Celestron NexStar 6SE vs 8SE
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These two share almost everything: Schmidt-Cassegrain optics, f/10, the NexStar+ hand control, SkyAlign and Celestron's single fork arm mount. All numbers below are from Celestron's spec pages. We haven't tested them.
Side by side
| NexStar 6SE | NexStar 8SE | |
|---|---|---|
| Aperture | 150 mm (5.91 in.) | 203.2 mm (8 in.) |
| Focal length | 1500 mm, f/10 | 2032 mm, f/10 |
| With included 25 mm eyepiece | 60x | 81x |
| Highest / lowest useful mag. | 354x / 21x | 480x / 29x |
| Optical tube weight | 8 lb | 12 lb |
| Total kit weight | 28 lb | 32 lb |
| Included | Tube, fork mount and tripod, accessory tray, StarPointer finder, NexStar+ hand control, 25 mm eyepiece, star diagonal | |
How much does the extra aperture matter?
Celestron's glossary says light gathering is proportional to the square of the aperture. (203.2 / 150)² is about 1.84, so the 8SE collects roughly 80% more light. That shows most on faint galaxies and nebulae. Celestron's 8SE page says you can see Cassini's Division in Saturn's rings and the Great Red Spot on Jupiter (a maker claim).
The longer focal length
The 8SE's 2032 mm focal length means more magnification from the same eyepiece, which suits planets, but a narrower field for big objects. A longer eyepiece, like a 24 or 25 mm, helps frame larger targets.
The picks
Celestron NexStar 6SE
- 6 in. Schmidt-Cassegrain optics, per the listing
- Computerized GoTo mount with NexStar+ hand control; 40,000+ object database
- SkyAlign alignment
- 2-year US warranty
Celestron NexStar 8SE
- 8 in. Schmidt-Cassegrain optics, per the listing
- Computerized GoTo mount with NexStar+ hand control; 40,000+ object database
- SkyAlign: center any three bright objects to align
- 2-year US warranty
Add-ons worth planning for
- Power: the PowerTank Lithium's 12V output works with all current Celestron computerized scopes, per its listing.
- Sun viewing: Celestron makes EclipSmart front filters sized for each. See solar filters.
- Eyepieces: see telescope eyepieces.
Celestron PowerTank Lithium
- 12V output for Celestron computerized telescopes, per the listing
- LiFePO4 chemistry; rated for up to 2,000 charge cycles
- Two USB ports; red/white LED flashlight
Celestron EclipSmart 6 in. Solar Filter
- Front-mounted solar filter for Celestron 6 in. SCTs, per the listing
- Two hook-and-loop straps
- Film made in the USA by American Paper Optics
Celestron EclipSmart 8 in. Solar Filter
- Front-mounted solar filter for Celestron 8 in. SCT and EdgeHD, per the listing
- Two hook-and-loop straps
- Film made in the USA by American Paper Optics
FAQ
Main difference?
Aperture: 150 mm vs 203.2 mm.
How much heavier is the 8SE?
32 vs 28 lb total kit.
How much more light?
About 80% more.