The Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 is an 8-inch (203.2mm) Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope on a computerized single-fork altitude-azimuth mount. It combines a 2032mm focal length with GoTo object locating, motorized tracking, built-in Wi-Fi and an integrated rechargeable battery.
The 8-inch aperture gives the Evolution 8 considerably more light-gathering ability than smaller computerized telescopes such as the NexStar 4SE and 130SLT, while the compact Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube avoids the physical length of a conventional reflector with a similar focal length.
Its strongest role is as a computerized visual telescope capable of detailed lunar and planetary observing while also providing enough aperture for a substantial range of deep-sky objects. Smartphone or tablet control is available through Celestron’s SkyPortal app, while a conventional NexStar+ hand controller is also supplied.
203mm f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain Optics
The NexStar Evolution 8 uses a 203.2mm (8-inch) Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system with a 2032mm focal length, giving it a focal ratio of f/10. Celestron’s StarBright XLT coatings are applied to improve light transmission through the optical system.
The long focal length makes it straightforward to achieve useful magnifications for the Moon, planets, double stars and other relatively compact targets. At the same time, the 8-inch aperture gathers enough light to make many galaxies, nebulae, globular clusters and open clusters accessible, particularly under dark skies.
The telescope is supplied with 40mm and 13mm eyepieces, providing magnifications of approximately 51× and 156× respectively.
The standard Evolution 8 uses a conventional Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube. It should not be confused with the separate NexStar Evolution 8 HD, which uses Celestron’s EdgeHD optical system.
GoTo, Tracking and Built-In Wi-Fi
The Evolution 8 uses a computerized single-fork altitude-azimuth mount with motorized movement and tracking on both axes. Once an alignment procedure has been completed, the telescope can automatically slew toward selected objects and track them as Earth rotates.
Built-in Wi-Fi allows the mount to connect directly to a compatible smartphone or tablet. Celestron’s SkyPortal app provides a planetarium-style view of the sky from which objects can be selected and the telescope controlled wirelessly.
The app does not display a live image from the telescope’s eyepiece. Instead, it acts as a sky-navigation and telescope-control interface, providing information about celestial objects and allowing compatible GoTo commands to be sent to the mount.
A NexStar+ hand controller is also supplied, so smartphone control is optional rather than essential. Its database contains more than 40,000 celestial objects.
Integrated Rechargeable Battery
One of the Evolution mount’s distinguishing features is its built-in lithium-iron phosphate rechargeable battery. Celestron rates it for up to approximately 10 hours of continuous observing.
This removes the normal need to run the computerized mount from disposable batteries or an external power supply during a typical observing session. The mount also incorporates a USB charge port that can be used to provide power to a mobile device.
Actual operating time can vary with conditions and usage, but integrating the battery into the mount reduces the amount of separate power equipment required in the field.
What Can You See Through the NexStar Evolution 8?
The Moon and planets are natural targets for the Evolution 8. Lunar craters, mountain ranges and smaller surface features can be observed in considerable detail, while Jupiter can reveal its main cloud belts and four Galilean moons. Saturn’s rings are prominent, and favorable observing conditions can reveal additional planetary detail.
The 8-inch aperture also provides worthwhile deep-sky performance. Bright globular clusters can begin to resolve into numerous individual stars, while planetary nebulae, emission nebulae and many galaxies become accessible from suitably dark locations.
Compared with smaller-aperture computerized telescopes, the Evolution 8’s additional light-gathering ability makes faint targets easier to detect and can reveal more detail in brighter deep-sky objects.
Its 2032mm focal length produces a relatively narrow field compared with short-focal-length Newtonians and refractors, however, so very large open clusters and extensive Milky Way star fields are not its strongest targets.
Setup and Portability
The Evolution 8 consists of three principal components: the optical tube, computerized mount and stainless-steel tripod. The optical tube attaches to the single-fork mount using a dovetail connection.
Celestron lists the optical tube at approximately 12.5 lb (5.67 kg), the mount head at 16 lb (7 kg) and the tripod at 12 lb (5.44 kg). The complete kit weighs approximately 40.5 lb (18.37 kg).
The individual components can therefore be moved separately rather than carrying the complete assembled telescope at once. Integrated handles on the mount also assist with setup and transport.
Manual clutches on both axes allow the telescope to be repositioned manually when it is powered off, although normal GoTo operation relies on the motorized mount and an appropriate alignment procedure.
Astrophotography
The Evolution 8 can be used for lunar and planetary imaging, where its aperture, long focal length and motorized tracking can be useful. Shorter-exposure imaging of some brighter deep-sky objects is also possible.
However, in its normal altitude-azimuth configuration the mount experiences field rotation during longer exposures, limiting its suitability for conventional long-exposure deep-sky astrophotography.
Celestron provides equatorial tracking modes, but using them requires an appropriate equatorial wedge. Observers whose primary goal is demanding long-exposure deep-sky imaging may therefore prefer a telescope built around a dedicated equatorial mount.
Limitations to Consider
The NexStar Evolution 8 is more substantial than Celestron’s smaller computerized telescopes. Although its components can be transported separately, the 40.5 lb complete kit requires more effort to move and set up than a small refractor, Maksutov or tabletop reflector.
Its 2032mm focal length naturally produces narrower views than short-focal-length telescopes, making very large clusters and broad star fields less natural targets.
The computerized mount also introduces additional setup compared with a completely manual telescope. GoTo operation requires alignment, electrical power and functioning electronics, although the integrated rechargeable battery removes the need for a separate power source during many observing sessions.
Finally, while the altitude-azimuth mount works well for visual observing and certain forms of imaging, it is not the simplest platform for long-exposure deep-sky astrophotography.
Who Is the NexStar Evolution 8 Best For?
The NexStar Evolution 8 is best suited to observers who want substantial 8-inch visual performance combined with computerized object finding, tracking and convenient integrated power. It offers strong lunar and planetary capability while providing enough aperture for serious exploration of brighter deep-sky objects, making it a good fit for observers who value versatility and computerized convenience more than minimum size or wide-field viewing.
Specifications
- Optical Design: Schmidt-Cassegrain
- Aperture: 203.2mm (8 inches)
- Focal Length: 2032mm
- Focal Ratio: f/10
- Optical Coatings: StarBright XLT
- Optical Tube Length: 432mm (17 inches)
- Optical Tube Weight: 12.5 lb (5.67 kg)
- Mount: Computerized single-fork altitude-azimuth
- Tracking Rates: Sidereal, solar and lunar
- GoTo Database: More than 40,000 objects
- Wi-Fi: Built in
- Hand Controller: NexStar+
- Supplied Eyepieces: 40mm and 13mm
- Supplied Magnifications: 51× and 156×
- Finder: Red-dot finderscope
- Mount Head Weight: 16 lb (7 kg)
- Tripod Weight: 12 lb (5.44 kg)
- Total Kit Weight: 40.5 lb (18.37 kg)
- Power: Integrated rechargeable lithium-iron phosphate battery