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Why Purchase from All-Star Telescope?
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Whether you are a first timer needing help with setting up or an enthusiast that can't quite make that one thing work, our expert staff are ready to support your needs. With decades of knowledge and first hand experience we've been there and we can help you through it!
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Shipping around for the best price is tough, we make it easier by offering the best pricing in the market. But if you find a better price on an in-store item somewhere else we will match it!
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Why we love the Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 HD Computerized Telescope w/ StarSense (12096)
Product Description
The Celestron NexStar Evolution 8HD (12096) builds on the SE series by adding a built in lithium-iron battery pack, an integrated Wi-Fi adapter, and the incredible StarSense AutoAlign accessory. This means set up and calibration is automatic. You can also leave the hand controller behind and navigate to more than 40,000 celestial objects with a tap of your phone.
The Evolution series come with computerized mounts, two good quality eyepieces, and great quality optics. These scopes will stand up well to quality eyepieces and high magnification. They’re ideal for viewing the moon and will show great detail on the planets (Cassini division in the rings of Saturn, bands on Jupiter). The 8” of HD aperture will also give stunning views of deep sky objects like open clusters, globular clusters, and some galaxies.
We like to joke that the best telescope you can buy is the one that you'll actually use. The NexStar is an easy-to-use computerized telescope. There is an incredible ecosystem of accessories built around the NexStar series of telescopes that can make it even easier to use. The Evolution 8 strikes a balance between ease of use, portability, and top-of-the-line optics. It’s a great choice for a premium telescope, offering the best views available in its class.
Celestron makes 13 different versions of the NexStar. For more information on the collection or to see why we think that the NexStar is often the best telescope you can buy, read our article here.
StarSense AutoAlign in the SkyPortal App
StarSense AutoAlign helps you optimize your time outdoors, giving you back time you would have spent aligning your telescope and allowing you more time to observe. It scans the night sky and analyzes the star patterns overhead, automatically calculating the telescope's precise location, the date, and the current time. What's more, you can add up to 10 additional alignment stars for the most accurate alignment possible.
Because StarSense AutoAlign is paired with the Evolution mount, you get even more functionality and ease of use. Connect to the mount via the SkyPortal mobile app and you can perform the automatic alignment directly from your smart device, then instantly command the telescope to slew to your first celestial object.
8" EdgeHD Optical Tube
EdgeHD is an aplanatic, flat-field Schmidt optical system that produces aberration-free images across a wide visual and photographic field of view. The optical system reduces more than just off-axis star coma; it provides an astrograph-quality flat focal plane all the way to the edge of the field of view.
EdgeHD optics produce a focal plane more than three times flatter than a standard Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and dramatically flatter than competing coma-free designs. This guarantees you visibly sharp stars across full frame sensors.
The 8" EdgeHD flat-field and coma-free optical tube was made to accommodate modern imaging with cameras of all types, especially larger format CCD and DSLR cameras. The EdgeHD optical tube is Fastar-compatible for ultra-fast f/2 wide field imaging with an optional, third-party lens assembly.
Perfect for Visual Use or Beginning Astroimaging
This telescope is an excellent instrument for those looking to explore astroimaging. It's the only fork-mounted telescope in its price range that offers brass worm gears along with improved motors, which provide great tracking accuracy. Capture images of the Moon and planets by attaching any planetary imaging camera. You can even experiment with imaging brighter deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula with your DSLR camera.
As you progress in the hobby of astroimaging, turn your alt-azimuth mount into equatorial setup by adding the Wedge for NexStar Evolution. This accessory will enable you to achieve longer exposures for more detailed astrophotos. The NexStar Evolution mount also features a built-in lithium-iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery with enough power for 10-hour astroimaging sessions.
Of course, the EdgeHD optical system offers bright, sharp views with StarBright XLT optical coatings-a great choice for visual observers and budding astro-imagers alike.
NexStar Evolution is equipped with 4 auxiliary ports-two on top of the fork and two on the bottom. A StarSense hand control is still included, but is not necessary when using NexStar Evolution with the app.
Accessories Included
The NexStar Evolution 8" telescope includes two 1.25" Plossl 40mm & 13mm eyepiece, which is great for observing most any celestial object right out of the box. What's more, your telescope includes a 1.25" star diagonal, 1.25" Visual Back, the StarSense AutoAlign accessory, and a StarPointer Pro finderscope. The StarSense AutoAlign comes with a hand control, but thanks to the internal WiFi and SkyPortal app, use of the hand control is completely optional.
To increase your field of view without sacrificing performance, add the optional EdgeHD reducer lens, bringing your focal ratio down to f/7.
Software that Comes FREE with your Purchase
Celestron PWI Telescope Control: Your Ultimate Astronomy Software
All current Celestron computerized telescopes include Celestron PWI (CPWI), the most advanced astronomy software provided with any consumer-grade telescope. Celestron's experts co-developed CPWI with the engineers at PlaneWave Instruments. The result is an all-in-one solution offering you many of the same features used on PlaneWave's observatory-class telescopes.
Graphical planetarium interface with PointXP advanced mount modelling allows you to add 100+ points to your alignment model for the most accurate pointing and tracking possible
Ideal for remote observatory setups: save and re-load your alignment and park your scope
Provides a complete ASCOM telescope interface to allow control of the telescope from third party software applications
Starry Night Software
Also included with your purchase is a free download of Celestron's Starry Night Special Edition Software. This advanced software by Simulation Curriculum offers detailed information about celestial objects and helps you plan your next observing or imaging session. The Special Edition software also includes telescope control via your PC.
Celestron NexStar Telescope - Set-Up, Unboxing, and Assembly
From opening the box to complete set-up of the Celestron NexStar SE, SLT and Evolution, this video walks you through the process of getting your new NexStar telescope assembled and ready for a star alignment (covered in Parts 2 & 3).
Sometimes we all need a hand getting things setup. Celestron's NexStar series (SE, SLT, and Evolution) offer an unparalleled user experience and amazing views so we wanted to make sure that you had everything you need to get going, fast!
From opening the box to complete set-up of the Celestron NexStar SE, SLT and Evolution, this video walks you through the process of getting your new NexStar telescope assembled and ready for a star alignment (covered in Parts 2 & 3).
What's in the Box
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: | 10% |
| 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 Starry Night Special Edition Software and SkyPortal App |
| Total Kit Weight: | 42 lbs (19.05 kg) |
What can I see with a Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 HD Computerized Telescope w/ StarSense (12096)?
Here are some simulated views of common objects. Results with your telescope will vary with viewing conditions, obrits, equipment and more.
Jupiter with
40mm Eyepiece - 51x Magnification
(Included with This Telescope)
Jupiter with
13mm Eyepiece - 156x Magnification
(Included with This Telescope)
Jupiter with
5mm Eyepiece - 406x Magnification
Sold Separately
Moon with 40mm Eyepiece
51x Magnification
(Included with This Telescope)
Moon with 13mm Eyepiece
156x Magnification
(Included with This Telescope)
Moon with 5mm Eyepiece
406x Magnification
Sold Separately
Andromeda with 36mm Eyepiece
56x Magnification
Sold Separately
Andromeda with 40mm Eyepiece
51x Magnification
(Included with This Telescope)
Andromeda with 13mm Eyepiece
156x Magnification
(Included with This Telescope)
Additional Articles, Videos, and Links
Go Ahead, Look at the Sun (With the Right Equipment)
Solar observation and solar photography are a lot of fun with the right equipment, and this is a great time to start. Every 11 years the Sun’s magnetic field completely flips. That means that the...
Using Your First Telescope - Part Two: Aligning a GoTo Scope
GoTo telescopes are terrific for their ease of finding objects, then automatically tracking them. They work well, but only if they are set up properly. Here are tips for avoiding the common errors.
Is the Celestron NexStar the Best Telescope?
The Celestron Nexstar is the most popular and commercially successful telescope ever, and with good reason. They are perfect for curious amateurs that want something they can grow with as they ex...
How to Pick the Best Telescope Eyepieces
Finding the right new telescope eyepiece can be a game changer. This post will help you to pick the best telescope eyepiece for your needs.