Views
With a full 8 inches of aperture, the NexStar 8SE gathers enough light to reveal fine planetary detail and deep-sky objects with clarity.
Observe:
-
Saturn’s Cassini Division
-
Jupiter’s cloud bands and Great Red Spot
-
The Hercules Globular Cluster
-
The Whirlpool Galaxy’s spiral structure
-
Detailed lunar craters and surface features
This 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope offers the perfect balance of light-gathering power, portability, and optical precision.
Fully Automated GoTo Mount with 40,000+ Objects
The computerized GoTo system automatically locates and tracks over 40,000 celestial objects using the included NexStar+ hand controller. Simply align the telescope using SkyAlign technology, just center one to three bright objects and press ALIGN.
Optional upgrades like StarSense AutoAlign, SkySync GPS, and WiFi control via smartphone allow your NexStar 8SE to grow with you.
Portable Single Fork Arm Design
Celestron’s patented single fork arm mount makes the NexStar 8SE lightweight, compact, and easy to transport. The optical tube, mount, and steel tripod break down into manageable pieces, making it ideal for backyard observing or dark-sky travel.
Stable construction ensures accurate tracking for visual observing and planetary imaging.
Astrophotography Ready
The NexStar 8SE is Fastar-compatible, allowing ultra-fast wide-field imaging. Pair it with a planetary camera for high-resolution lunar and planetary photography. It’s one of the best entry-level telescopes for users interested in beginning astrophotography. Why Choose the NexStar 8SE?
-
8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain optics
-
Fully automated GoTo mount
-
40,000+ object database
-
SkyAlign easy setup
-
Portable, travel-friendly design
-
Ideal for planets and deep-sky observing
From your first observing session to years of advanced use, the Celestron NexStar 8SE GoTo telescope remains a trusted, versatile choice for serious stargazing.
You can check out Astrobackyard Nexstar 8SE review here.
Technical Specifications
| OPTICAL TUBE INFO: |
|
| Optical Design: |
Schmidt-Cassegrain |
| Aperture: |
203.2mm (8") |
| Focal Length: |
2032mm (80") |
| Focal Ratio: |
f/10 |
| Focal Length of Eyepiece 1: |
25mm (.98") |
| Magnification of Eyepiece 1: |
81x |
| Finderscope: |
StarPointer™ red dot finderscope |
| Star Diagonal: |
1.25" Star Diagonal |
| Highest Useful Magnification: |
480x |
| Lowest Useful Magnification: |
29x |
| Limiting Stellar Magnitude: |
14 |
| Resolution (Rayleigh): |
0.69 arc seconds |
| Resolution (Dawes): |
0.57 arc seconds |
| Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye): |
843x |
| Secondary Mirror Obstruction: |
64mm (2.5") |
| Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Diameter: |
31% |
| Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Area: |
9.77% |
| Optical Coatings: |
Starbright XLT |
| Optical Tube Length: |
432mm (17") |
| Optical Tube Diameter: |
232mm (9.1") |
| Optical Tube Weight: |
12 lbs (5.4 kg) |
| Dovetail: |
CG-5 Dovetail bar |
| MOUNT INFO: |
|
| Mount Type: |
Computerized Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm |
| Instrument load capacity: |
12 lbs (5.44 kg) |
| Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod): |
965.2mm - 1422.4mm (38" - 56") |
| Tripod leg diameter: |
38.1mm (1.5") Stainless Steel |
| Mount Head Weight: |
11 lbs (5 kg) |
| Accessory Tray: |
Yes |
| Tripod Weight: |
9 lbs (4.08 kg) |
| Slew Speeds: |
9 slew speeds - max speed 5°/second |
| Tracking Rates: |
Sidereal, Solar and Lunar |
| Tracking Modes: |
Alt-Az, EQ North and EQ South |
| GPS: |
N/A |
| Dovetail Compatibility: |
CG-5 dovetail |
| Number of Auxiliary Ports: |
1x AUX Port |
| Autoguide Port: |
Yes |
| USB Port: |
Yes, Hand Control input |
| Power Requirements: |
8-AA batteries (not included) and 12 VDC-750 mA (Tip positive) |
| Motor Drive: |
DC servo motors |
| Alignment Procedures: |
SkyAlign, 1-Star Align, 2-Star Align, Auto 2-Star Align, Solar System Align, EQ North / EQ South Alignment (EQ align requires an equatorial wedge) |
| Periodic Error Correction: |
No |
| Computerized Hand Control: |
Double line, 18 character Liquid Crystal Display with 19 fiber optic backlit LED buttons |
| NexStar+ Database: |
40,000 objects, 200 user defined programmable objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects |
| Software: |
Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software and SkyPortal App |
| Total Kit Weight: |
24 lbs (10.88 kg) |
| Included Items: |
Optical tube
Single Fork Arm Mount and Tripod
Accessory Tray
Star Pointer Finderscope
NexStar+ Hand Control
25mm eyepiece
Star Diagonal |
In the Box
- Celestron Nexstar 8SE Computerized Telescope
- Optical tube
- Single Fork Arm Mount and Tripod
- Accessory Tray
- Star Pointer Finderscope
- NexStar+ Hand Control
- 25mm eyepiece
- Star Diagonal
- AC or DC power Cable are not included : DC power Cable or AC Power Cable
Warranty & Manuals
Celestron 2-Year Warranty
