8 replies to this topic

[owwo]

Hi,

 

I am looking for a first time telescope for our family of 2 girls (11 and 8).  I have the opportunity to purchase either a used Celestron Nexstar Evolution for $1400 or a used Nexstar Celestron 8se for $600.

 

Which would be the better buy? Why would you choose one over the other at these prices?

 

Thanks!

[spongebob@55]

What size evolution?

The 8" ota on the SE mount in my experience is too heavy for it and will shake like a leaf.   The Evolution handles an 8" better and has a lot more going for it e.g. wifi, better fit, on board battery, manual clutches.   

Bob

[dave85374]

The Evolution has better because:

 

1.  Better mount and gears.

2.  It has better gears, manual clutches which allows you move the OTA up/down & right/left without powering up the scope.

3.  It has a real battery that will last at least 6 hours and not the flashlight type that come with the 8SE so you won;t have to purchase a real battery.

4.  Decent WIFI.

5.  Better (sturdier) tripod.

6   Easier to move the mount & OTA as one piece due to the arm on the side of the mount and the circle on the base of the mount.

 

I have had both of these telescopes and I definitely prefer my Evolution 8.

Edited by dave85374, 13 July 2024 - 01:24 PM.

[mlord]

The electrical design of the Evo is also far better than the SE.  With four AUX ports, and without the high-impedance design that cripples the SE's single AUX port: the Evo is far less fussy about various combinations of accessories.

 

The orange ring at the base provides a nice support for a small builders' level for getting the mount level during set-up.

 

Had an SE once, replaced it with the Evo.

[owwo]

What size evolution?

The 8" ota on the SE mount in my experience is too heavy for it and will shake like a leaf.   The Evolution handles an 8" better and has a lot more going for it e.g. wifi, better fit, on board battery, manual clutches.   

Bob

It's an 8" evo.  Basically comparing the two 8" (evo vs se), at different price points (1400 vs 600).  

[Thrifty1]

I would go with the 8SE for $600 as a nice portable system to set up quickly. Take the $800 savings and get a gently used AVX equatorial mount ($500-$700) if you then want to do more astrophotography. Later you can get a small refractor for wide field deep space imaging.

I have the 6SE and 8SE along with the AVX mount. I picked up the 8SE and AVX for $500 each and like that combination for $1,000. The 8SE on the original mount does have some vibrations but they settle down quickly. It can make focusing a bit tougher as you need to be gentle with the focus knob.

If you decide to only use the 8” OTA on the AVX mount, SE mounts sell used for about $200-$250. You could sell that to reduce the cost even more of the 8” OTA on the AVX mount.

[mlord]

It somewhat also depends on how much one values ones' time.  The Evo provides MUCH quicker set-up each session, as the manual clutches can be used to almost instantly position the OTA in the desired starting direction, or to just do quick observations without use of the mount motors.  I have used the scope in this fashion to view a close-up of the ISS.  Tricky, but doable.

 

Cheers

[owwo]

Was able to negotiate the Evo 8" down further, so I picked it up last night. Thanks all for your insights.

[mlord]

Awesome!