Celestron StarSense Explorer 8" Dobsonian Telescope Rental
Discover the night sky easily with the 8" StarSense Explorer Dobsonian from Celestron, a powerful yet beginner-friendly telescope featuring the “App, Plug & Point” experience.
Simply connect your smartphone to the StarSense Explorer app, align the telescope, and let the app guide you automatically to planets, galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts who want an easy and enjoyable observing experience.
With its large 8-inch mirror, this telescope delivers impressive views of the Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, and deep-sky objects, even from moderately dark locations.
Highlights
- StarSense Explorer smartphone-guided system
- “App, Plug & Point” technology
- Extremely easy to use
- Large 8" aperture for bright, detailed views
- Perfect for cottages, weekends, and backyard observing
- Great for beginners and intermediate users
Ideal For Observing
- The Moon
- Jupiter and its moons
- Saturn and its rings
- Nebulae
- Galaxies
- Star clusters
Included Accessories
- 2” to 1.25” TwistLock adapter
- StarPointer finder scope (battery included)
- 6mm eyepiece
- 10mm eyepiece
- 12.5mm eyepiece
- 25mm eyepiece
- 30mm eyepiece
- 2'' extender
- Moon filter
- Focuser dust cap
- Primary mirror cover
- Collimation eyepiece
- Smartphone holder
- 2 handles
Included With Rental
- 8" StarSense Explorer Dobsonian telescope
- Dobsonian base
- StarSense Explorer dock
- Quick start guidance
Enjoy a simple, immersive, and impressive astronomy experience — no expertise required.
Rental Conditions
Rental Pricing
| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Night | $40 CAD |
| Weekend (Friday to Monday) | $80 CAD |
| 1 Week | $125 CAD |
| 1 Month | $370 CAD |
Important Information
- Valid photo ID is required.
- The renter is responsible for the equipment during the rental period.
- Equipment must be returned complete and in good condition.
- Basic setup instructions and guidance can be provided if needed.
- Local pickup only (delivery may be available depending on location).
✨ A great way to discover astrophotography before investing in your own setup.
Requirements
To ensure a smooth and secure rental experience for everyone, the following requirements apply to all telescope rentals.
Identification
A valid government-issued photo ID with proof of adress is required when picking up the telescope. Acceptable forms of identification include:
-
Driver’s license or Health insurance card (Quebec) + adress proof
-
Passport + adress proof
The ID must match the name of the person signing the rental agreement.
Rental Agreement
All renters must sign a rental agreement before taking possession of the equipment. The agreement outlines the renter’s responsibility for the telescope and accessories during the rental period.
The renter is responsible for the full replacement cost of the equipment in case of loss, theft, or severe damage. (1100$ for the whole kit)
Equipment Inspection
Before the telescope is released, the equipment and accessories will be inspected with the renter present. This helps ensure that everything is in proper condition and prevents any misunderstandings upon return.
All included accessories must be returned at the end of the rental period
Credit Card Requirement
A valid credit card in the renter’s name is required for all telescope rentals. This allows us to place a security deposit and ensure the safe return of the equipment.
Local Rentals
Our telescope rentals are primarily intended for customers within our region of Quebec, allowing us to provide better service and support.
Security Deposit
A refundable security deposit of $300 is required before the telescope can be released.
The deposit may be held as a credit card pre-authorization or processed as a refundable payment. The deposit will be returned once the equipment is inspected and confirmed to be in the same condition as when it was rented.
Rental Agreement
All renters must sign a rental agreement before taking possession of the equipment. The agreement outlines the renter’s responsibility for the telescope and accessories during the rental period.
The renter is responsible for the full replacement cost of the equipment in case of loss, theft, or severe damage. (3500$ for the whole kit)
Try Before You Buy – Rental Credit
Not sure which telescope is right for you? Our rental program lets you experience real stargazing before making a purchase.
If you decide to buy a telescope valued at $500 or more within 30 days of your rental, we will apply 25% of your rental fee as a credit toward your purchase.
This means you can test the telescope under real night sky conditions and put part of your rental cost toward owning your own telescope.
It’s the perfect way to make sure you choose the right equipment with confidence.
Manuals & Tutorials
Astronomy Plus INFORMATION Document
Manuals
StarSense Explorer App Manual
StarSense Explorer Dobsonian Quick Setup Guide
StarSense Explorer Dobsonian Instruction Manual
Software & Firmware:
StarSense Explorer for Android - Google Play
StarSense Explorer for iOS - Apple App Store
Other Useful documents:
How to Determine Which Eyepieces to Use with Your Telescope
How to Align a Red Dot Finder to Your Telescope Video
Solar Safety Warning
StarSense Explorer Telescope Basic