Celestron Nexstar 8SE Computerized Maksutov-Cassegrain GoTo Telescope and Tripod
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Celestron NexStar 8SE SCT GoTo Telescope
Celestron’s signature orange-tube telescope combines advanced features and excellent optics in one easy-to-use system, the NexStar 8SE. It’s the perfect choice for your first serious telescope, offering striking views at an economical price.
Reimagined
In the 1970s, Celestron’s Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes brought the hobby of astronomy to the masses and established Celestron as the world’s premier telescope maker. The founder, Tom Johnson, invented Celestron’s proprietary method of producing Schmidt corrector plates for superior views and maximum portability. Johnson believed in creating high-quality optical instruments at an affordable price, and inspired a generation of amateur astronomers. Four decades later, Celestrons improved upon this design by adding cutting-edge features, while staying true to their founder’s intent.
Revolutionary Design
The best telescope is the one you will use most often. That’s why Celestron’s engineers created NexStar SE’s unique, patented single fork arm mount. It’s perfectly portable and makes setup quick and easy. What’s more, the NexStar SE breaks down into several lightweight and compact pieces, making it easy to transport, even in small vehicles. You’ll have no problem getting the NexStar SE to your favorite observing site, or setting it up quickly in your backyard.
Of course, it’s what’s inside the mount that really counts. Sturdy construction from high-quality components give NexStar SE the pointing and tracking accuracy needed to observe and follow your favorite targets with push-button ease. Use the included NexStar+ hand control to locate over 40,000 celestial objects, or take a Sky Tour and let your telescope show you the best objects currently visible.
Alligning
Aligning your telescope is simple and painless, too, thanks to SkyAlign. This process makes alignment as easy as 1-2-3: just center three bright objects in your eyepiece and press ALIGN. For even easier alignment, attach Celestrons StarSense AutoAlign and your NexStar SE aligns itself! Celestron added their proprietary StarBright XLT optical coating to enhance light transmission making your images brighter and more detailed.
Advanced Features
The NexStar SE is compatible with all the high-tech accessories advanced users love. Provide GPS coordinates to your telescope with SkySync, or add automatic alignment functionality with StarSense AutoAlign. Its built-in wedge allows you to track long exposures. You can even remove the telescope’s secondary mirror and replace it with a DSLR or astronomical CCD camera for wide field images captured at f/2 using a Fastar/HyperStar lens assembly. Or, if you’re interested in imaging the Moon and planets, pair your NexStar 8SE with one of Celestron's Skyris cameras. From your first observing session and for years to come, the NexStar SE is your trusted companion.
Celestron Tabletop Tripod
Celestron Tabletop Tripod - compact and sturdy, is half the size and weight of a standard tripod, making it perfect for travel. The low-profile legs and wide footprint offer added stability, while the convenient tabletop design makes it easier for some observers (especially children) to access the eyepiece. Setup is quick and easy compared to a full-height tripod. Simply place the Tabletop Tripod on a camp table, bench, tailgate, or any other flat surface. When not in use, the Tabletop Tripod’s legs fold inward and stow neatly under the mounting plate for easy storage and transport.
Mount
| Mount Type | Single Fork Arm Altazimuth |
Tripod
| Material | Stainless Steel |
Optical Tube Assembly
| Aperture | 8-inch/200mm |
| Optical Design | Schmidt-Cassegrain |
| Focal Length | 2032mm |
| Focal Ratio | f/10 |
| Focuser | Internal |
| Eyepiece Barrel Diameter | 1.25" |
| Finderscope | Yes |
| Optical Tube Dimensions | 17 inch |
Celestron NexStar 8SE SCT GoTo Telescope
| Optical design | Schmidt-Cassegrain |
| Aperture | 203.2 mm (8 inch) |
| Focal length | 2032 mm (80 inch) |
| Focal ratio | 10 |
| Focal length of eyepiece 1 (mm) | 25 mm (0.98 inch) |
| Magnification of eyepiece 1 | 81x |
| Finderscope | StarPointer |
| Star diagonal | 1.25 inch |
| Mount type | Single Fork Arm Altazimuth |
| Tripod | Steel |
| Power requirements | 8-AA batteries (not included) |
| 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 |
| Apparent field of view | 0.63 degrees |
| Linear field of view | 33 feet (10 m) at 1,000 yards |
| Secondary mirror obstruction | 64 mm (2.5 inch) |
| Secondary mirror obstruction by Diameter | 31% |
| Secondary mirror obstruction by Area | 9.77% |
| Optical coatings | Starbright XLT |
| Optical tube length | 432 mm (17 inch) |
| Total telescope kit weight | 33 lb (15 kg) |
| Tripod weight | 9 lb (4.08 kg) |
| Slew speeds | Nine slew speeds |
| 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, Solar System Align |
| Communication ports | RS-232 communication port on hand control, Autoguider port, Aux port |
| Computer hand control | Double line, 16 character Liquid Crystal Display with 19 fiber optic backlit LED buttons |
| Database | 40,000 objects, 200 user defined programmable objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects |
Celestron Tabletop Tripod
| Tripod weight | 6.8 lb |
| Tripod height (Open) | 7 inch at the lowest setting |
| Tripod length (Closed) | 11 inch |
| Tripod footprint (Open) | 17 x 16 inch |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I return an item?
How do I return an item?
Returns are incredibly simple. Please log into your account, find your item you wish to return and follow the prompts to make a return. If you do not have an account, click here to find your order and make a return.
Will I receive a full refund when I return an item?
Will I receive a full refund when I return an item?
You will receive a full refund when you return an item in its original manufacturer’s packaging, undamaged and unmarked. If the item you are returning is priced at less than $35, you will be charged a 15% restocking fee. Please note you will not be refunded any shipping charges.
How many days do I have to make a return?
How many days do I have to make a return?
You have 30 days to make a return. During the holiday season, from November 1 to December 31, we extend the return window to 60 days.
My item was damaged in transit. How do I place a return?
My item was damaged in transit. How do I place a return?
If your order has been noticeably damaged in transit, we strongly recommend that you refuse delivery and notify us immediately. Claims for missing items or items damaged in transit must be made within 48 hours of delivery. If there is carrier damage, please contact support@focuscamera.com with your order number and a description of the damage.
There’s an issue with my order, what should I do?
There’s an issue with my order, what should I do?
Oh no! Please contact our customer service team so we can resolve the issue immediately. You can call us on 1.800.221.0828, email us at support@focuscamera.com, or send us a message here.
Can I exchange an item?
Can I exchange an item?
We do not currently offer exchanges. Please return the item you purchased within 30 days and order what you’d like instead.
If I ordered a kit, do I have to return all the items?
If I ordered a kit, do I have to return all the items?
If you ordered a kit, you must return all components and accessories to receive a full refund.
I ordered a product that included a free item. I’d like to return it, do I need to return the free item as well?
I ordered a product that included a free item. I’d like to return it, do I need to return the free item as well?
If you ordered a product that included a free item, you must include the free item with your return. If not, your return will not be accepted and you will not receive a full refund.
Do you offer repairs?
Do you offer repairs?
We currently only offer camera repairs at our Brooklyn store. The item must be dropped off and collected in person as we do not accept shipped items for repair. For more information, please call our Brooklyn store on 1.718.431.7900.
What is your return policy?
What is your return policy?
Most items can be returned within 30 days for a full refund. Click here to read our full return policy.



























