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NexStar Evolution 8 HD Telescope with StarSense

SKU 12096
Original price $2,949.00 - Original price $2,949.00
Original price
$2,949.00
$2,949.00 - $2,949.00
Current price $2,949.00

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Description

The NexStar Evolution keeps evolving. We’ve paired our best optics with our best technology to make an incredible versatile and portable telescope system. Now, enjoy EdgeHD 8” optics and StarSense AutoAlign on the renowned Evolution mount, all controlled from your favorite tablet or phone.

With the innovative NexStar Evolution 8 HD, enjoy EdgeHD optics and controlling the telescope wirelessly with the SkyPortal app. Now equipped with StarSense AutoAlign, go-to alignment is done automatically once you tap “Connect and Align”! Observing, astro-imaging, and automatic wireless alignment are all bundled into a compact yet mechanically solid setup.This the most capable, easy-to-use and ready-for-action system we’ve ever offered.

When NexStar Evolution was introduced, it paired two of Celestron’s most acclaimed innovations, Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes and computerized go-to optics, in a compact single fork arm mount. The technology and optics continued to evolve over the years. On the technology side, we added StarSense AutoAlign for our go-to telescopes, as well as WiFi telescope control with over our new SkyPortal app. With optics, EdgeHD flat-field and coma-free astro-imaging systems were made to accommodate modern imaging with cameras of all types, especially larger format CCD and DSLR cameras. Now all of these innovations have come together in one telescope package: The NexStar Evolution 8 HD. The NexStar Evolution 8 HD covers all bases for compact and easy to use, and is perfectly capable for any observing to astro-imaging pursuit.

STARSENSE AUTOALIGN IN SKYPORTAL APP

We’ve added our StarSense AutoAlign technology to the SkyPortal app, making SkyPortal the most advanced telescope control app offered. StarSense not only automatically aligns itself from your smartdevice, it also has advanced mount modelling, allowing you enter up to 10 alignment points for the most precision pointing accuracy possible. Even the most advanced telescope users will love using StarSense AutoAlign through the app. This affordable accessory replaces the expensive software usually used for advanced mount modeling.

With built-in mount modeling, youll get superior pointing accuracy from horizon to horizon. When your alignment needs to be perfect, add up to 10 additional calibration stars to achieve a new level of accuracy, great for locating objects in the camera’s field of view for astroimaging.

SUPERIOR FIT FOR ASTROIMAGING AND VISUAL ASTRONOMY

If you’re interested in astroimaging, the 8-inch NexStar Evolution HD is an excellent way to jump in.. It’s the only fork-mounted telescope in its price range that offers brass worm gears, along with improved motors. Tracking is great, and so too is the flat-field, coma-free EdgeHD optical system.You can capture images of deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula by simply attaching your DSLR camera. As you progress in the hobby of astroimaging, you can add our Wedge for NexStar Evolution to achieve longer exposures for more detailed astrophotos.

Of course, the EdgeHD optical system offers bright, sharp views with StarBright XLT optical coatings—a great choice for visual observers and budding astroimagers alike.

NexStar Evolution is equipped with 4 auxiliary ports--2 on top of the fork and 2 on the bottom. A StarSense hand control is still included, but is not necessary when using NexStar Evolution with the app. The telescope also includes a StarPointer Pro finderscope, two 1.25” Plossl eyepieces, a 1.25” star diagonal, and an international AC adapter.

FREE SKYPORTAL APP

Access the sky and control your telescope from an interactive planetarium on your smart device – provides the best star gazing experience for you and your friends and family – know when Jupiter’s Great Red Spot will be visible, including shadow transits, planetary occultations, conjunctions, or pick the best deep sky objects to view such as galaxies and nebulae. Learn about these objects with informative backstories and beautiful image galleries, then see them for yourself through the telescope!

Controls everything, including StarSense. Tap Connect and Align and let StarSense automatically align the telescope for you.

Upgradable to SkySafari Plus and SkySafari Pro

Specifications
OPTICAL TUBE INFO:
Optical Design: EdgeHD
Aperture: 203.2mm (8")
Focal Length: 2032mm (80")
Focal Ratio: f/10
Focal Length of Eyepiece 1: 40mm (1.57")
Magnification of Eyepiece 1: 51x
Focal Length of Eyepiece 2: 13mm (.51")
Magnification of Eyepiece 2: 156x
Finderscope: StarPointer Pro™ finderscope
Star Diagonal: 1.25" Star Diagonal
Optical Tube: Aluminum
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: 238mm (9.37")
Optical Tube Weight: 14 lbs (6.35 kg)
Dovetail: CG-5 Dovetail bar
MOUNT INFO:
Mount Type: Computerized Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm
Instrument load capacity: 25 lbs (11 kg)
Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod): 1193.8mm - 1752.6mm (47" – 69")
Tripod Leg Diameter: 38.1mm (1.5") Stainless Steel
Mount Head Weight: 16 lbs (7 kg)
Accessory Tray: Yes
Tripod Weight: 12 lbs (5.44 kg)
Slew Speeds: 9 slew speeds - max speed 4°/second
Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Solar and Lunar
Tracking Modes: Alt-Az, EQ North and EQ South
GPS: N/A
Dovetail Compatibility: CG-5 saddle plate
Number of Auxiliary ports: 4 Aux ports (Hand Control can use any of the Aux ports)
Autoguide port: No
USB Port: Yes, Hand Control input and Mount output
Power Requirements: Internal 9 6V, 4 5Ah lithium iron phosphate battery (LiFePO4)
Motor Drive: DC servo motors
Alignment Procedures: SkyAlign, 1-Star Align, 2-Star Align, Auto 2-Star Align, Solar System Align, Quick-Align, Last Alignment, EQ North / EQ South Alignment (EQ align requires an equatorial wedge)
Periodic Error Correction: No
Computerized Hand Control: 2 line x 18 character backlit Liquid Crystal Display, 19 LED backlit buttons, USB 2.0 port for PC connection
NexStar+ Database: Over 40,000 including 220 of the best deep sky and solar system objects
Software: Celestron's Starry Night Special Edition Software | SkyPortal App
Total Kit Weight: 42 lbs (19.05 kg)
Included Items: NexStar Evolution OTA | Single Fork Arm Mount & Tripod | Accessory Tray| Built-in Wifi | Integrated Lithium-iron battery | Starsense Hand Control | 40mm & 13mm eyepiece | StarPointer Pro™ finderscope | Visual Back | Star Diagonal | 4 plug AC adapter
Solar Warning
  • Never look directly at the Sun with the naked eye or with an optic (unless you have the proper solar filter). Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result.
  • Never use your optic to project an image of the Sun onto any surface. Internal heat build-up can damage the optic and any accessories attached to it.
  • Never leave your optic unsupervised. Make sure an adult who is familiar with the correct operating procedures is with your optic at all times, especially when children are present.
Downloads

NexStar Evolution 8HD Quick Setup Guide

NexStar Evolution Manual

Addendum for NexStar Evolution Telescopes

NexStar Plus Hand Control Manual

StarSense AutoAlign Manual

EdgeHD Optics Manual

Celestron PWI Telescope Control Software Manual

NexRemote Telescope Control Software

Celestron Firmware Manager (CFM) Software

CPWI Software

Solar Safety Warning

How to Align a Red Dot Finder to Your Telescope Video

SCT & EdgeHD Collimation Guide

Whitepaper EdgeHD Optics