Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 EdgeHD with StarSense

EdgeHD optics, automatic alignment and WiFi control in one portable system

The Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 EdgeHD with StarSense combines Celestron's 8-inch EdgeHD optics with the Evolution computerized mount and StarSense AutoAlign. Tap "Connect and Align" in the SkyPortal app and the telescope aligns itself, then finds and tracks objects from your phone or tablet. The built-in battery runs about 10 hours, and the flat-field EdgeHD optics keep stars sharp across the whole view.

Why choose the NexStar Evolution 8 EdgeHD

• Aligns itself: the included StarSense AutoAlign camera takes pictures of the sky and aligns the telescope automatically.
• EdgeHD optics: a coma-free, flat field with pinpoint stars to the edge, for sharper wide views and camera sensors.
• No batteries or power cords in the field: the built-in lithium battery runs about 10 hours, and a USB port charges your phone.
• Manual clutches and a sturdy mount: brass worm gears and clutches on both axes.

What you'll see

• The Moon: craters, rilles and mountain ranges in fine detail, sharp across the field.
• Planets: Jupiter's cloud belts and Great Red Spot, the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings, and surface markings on Mars when it's close to Earth.
• Deep sky: globular clusters resolved into hundreds of stars, the Ring and Dumbbell Nebulae, and from a dark site, spiral arms in the Whirlpool Galaxy.

What to add for the best views

The Evolution 8 EdgeHD comes with 40mm (51x) and 13mm (156x) eyepieces. The 13mm is already a great planetary power, and wide-field eyepieces really show off the EdgeHD's flat field.

• Upgrade the 13mm: the Celestron X-Cel LX 12mm (169x) has 16mm of eye relief and a 60° field. The Tele Vue 13mm DeLite (156x) adds Tele Vue sharpness and 20mm of eye relief, and the Tele Vue 13mm Nagler Type 6 (156x) gives an immersive 82° field.
• Mid power: the Celestron X-Cel LX 18mm (113x) or Celestron X-Cel LX 25mm (81x) fills the gap between the included eyepieces.
• Widest views: the Tele Vue 24mm Panoptic gives 85x with the widest field a 1.25-inch eyepiece can show, sharp to the edge with EdgeHD optics.

• A Moon filter: a variable polarizing filter dims the bright Moon to a comfortable level and brings out surface detail.
• Dew shield: the front corrector plate dews up on humid nights. The Celestron Dew Shield DX for 6"–8" SCTs keeps it clear longer, and its cutout fits around the dovetail.
• A case: the Celestron Deluxe Case for 8"–11" SCTs protects the telescope in storage and on the road, with wheels and a pull-out handle.

Compare the NexStar Evolution telescopes

Want EdgeHD optics on your own mount? Browse our EdgeHD telescopes. Our Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope guide explains the difference between standard SCTs and EdgeHD.

What's in the box

• 8" EdgeHD optical tube with StarBright XLT coatings
• NexStar Evolution single fork arm mount with built-in WiFi and rechargeable battery
• StarSense AutoAlign camera and StarSense hand control
• Stainless steel tripod with accessory tray
• 40mm and 13mm Plössl eyepieces (51x and 156x)
• 1.25" star diagonal and visual back
• StarPointer Pro finderscope
• AC adapter with US, UK, EU and AU plugs

NexStar Evolution 8 EdgeHD FAQ

How does StarSense AutoAlign work?

The StarSense camera photographs the sky, identifies the stars and works out exactly where the telescope is pointing. Tap "Connect and Align" in the SkyPortal app and alignment finishes in a few minutes, with no stars to identify.

EdgeHD or standard Schmidt-Cassegrain?

For visual observing, they perform essentially the same in the center of the view. EdgeHD adds corrector lenses that flatten the field, so stars stay sharp to the edge of wide-field eyepieces and large camera sensors. For visual-only use, the standard Evolution 8 is a great value.

What eyepiece upgrades do you recommend?

The included 13mm already gives 156x, right in the sweet spot for planets. For a more comfortable view, upgrade it to the Celestron X-Cel LX 12mm or the Tele Vue 13mm DeLite. Add the Celestron X-Cel LX 18mm for mid power and the Tele Vue 24mm Panoptic for the widest, flattest views.

How long does the battery last?

About 10 hours on a full charge. Recharge it with the included AC adapter. A USB port on the mount can also charge your phone or tablet.

Can I do astrophotography with the Evolution 8 EdgeHD?

Yes. EdgeHD optics are designed for imaging, and it's compatible with the EdgeHD 0.7x reducer and with HyperStar for fast f/2 wide-field imaging. Longer deep-sky exposures need the Celestron Wedge for NexStar Evolution/SE to cancel field rotation.

Specifications