Celestron NexStar 8 SE Schmidt-Cassegrain Computerized Telescope, w/Acc Kit

I purchased this model as I am new to observational astronomy and liked the go-to feature. The brand seems to have good reviews, and a friend has an older Celestron model that he speaks of highly. The 8" aperture size is a good compromise between size and cost. I have found the NexStar 8SE to be relatively easy to set up and operate. I can't wait to start observing Jupiter and Saturn this summer!

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.

So far I am impressed. The weather has not cooperated. So my actual experience is limited. The instructions are good and easy to follow. And what images I have experienced are without equal.

brilliant views, worth the wait till it arrives and worth the money.

Great scope. great package price.

The instructions for the telescope and tripod should be a little more comprehensive with diagrams for novices unfamiliar with some of the terminology. <br /><br />The accessory lenses and filters were a better than expected benefit. The instructions for the filters were especially helpful/

Great Telescope, Sky Sense and Sky Sync make this Nexstar 8 SE super easy to set up just push the Align Button and in less than 3 minutes your ready to go.<br />Nice Tripod, Mount and Hand Controller work very well, overall<br />well made nice looking Telescope.<br />Only complaint is that it does not come with the AC adapter you have to pay for it as an option.

Likes:<br />-Set up only takes 10-20 minutes.<br />-Eye pieces are well-crafted and the main mirror allows for clear views.<br />-Ability to automatically slew to objects in the sky with the touch of a button.<br />-Celestron carrying case is great for all of the small accessories.<br /><br />Dislikes:<br />-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).<br />-Too many items/pieces to bring when going out to a viewing site, so not as portable. Any cases online are very overpriced also.

Everything arrived in good condition except for laser pointer it's not working, but all else ok thanks to adorama employee who took my order and got scope to me in time for christmas as it was intended as a gift for my wife. Your customer service is top notch and I'm still learning to use scope so I don't have a complete report on product yet.

I?ve always wanted a Celestron Telescope. Purchasing it on Adorama?s website was super easy and we took advantage of the no-interest financing. The setup was fairly easy. At first it?s difficult aligning the telescope, I?ve done it twice now, and I?m sure by the 3rd time I will be a pro. I was able to see Mars, the Orion Nebula on my first go. I have a couple of issues with the Celestron 8SE. 1.) Why don?t they include a $15 power adapter? it?s the biggest complaint online about the telescope. It has motors that move the telescope, 8 x AA batteries are not going to last long and are going to cost a ton of money to constantly replace, rechargeables won?t work. 2.) In super cold weather the display on the controller is illegible. 3.) The controller is the same for all models, 4SE, 5SE, 6SE & 8SE. I?m trying to decide if it?s worth the extra $125 to get the wifi adapter so I can use an iPad to control it.