







See Options
1 Year
$119.00
2 Year
$179.00
3 Year
$229.00
Review Summary
2025-03-19T12:58:12
I purchased this complete combination in March of 2025. The scope was delivered safely contained in its two original boxes and everything was like new condition. Great job guys!
Raymond W.
2024-01-08T07:13:07
Great product has performed amazing so far.
Michelle A.
2023-11-03T04:29:02
Great scope! I used to have a 10 inch dob, so I was looking for something with a large aperture, but would be more portable. It also has been sometime since I had done any star gazing so the goto features are really nice. A word of caution, do not even bother using AA batteries. You won't get more then an hour out of a set, they just can't maintain the proper voltage and the scope will do all kinds of crazy things and point in the wrong directions. Once I got a power tank, alignment was super easy and the goto has been working well. I wouldn't recommend it for a complete beginner because so far I have need to do small manual adjustments, but I came into with those expectations.
Josh B.
2022-08-12T13:35:43
Likes: -Set up only takes 10-20 minutes. -Eye pieces are well-crafted and the main mirror allows for clear views. -Ability to automatically slew to objects in the sky with the touch of a button. -Celestron carrying case is great for all of the small accessories. Dislikes: -Telescope stand isn't sturdy enough to prevent vibration or shaking. Unfortunately, this makes it difficulty to fully enjoy the image you are looking at. There are vibration pads for purchase, but you would think this would be built into the stand from the start (especially with the price you are paying). -Too many items/pieces to bring when going out to a viewing site, so not as portable. Any cases online are very overpriced also.
Samson P.
2022-07-24T09:30:49
One of the best things I have purchased in a long time. I've had it for a year now and absolutely LOVE going to dark sky places and able to set up this scope while camping. At a dark sky site, the Andromeda Galaxy & Orion Nebula look stunning. You can see the planets in the scope from anywhere and both jupiter & saturn look absolutely great as well. Globular Clusters look great in the scope as well. However the only complain as I have is having to buy so many extra accessories-like the GPS unit-wish it would have been included in the scope for the price of it. (you don't have to buy it but it helps the set up process a lot quicker).
Leo P.
2021-09-14T19:15:33
I just ordered this telescope a month ago and hate to leave this review but I?ve run into issues. Unfortunately, the computer that comes with this telescope that I received cannot complete the star alignment process, which is necessary in order to use the telescope. The text that displays on the computer screen is not always readable ? it becomes erratic and the individual characters (letters) don?t display correctly, making the info unreadable. They end up looking like hieroglyphs of some jumbled up lines. We have tried to align this thing multiple times and the star alignment fails whether you select your City as your location or input latitude and longitude. Also, the longitude and longitude format that the computer lets you enter is incorrect ? it doesn?t let you enter the full coordinates for latitude or longitude?! I know this can?t be the case for all of the computers on these telescopes because I?ve read all of the reviews. I feel like the computer I got is faulty and is using technology from the 80?s or 90?s. I?ve reached out to Adorama Support so I?m hoping they can help. But if you?ve run into this issue too - you?re not alone! Hoping for a resolution to this so we can finally use our new telescope.
Michele H.
2021-09-08T12:47:16
Researched for months and waited even longer to get availability, but worth it. Still got a lot to learn, but so pleased so far. Finally getting the pc interface going with CWPI and it really makes it much easier! Excited about going to a lake just outside of town where the light interference is hopefully less.
bmcalis
2021-08-31T12:35:50
I have always dreamed of having a more powerful and user friendly telescope like the Nexstar 8SE, and its only limitation is its user, me! I am learning more and more about it as I use it, and it is everything I hoped it would be!
MELISSA
2021-08-19T08:43:16
Not a bad scope however the lack of switching to Manuel control does limit it to an experienced amateur
PHILIP I.
2021-08-18T09:36:47
great scope
STEPHEN D.
2021-08-18T09:05:07
If you want the top of the beginners telescope, this is it. It is absolutely fantastic for planetary and moon observation. In clean skies, visibility for galaxies is great. I recommend buying accessories to locate celestial bodies, though.
DIEGO H.
2021-08-13T08:28:33
The best Celestron has to offer .
Bob P.
2021-08-08T09:51:45
As a novice to telescopes, this is my first serious telescope. I gave my beginner scope to the granddaughters, but this one is really easy to use. Simply follow the set up instructions, and it will take you to the object (star or planet) of your choice and track them. The images are sharp and striking. I hoped to use it with my Nikon d7200, and it will attach, but the eyepieces are bypassed with the camera, resulting in a 2036mm super telephoto. It still provides good pictures as a telephoto lens. Saturn picture taken on first night of use.
Litt D.
2021-08-06T17:50:20
Wonderful telescope So glad we ordered it. Easy enough to use and learn on and still have an amazing view.
Kathy
2021-08-06T17:42:47
We are loving this telescope and it is so nice to have for sky watching. We have a lot to learn but this is one that is really nice but learnable. We plan on purchasing additional lens, etc. in the future.
Kathy
2021-07-28T08:48:33
Excellent scope. Easy to setup. Excellent shipping. Did not care for the finder scope though
GEORGE M.
2021-07-25T09:54:38
Absolutely amazing telescope. Please buy it.
Sebastian G.
2021-07-25T06:50:49
4 out of 5 only because im new dont have all of figured out yet
Daniel z.
2021-07-15T10:33:15
Great telescope!
REBECCA P.
2021-07-14T09:06:56
This is a fantastic Telescope with great optics and with over 2000MM aperture everything looks brighter. It's very easy to use even for a beginner and enough options for a experienced astronomer.
Bob P.
2021-06-25T10:40:59
Easy to use and awesome power.
Chris V.
2021-06-25T09:16:44
I have wanted the Celestron Mexstar 8 SE for a long time and finally had the opportunity to do that through financing. Thank you for making a dream come true
Maurice
2021-06-25T08:14:22
Great beginner telescope for starting out.
MARISA G.
2021-06-25T02:58:13
Excellent scope! Easy to setup and use.
KEVIN K.
2021-06-18T11:24:34
It was easy to assemble and I was able to use it that evening.
Amy c.
2021-06-18T11:20:42
This is my very first telescope and I bought it to buddy it with my Nikon z6 camera. I can't wait to get some amazing photos of the moon.
Amy c.
2021-06-11T06:23:12
Delivered on time, great product.
Jose R.
2021-06-10T08:47:35
Great telescope! Everything I was hoping for! Easy to setup and use. Needs more accessories to maximize it (eyepieces, battery pack, etc). FAST shipping and packaging was great. Keep the boxes to transport the telescope.
WILLIAM O.
2021-06-01T08:33:23
Great product
THOMAS J.
2021-05-14T08:02:05
Product is perfect for my viewing needs. Arrived on time in perfect condition. Very versatile, easy to use & relatively light weight. Very pleased with my purchase.
MARGARET B.
Accidents happen. Purchase a protection plan to keep your favorite SunnySports outdoor gear protected from covered accidental damage and failure.
If your equipment stops working, we'll repair it at no additional cost! And if we can't fix it, we'll replace it!
Protection for your equipment from unintentional breaks, drops, rips, and spills.
When your gear experiences a mechanical or electrical failure, you’re covered.
We’ll never charge you a deductible after the purchase of a plan. No fees. No deductibles. No hidden costs.
Our claims process is simple & easy with 24/7 online support.
Enjoy your gear without fear. We have you covered!
Protect+ powered by Extend is available for purchase to customers in the United States. Not available for international or U.S. territories purchases.
Browse our FAQ
Schmidt-Cassegrain
8" (203.2mm)
80" (2032mm)
f/10
0.98" (25mm)
81x
StarPointer red dot finderscope
1.25" Star Diagonal
480x
29x
14
0.69 arc seconds
0.57 arc seconds
843x (Compared to human eye)
2.5" (64mm)
'31%
'9.77%
StarBright XLT
CG-5 Dovetail bar
Computerized Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm
12 lbs (5.44kg)
38 - 56" (965.2 - 1422.4mm) (includes mount and tripod)
1.5" (38.1mm) Stainless Steel
11 lbs (5kg)
Yes
9 lbs (4.08kg)
9 slew speeds - max speed 5 Degree /second
Sidereal, Solar and Lunar
Alt-Az, EQ North and EQ South
CG-5 dovetail
1x AUX Port
Yes
Yes, Hand Control input
8-AA batteries (not included) and 12 VDC-750 mA (Tip positive)
DC servo motors
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)
No
Double line, 18 character Liquid Crystal Display with 19 fiber opti backlit LED buttons
40,000 objects, 200 user defined programmable objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects
Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software and SkyPortal App
Optional, not included
-
AA
8
9.1 x 17" (232 x 432mm)
Optical Tube: 12 lbs (5.4kg)
Total: 24 lbs (10.88kg)
050234110693
Excellent all purpose telescope
By Pete
[...] Comes with 6 element 25 mm 1.25" Plossl' eyepiece, 1.25" diagonal, 1.25' visual back, easy to use finderscope, aperture cover, tripod, and accessory/eyepiece tray. Manual and quick start guide are well written. Set-up in minutes. Can use 8 AA batteries or connect an external source via 12 Volt connector (12 Volt car accessory or AC adapters are available as accessories). Since the single fork-arm must power motor(s) and the controller, the AA batteries will not last long if you do a lot...
View full Review
Good Telescope!
By Massive
Every now and then I like to view the night sky with a telescope. I bought a new Mead scope. I returned it. I bought the Celestron 8. Very good and easy to use! I up graded to the Celestron 11". Even better!! I still have the 11" Celestron and I am going to buy another 8". People told me that the 11" was heavy and hard to move... "Hay - I'm 6'3" & 100 lbs. of telescope to move around is no sweat". They where right. That is why I'm buying another 8".(I'm still keeping my Celestron 1100-XLT-GPS...
View full Review
Experience the wonders of the universe with the NexStar 8 SE Schmidt-Cassegrain Computerized Telescope from Celestron, a leading name in high-quality optical instruments. This advanced, user-friendly telescope is the perfect tool for both novice and intermediate astronomers, offering superior views of celestial bodies at an affordable price.
The NexStar 8 SE is a reimagining of our founder Tom Johnson's vision, who revolutionized the field of astronomy in the 1970s with the creation of the classic Celestron 8. This updated model retains the signature orange-tube design and combines it with cutting-edge features for the 21st-century stargazer.
With a full 8 inches of aperture, the NexStar 8 SE offers exceptional light-gathering ability, revealing intricate details in even the faintest celestial objects. From the cloud bands on Jupiter to the spiral arms of the Whirlpool Galaxy, this telescope brings the cosmos to your backyard.
The NexStar 8 SE features a revolutionary single fork arm mount, a patented design unique to Celestron. This innovative feature ensures the telescope is not only portable but also quick and easy to set up. Despite its robust construction, the NexStar SE disassembles into compact, lightweight pieces for convenient transport, even in small vehicles.
The NexStar 8 SE is equipped with a NeXStar+ hand control, allowing you to locate over 40,000 celestial objects with ease. The SkyAlign process simplifies alignment, requiring you to just center three bright objects in your eyepiece and press ALIGN. For an even more effortless experience, attach our StarSense AutoAlign, and your NexStar SE will align itself!
This telescope is designed to grow with you, compatible with a range of high-tech accessories. Control your telescope using your iPhone or iPad with our SkyQ Link, or add GPS functionality with SkySync. For those interested in astroimaging, the NexStar SE is Fastar-compatible for ultra-fast, wide-field imaging.
Whether you're embarking on your first stargazing session or have years of experience, the NexStar 8 SE Schmidt-Cassegrain Computerized Telescope is your trusted companion in exploring the universe.
Best Price Guarantee
Shop with peace of mind
Our Customers Love Us!
Read Thousands of Customer Ratings
More About SunnySports