Celestron | NexStar Evolution 8 HD

In brief

• The EdgeHD optical tube with 8 inches provides superb visual performance and astro-imaging, free of coma and field curvature.
  
  
• Rechargeable LiFePO4 battery providing enough power for 10 hours of continuous observing.
  
  
• Built-in WiFi - no manual control needed! Use your smartphone or tablet to connect to the telescope via WiFi.
  
  
• StarSense AutoAlign automatically aligns your telescope and works with the SkyPortal app for complete wireless control.
  
  
• Compatible with Fastar/HyperStar, you can photograph deep sky objects in seconds at f/2, often eliminating the need for autoguiding or tracking on an equatorial mount. 
• The NexStar Evolution mount features practical characteristics such as manual trigger clutches and precision-machined worm gears for both axes, a USB charging port, a tray light for your accessories, and much more.
• Included accessories: 40mm & 13mm Plössl eyepieces 31.7 mm (1.25"), 31.7 mm (1.25") adapter, StarPointer Pro™ finder, StarSense AutoAlign, and a 90° diagonal in 31.7 mm (1.25").

The innovative NexStar Evolution is a compact, portable, and mechanically solid telescope designed for hours of serious visual observation and certain types of astro-imaging. The NexStar Evolution HD set stands out with its unique features, including: StarSense AutoAlign, EdgeHD optics, built-in WiFi, and its internal LiFePO4 battery.

StarSense AutoAlign in the SkyPortal app

StarSense AutoAlign helps you optimize your time outdoors by returning the time you would have spent aligning your telescope and giving you more time to observe. It scans the night sky and analyzes the configuration of the stars above your head, automatically calculating the precise location of the telescope, the current date, and time. Additionally, you can add up to 10 additional alignment stars for the most accurate alignment possible.

As StarSense AutoAlign is paired with the Evolution mount, you benefit from even more features 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 point to your first celestial object.

EdgeHD 8 optical tube

EdgeHD is a flat-field Schmidt optical system that produces aberration-free images over a wide visual and photographic field of view. The optical system not only reduces off-axis stellar coma, but provides a flat focal plane of astrographic quality to the edge of the field of view.

The EdgeHD optics produce a focal plane that is more than three times flatter than that of a standard Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and significantly flatter than competing designs without coma. This guarantees you visibly sharp stars on full-frame sensors.  

The 8" EdgeHD flat-field and coma-free optical tube has been designed to accommodate modern imaging with cameras of all types, especially large-format CCD and DSLR cameras. The EdgeHD optical tube is Fastar-compatible for ultra-fast, wide-field imaging at f/2 with an optional third-party lens.

Perfect for visual use or to start in astro-imaging
This telescope is an excellent instrument for those looking to explore astro-imaging. It is the only fork telescope in its price range that offers brass worm gears as well as 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.

As you progress in the field of astro-imaging, transform your alt-azimuth mount into an equatorial mount by adding the equatorial table for NexStar Evolution. This accessory will allow you to achieve longer exposures for more detailed astrophotos. The NexStar Evolution mount is also equipped with an integrated lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery that provides enough power for 10 hours of astro-imaging sessions.

Of course, the EdgeHD optical system offers bright, sharp views thanks to StarBright XLT™ optical coatings - an excellent choice for both visual observers and budding astro-imagers.

NexStar Evolution is equipped with 4 auxiliary ports - two on top of the fork and two on the bottom. A StarSense hand controller is always included, but is not necessary when using NexStar Evolution with the app.

Included accessories
The NexStar Evolution 8" telescope includes two 40 mm and 13 mm Plössl eyepieces of 31.7 mm (1.25"), allowing you to observe most celestial objects right out of the box. Additionally, your telescope includes a 90° diagonal in 31.7 mm (1.25"), a 31.7 mm (1.25") adapter, the StarSense AutoAlign accessory, and a StarPointer Pro™ finder. The StarSense AutoAlign comes with a hand controller, but thanks to the internal WiFi and the SkyPortal app, using the hand remote is completely optional.

To increase your field of view without sacrificing performance, add the optional EdgeHD reducer, bringing your focal ratio down to f/7.

Telescope control Celestron PWI: Your ultimate astronomy software
All current Celestron computerized telescopes include Celestron PWI (CPWI), the most advanced astronomy software provided with a consumer telescope. Celestron experts developed CPWI in collaboration with PlaneWave Instruments engineers. The result is an all-in-one solution that offers you many features identical to those used on PlaneWave observatory-class telescopes.

The planetarium graphical interface with advanced mount modeling PointXP allows you to add more than 100 points to your alignment model for the most precise pointing and tracking possible.
Ideal for remote observatories: save and reload your alignment and park your telescope.
Provides a complete ASCOM telescope interface to allow telescope control from third-party software applications.

Your purchase also includes a free download of Celestron's Starry Night Special Edition software. This advanced software from Simulation Curriculum provides 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.