Product Comparison: Celestron NexStar 5 SE vs Celestron NexStar 8 SE
General Specifications
Brand
Celestron
Celestron
Model
NexStar 5 SE
NexStar 8 SE
Origin
USA
USA
About the Product
Celestron's NexStar 5 SE computerized telescope combines excellent optics and easy computerized GoTo tracking in a convenient portable size. The standard equipment tripod and mount feature easy no-tool setup, and the package even includes a student version of "The Sky" planetarium software for your computer.
Celestron’s signature orange-tube telescope combines advanced features and excellent optics in one easy-to-use system, the NexStar 8SE. It’s the perfect choice for your first serious telescope, offering impressive views at an economical price.
Key Specs
Optical Design
Schmidt-Cassegrain
Schmidt-Cassegrain
Aperture
125 mm
203.2 mm
Focal Length
1250 mm
2032 mm
Focal Ratio
f/10
f/10
Highest Useful Magnification
295 x
480 x
Lowest Useful Magnification
18 x
29 x
What customers say about "Key Specs"
Celestron NexStar 5 SE Computerised Telescope
- This scope is perfect for a beginner, can be set-up in about 10 minutes.
- Aligns easily by pointing to three bright objects in the sky.
- Portable and easy to set up.
- Great telescope. Amazing performance.
- Great detail on the objects that you are viewing.
Celestron NexStar 8 SE Computerised Telescope
- This scope is perfect for a beginner.
- Great quality and a good telescope for beginners.
- There is a nice moon picture.
- Phenomenal magnification, but average optical quality. Excellent value for money.
- Extremely well made and robust.
Size & Weight
Height
27.01 in.
23.66 in.
Width
32.01 in.
42.01 in.
Depth
12.99 in.
12.99 in.
Weight
17.6 lbs.
23.8 lbs.
Features
Optical Coatings
StarBright XLT
StarBright XLT
Finderscope
StarPointer
StarPointer
Optical Tube Length
330mm (13")
432mm (17")
Star Diagonal
1.25" Star Diagonal
1.25" Star Diagonal
Accessory Tray Included
Yes
Yes
Extras
Fully automated GoTo mount, SkyAlign technology, NexStar+ Hand Control, Built-In Wedge
Fully automated GoTo mount, SkyAlign technology, Built-In Wedge, NexStar+ Hand Control, 25mm eyepiece
Software
Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software / SkyPortal App
Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software / SkyPortal App
What customers say about "Features"
Celestron NexStar 5 SE Computerised Telescope
- Good material quality. Everything looks and feels great.
- Easy to use. Great features.
- A great telescope, very clear and relatively easy to use.
- Plenty of good things to like about this scope.
- Excellent views of the moon, stars and planets.
Celestron NexStar 8 SE Computerised Telescope
- Easy to manage, the accessory tray is very useful.
- Easy to set up and use, highly recommended.
- The item itself is fairly easy to set up, comes with detailed instructions.
- Great telescope for beginners. Good price and great quality.
- Fantastic telescope. Really well made.
Mount Information
Mount Type
Computerized Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm
Computerized Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm
Tripod Material
Aluminum
Steel
Dovetail
CG-5 Dovetail bar
CG-5 Dovetail bar
Maximum Height Adjustment
55 in.
56 in.
Legs
38.1mm (1.5") Stainless Steel
38.1mm (1.5") Stainless Steel
What customers say about "Mount Information"
Celestron NexStar 5 SE Computerised Telescope
- Setup is very quick and easy.
- Very easy to use. Great mount system.
- Easy to assemble, very good telescope for beginners.
- It is very well built and was easy to setup and build.
- Mount is reasonably good quality.
Celestron NexStar 8 SE Computerised Telescope
- Build quality is good. Tripod is very sturdy.
- Mount is solid and very easy to use.
- Excellent product and easy to assemble.
- The telescope is excellent. It was fairly straightforward to assemble.
- Reasonably easy to build.
Warranty / Certifications
Manufacturer Warranty
2 year(s)
2 year(s)
Certifications
CE, FCC
CE, FCC
Other Information