Celestron Nexstar 8 SE

The NexStar SE series is Celestron's latest development, designed with maximum portability and usability in mind. The 8-inch tube houses a 203/2030 Schmidt-Cassegrain optic. The telescope is a high-performance instrument, but its small size and weight make it a good compromise for amateurs seeking mobility. Its optical surfaces are coated with Celestron's state-of-the-art XLT coating for superior light harvesting.

The NexStar Handheld GoTo controller allows for GoTo control: it stores data on nearly 40,000 objects and can be set to any one of them to point the telescope. It has the SkyAlign alignment mode, which is particularly useful for beginners. No need to know the names or positions of the stars, simply set up three bright stars to familiarise yourself with the mount. The mounts allow the use of any telescope with a Vixen-compatible prismatic mount. The latest software version can always be downloaded from the internet, and it also allows PC control.

The basic package includes a starpointer, zenith prism and a 25 mm Plössl eyepiece with 80x magnification.

Solid support is provided by the steel foot mount.

The telescopes can be battery powered (although this is not recommended) and also have an external power supply connection for operation from a car cigarette lighter or SkyWatcher Powertank battery. An optional mains adapter is required for operation from a 220V mains supply.