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Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope
The world-renowned, Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerised Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope provides an immersive stargazing experience for observers from all levels of expertise.
- World Famous Orange Tube Design
- Huge 8-Inch Aperture & 2032mm Focal Length
- Fully Automatic SE Mount Goes To & Tracks Over 40,000 Celestial Objects
- View Deep-Sky Objects such as the Hercules Globular Cluster, the Planets and the Moon
- Quick-and-Easy Setup with SkyAlign
- Celestron 2 Year Warranty
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The Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope demonstrates affordable, optical excellence with an 8-Inch Computerised Schmidt-Cassegrain Design.
Observe celestial objects with exceptional detail through the Celestron NexStar 8SE. With an 8-inch aperture, this telescope offers incredible light-gathering capabilities, meaning you'll be able to observe the cloud bands and the Great Red Spot on Jupiter or Cassini's Division in Saturn's rings. Beyond the solar system, the 8SE will automatically guide you to and track hundreds of stars in the Hercules Globular Cluster or the spiral arms of the Whirlpool Galaxy. Don't forget the Moon - you'll get up close and personal with its craters and geographic features in extraordinary detail.
With a sturdy, high-quality Schmidt-Cassegrain construction placed on a Computerised, Alt-Az Single Fork Arm, the NexStar 8SE offers impressive optical performance at an economical price.
Fully Automated, Computerised GoTo Mount.
Featuring a database of over 40,000 celestial objects, use the included NexStar+ Hand Control to select exactly where you want your telescope to go and what you want it to track as objects move across the night sky. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned astronomers.
Featuring SkyAlign Technology.
The NexStar 8SE is perfect for beginners with an easy setup process. Simply input the date, time and your location and point the telescope at any three bright objects in the sky and your SkyAlign-enabled NexStar 8SE will identify its exact orientation and position in the night sky.
Easily Transportable and Easy-To-Use.
Thanks to the patented, single fork arm mount of the NexStar SE, the telescope is surprisingly portable and allows for a quick and easy setup.
Optics Central is an Authorised Retailer of Celestron. The Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerised Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope is backed by the Celestron 2 Year Warranty.
Compatible with:
The Nexstar 8 SE is also compatible with new Celestron technologies such as StarSense Autoguider, StarSense AutoAlign Accessory and SkyPortal wifi module for ultimate user friendly experience and improved alignment.
Full Specifications
| Optical Tube Assembly (OTA) |
| Optical Design | Schmidt-Cassegrain (SCT) |
| Aperture | 203.2mm (8-inches) |
| Focal Length | 2032mm (80-inches) |
| Focal Ratio | f/10.0 |
| Included Eyepiece | 25mm (81x Magnification) |
| Finderscope | StarPointer™ Red Dot Finderscope |
| Star Diagonal | 1.25" |
| Optical Tube Construction | Aluminium |
| 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 | 5.4kg |
| Dovetail | CG-5 Dovetail Bar |
| Computerised Mount |
| Mount Type | Computerised Altitude-Azimuth (AZ) Single Fork Arm |
| Payload Capacity | 5.44kg |
| Tripod Material | Stainless Steel |
| Height Adjustment Range (Including Mount and Tripod) | 965.2 - 1422.4mm |
| Tripod Leg Diameter | 38.1mm (1.5") |
| Tripod Weight | 4.08kg |
| Accessory Tray | Yes |
| Mount Head Weight | 5kg |
| Slew Speeds | 9 Slew Speds (Max Speed 5° / Second) |
| Tracking Rates | Sidereal, Solar and Lunar |
| Tracking Modes | Alt-Az, EQ North, EQ South |
| GPS | N/A |
| Dovetail Compatibility | CG-5 Dovetail |
| Auxiliary Ports | 1 Aux Port |
| Autoguide Port | Yes |
| USB Port | Yes (Hand Controller Input) |
| Power Reqiurements | 8 x AA Batteries (Not Included) 12V DC-750 mA (Tip Positive) - Not Included |
| Motor Drive | DC Servo Motors |
| Alignment Procedures | SkyAlign, 2-Star Align, 1-Star Align, Auto 2-Star Align, Solar System Align, Last Alignment, Quick Align, EQ North / EQ South Alignment (With Equatorial Wedge) |
| Periodic Error Correction | No |
| Computerised Hand Controller | Double Line, 18 Character Liquid Crystal Display; 19 Fiber Optic Backlit LED Buttons and USB 2.0 Port for PC Connection |
| NexStar+ Database | 40,000+ Objects with 100 User Defined Programmable Objects and Enhanced Information on Over 200 Objects |
| Software | Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software, SkyPortal App |
| Total Kit Weight | 10.88kg |
| Warranty | Celestron 2 Year Warranty |
Recommended Accessories
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12V 2A Power Adapter for Computerised Telescopes Supply your computerised telescope with a constant voltage with a 12V 2A power adapter. Reduces issues due to insufficient/dropping voltage that may occur with standard AA batteries (if applicable). |
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Celestron NeXYZ Smartphone Adapter With the Celestron NeXYZ Smartphone Adapter, you can take images or videos through your telescope eyepiece using your smartphone. This is a great way to get started in astrophotography. |
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Celestron Omni 2x Barlow Lens Double the magnification of your telescope with a barlow lens. Highly recommended if you are interested in viewing the planets. Don't go without it! |
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Celestron Dew Shield DX for 6" & 8" OTAs Reduce dew formation on your OTA from affecting your viewing experience with this handy dew shield. |
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saxon Optical Lens Cleaning Kit Keep your telescope free from dust and debris and cleaned regularly! |
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12V 2A Power Adapter for Computerised Telescopes Power your computerised telescope with this power adapter so that batteries aren't required. |
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Celestron NeXYZ Smartphone Adapter Take images or videos through your telescope eyepiece using your smartphone. This is a great way to get started in astrophotography. |
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Celestron Omni 2x Barlow Lens Double the magnification of your telescope with a barlow lens. Highly recommended if you are interested in viewing the planets. Don't go without it! |
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Celestron Dew Shield DX for 6" & 8" OTAs Reduce dew formation on your OTA from affecting your viewing experience with this handy dew shield. |
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saxon Optical Lens Cleaning Kit Keep your telescope in top shape by protecting it from dust and debris! |
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Why Shop Celestron from OpticsCentral?
OpticsCentral is a Premier Select Dealer for Celestron in Australia, offering expert advice, local warranty support, and access to genuine spare parts. As an authorised Celestron Premier Select Dealer, we provide local warranty support and fast turnaround on repairs—giving you peace of mind with every purchase.
About Celestron
Imagine a humble beginning – a 6-inch reflector telescope crafted by Tom Johnson for his young son. This was the spark that ignited a transformative journey. As time passed, his designs evolved into larger, more sophisticated scopes. Today, Celestron shines as an industry trailblazer, renowned for crafting precision optical equipment. From computerised marvels to traditional telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes and more, Celestron's portfolio is a universe of possibilities. With a legacy spanning over 50 illustrious years, Celestron has earned admiration from both avid hobbyists and dedicated astronomers worldwide. But they don't rest on their laurels; innovation propels them forward. They constantly broaden their product horizons while illuminating minds through global science education initiatives. Celestron's story is one of innovation, evolution and a passion for the cosmos. Join them on this extraordinary journey of discovery and inspiration.
Product Code: 11069
| Optical Design | Schmidt Cassegrain (XLT) |
|---|---|
| Aperture | 203.2mm |
| Focal Length | 2032mm |
| Focal Ratio | 10.0 |
| Highest Practical Magnification | 480x |
| Faintest Stellar Magnitude | 14 |
| Mount Type | Alt-Azimuth Nexstar SE |
| Motor Drive | Yes |
| Eyepiece 1 | Plossl 25mm - 1.25" |
| Finderscope Make | StarPointer Red Dot |
| Tube Length | 432mm x 232mm |
| Autoguide Port | No |
| Electronic Hand Control | Yes |
| Warranty Information | 2 Years |
| Additional Specifications of Product | Optimal backfocus from baffle tube lock ring to the camera sensor: 5"/ 127mm Optimal backfocus with f/6.3 focal reducer to the camera sensor: 105mm |
| Item | Qty |
| Optical Tube | 1 |
| Nexstar SE Single Fork Arm Mount and Tripod | 1 |
| Accessory Tray | 1 |
| StarPointer Finderscope | 1 |
| Nexstar+ Hand Controller | 1 |
| 25mm Eyepiece | 1 |
Q1. How do I set up the Celestron NexStar SE telescope?
To set up your Celestron NexStar SE Telescope, begin by assembling the tripod and securely attaching the mount and optical tube. Once assembled, insert an eyepiece into the diagonal, align the finderscope with the main optics, and power on the mount. Before observing, you'll need to perform an alignment using the NexStar+ hand controller to ensure accurate tracking and GoTo functionality.
Q2. How do I align the NexStar SE for accurate GoTo tracking?
The Celestron NexStar SE Telescope offers several alignment methods, including SkyAlign, 2-Star Align, and Solar System Align. SkyAlign is particularly beginner-friendly, allowing you to point the telescope at any three bright objects. For best accuracy, make sure the tripod is level and input the correct time, date (mm-dd-yyyy), and location (DMS notation). Carefully centre each alignment object in the eyepiece when prompted. Proper alignment is essential for accurate GoTo pointing and tracking.
Q3. How do I power the NexStar SE?
TheCelestron NexStar SE Telescope can be powered using eight AA batteries placed in the mount’s battery compartment, but this is only recommended for short sessions. For longer and more stable use, especially during alignment and tracking, a 12V DC power adapter is recommended. Many users also prefer using a portable lithium power tank, which provides reliable power for outdoor sessions and multi-hour observing. Low power can cause tracking errors or system resets.
Q4. How do I maintain the NexStar SE telescope?
Maintaining your Celestron NexStar SE Telescope is straightforward. When not in use, keep the optical tube capped to prevent dust buildup. Clean the lenses only when necessary, using a blower, soft lens brush, or microfibre cloth, and never touch the optical coatings directly. Wipe down the exterior of the telescope with a dry or slightly damp cloth if needed. Always store the telescope in a dry, dust-free area and consider using silica gel packs or a padded storage case for added protection.
Q5. How often should I collimate the NexStar SE?
Celestron NexStar SE Telescopes generally hold their collimation well, so adjustment is rarely required. However, if stars appear misshapen or not symmetrical when focusing at high magnification, a collimation check is advised. You can perform a star test to evaluate the alignment, and if necessary, make minor adjustments to the secondary mirror using the provided collimation screws.
Q6. What should I do if the mount isn't tracking accurately?
If your mount isn’t tracking accurately, first make sure that you’ve completed a proper alignment. Inaccurate tracking is often caused by poor initial alignment or unstable power. Ensure your power source is fully charged and reliable. It's also important that the tripod is level and the mount is secure. If tracking continues to drift, you may need to realign the telescope or fine-tune the anti-backlash settings through the hand controller to improve its response to small adjustments.
Q7. How do I update or reset the hand controller?
To update the NexStar+ hand controller, use Celestron Firmware Manager (CFM) on your computer and connect the controller via USB or serial cable, depending on the model. Please refer to our Youtube video on how to do this here.
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