Celestron has been a leading manufacturer of telescopes for many years, and their NexStar Evolution series has been highly praised by amateur astronomers worldwide. Let’s take a look at the Celestron NexStar Evolution 8, a highly popular model in this series and a telescope that is equipped with some advanced features. It is designed for intermediate to advanced users and is a high-end telescope that comes with a hefty price tag. In this review, I will be discussing the overall impression of the Celestron NexStar Evolution 8, its features, and my experience with it.
Overall Impression
The Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 is a high-quality telescope that is designed for intermediate to advanced users. It is a great option for those who are looking for a telescope that is easy to use, has advanced features, and produces excellent images. The telescope itself is well-built and sturdy, and the mount is very stable. The setup process is quick and easy, and the telescope comes with an intuitive app that makes it easy to control.
The Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 is definitely on the expensive side, but it is a good investment for those who are serious about astronomy. Overall, I was very impressed with the Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 and would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a high-quality telescope.
Summary
The Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 is a high-quality telescope that is designed for intermediate to advanced users. It is a great option for those who are looking for a telescope that is easy to use, has advanced features, and produces excellent images. The telescope itself is well-built and sturdy, and the mount is very stable. The setup process is quick and easy, and the telescope comes with an intuitive app that makes it easy to control.
The Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 is definitely on the expensive side, but it is a good investment for those who are serious about astronomy. Overall, I was very impressed with the Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 and would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a high-quality telescope.
The Telescope
The Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 is an 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope that has a focal length of 2032 mm and an f/10 focal ratio. The telescope features a StarBright XLT coating that enhances light transmission and produces bright, clear images. The telescope comes with a 2-inch visual back, a 1.25-inch star diagonal, and a 9×50 finderscope.
One of the things that I really liked about the Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 is that it comes with an adjustable mirror lock. This feature makes it easy to adjust the mirror tension and ensure that the telescope is performing at its best. The telescope also features a dual fork arm mount that is designed for stability and precision.
The Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 comes with a range of eyepieces that are designed to produce clear and detailed images. The eyepieces include a 40mm, 13mm, and 6mm Plossl. The 40mm eyepiece produces a wide field of view and is great for observing large objects such as galaxies and nebulas. The 13mm and 6mm eyepieces are better for observing smaller objects such as planets and star clusters.
One of the standout features of the Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 is its built-in WiFi. The telescope can be controlled using Celestron’s SkyPortal app, which is available for iOS and Android devices. The app allows you to control the telescope’s movement, adjust the focus, and even select objects to observe. The app also comes with a database of over 120,000 objects that you can choose from.
The Mount
The Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 comes with a dual fork arm mount that is designed for stability and precision. The mount is
equipped with two servo motors that provide smooth and accurate movement. The mount can be controlled using the Celestron SkyPortal app, which allows you to select objects to observe and control the movement of the telescope.
One of the things that I really liked about the mount is its built-in rechargeable battery. The battery can power the telescope for up to 10 hours, which makes it great for observing sessions that last all night. The battery can be charged using the included AC adapter, or you can charge it using a car battery or portable power pack.
The Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 also comes with a tripod that is designed to provide stability and support for the telescope. The tripod is made from aluminum and is adjustable to provide the right height for your observing position. The tripod also features a built-in accessory tray that is great for holding eyepieces and other accessories.
The mount is very easy to set up and use. The Celestron SkyPortal app makes it easy to control the movement of the telescope and select objects to observe. The mount is also very stable, which means that the telescope stays in place even when you are using high magnifications.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent image quality
- Built-in WiFi and app control
- Stable and accurate mount
- Adjustable mirror lock
- Built-in rechargeable battery
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy and bulky
- Limited portability
Conclusion
The Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 is a high-quality telescope that is designed for intermediate to advanced users. It produces excellent images and is equipped with some advanced features that make it easy to use. The telescope is well-built and sturdy, and the mount is very stable and precise. The built-in WiFi and app control make it easy to select objects to observe and control the movement of the telescope.
The Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 is definitely on the expensive side, but it is a good investment for those who are serious about astronomy. It is not the most portable telescope due to its weight and bulkiness, but it is great for observing sessions in your backyard or at a dark sky site. Overall, I would highly recommend the Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 to anyone who is looking for a high-quality telescope that is easy to use and produces excellent images.
