Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 HD Telescope with StarSense
The NexStar Evolution 8 HD combines Celestron’s top-tier optical and tracking technology in a compact, fully portable package designed for serious observers and budding astrophotographers. With its 8” EdgeHD aplanatic optics, StarSense AutoAlign, built-in WiFi, and internal lithium-iron battery, this is a powerful, intelligent telescope you can take anywhere.
Premium EdgeHD Optics
At the heart of this telescope lies an 8” EdgeHD optical tube, delivering flat, coma-free images across the entire visual and photographic field of view.
203.2mm (8”) aperture
f/10 focal ratio (2032mm)
Ideal for high-contrast planetary views and sharp full-frame imaging
Fastar-compatible for f/2 wide-field astrophotography with optional HyperStar
StarBright XLT coatings for maximum light transmission
Advanced Mount with Smart Technology
The NexStar Evolution mount is designed for performance, stability, and convenience. With internal power, wireless control, and smooth tracking, this mount adapts to your observing needs.
Computerized single fork arm Alt-Az mount
Brass worm gears and precision DC servo motors
Rechargeable LiFePO4 battery (up to 10 hours per charge)
Built-in WiFi — control with your smartphone or tablet via SkyPortal app
9 slew speeds up to 4°/second
4 AUX ports and USB connectivity
Integrated accessory tray lighting and USB charge port
StarSense AutoAlign
Included with the Evolution 8 HD, StarSense AutoAlign completely automates the telescope alignment process:
Automatically scans the sky to calculate precise location, date, and time
Connect via the SkyPortal app for wireless setup and control
Supports up to 10 alignment stars for pinpoint GoTo accuracy
Manual hand control included (optional with app use)
Perfect for Visual Use & Entry-Level Imaging
Whether you're exploring the night sky visually or experimenting with astrophotography, the NexStar Evolution 8 HD offers flexibility and performance:
Supports planetary imaging cameras and DSLR setups
Upgradeable with the EdgeHD reducer lens for f/7 imaging
Includes Celestron PWI Telescope Control Software (advanced mount modelling and ASCOM support)
Included Accessories
40mm and 13mm Plössl eyepieces (1.25”)
1.25” star diagonal and visual back
StarPointer Pro™ finderscope
StarSense AutoAlign system with hand controller
Integrated lithium-iron phosphate battery
Accessory tray, AC power adapter, and aluminium tripod
Technical Specifications
Optical Tube
Optical Design: EdgeHD
Aperture: 203.2mm (8")
Focal Length: 2032mm
Focal Ratio: f/10
Highest Useful Magnification: 480x
Lowest Useful Magnification: 29x
Limiting Magnitude: 14
Resolution: 0.69" (Rayleigh), 0.57" (Dawes)
Light Gathering Power: 843x
Optical Coatings: StarBright XLT
Tube Length: 432mm (17")
Tube Weight: 14 lbs (6.35 kg)
Dovetail: CG-5 compatible
Mount & Tripod
Mount Type: Computerised Single Fork Arm Alt-Az
Instrument Capacity: 25 lbs (11 kg)
Height Range: 47" – 69"
Tripod Leg Diameter: 1.5" stainless steel
Mount Head Weight: 16 lbs (7 kg)
Tripod Weight: 12 lbs (5.44 kg)
Slew Speeds: 9 speeds (max 4°/sec)
Tracking Modes: Alt-Az, EQ North, EQ South
Ports: 4 AUX, 1x USB
Internal Battery: 9.6V, 4.5Ah LiFePO4
Power Supply: 4-plug AC adapter included
Alignment: SkyAlign, 1-Star, 2-Star, Auto 2-Star, Solar System, Quick-Align, Last Alignment
Software
Celestron Starry Night Special Edition
Celestron PWI (CPWI) telescope control
SkyPortal App (Powered by SkySafari™)
NexStar+ Database: Over 40,000 objects
Total Kit Weight: 42 lbs (19.05 kg)
Solar Safety Warning
⚠️ Never look at the Sun through your telescope or its finder without a certified solar filter. Doing so can cause permanent eye damage. Always supervise children when using any optical instrument.
Item #: 12096 / 12096-CGL Style: Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 HD with StarSense AutoAlign
Shipping Options
Fast & Reliable UK Delivery
We offer flexible delivery options across the UK, with free shipping available on qualifying orders.
FREE Next Working Day Delivery (Mon–Fri) On all orders £300 and over
FREE Express Delivery (1–3 Working Days) On orders £49.99 – £299.99
Express Delivery – £3.99 On orders under £49.99
Standard Delivery (2–4 Working Days) – £2.99 A great value option for smaller orders
Priority Shipping – £8.99 A fully tracked, guaranteed delivery service, including Saturday delivery options
Order Fulfilment
Some items, as clearly stated on the product page, may be fulfilled directly by our partners or manufacturers. In these cases, your order will be shipped to you straight from the brand’s warehouse. This helps us provide a wider range of specialist equipment and may result in slightly different delivery times.
Returns Policy
If something isn’t right, we’ll always try to help.
Unused items in “as new” condition can usually be returned within the statutory cooling-off period
Please contact us before sending anything back so we can advise on the safest way
For unwanted items, return shipping is your responsibility, and original shipping may be deducted where applicable
If a product is faulty or damaged, we’ll arrange repair, replacement or refund in line with your consumer rights — and we’ll cover reasonable return costs
Telescope shipping is expensive, and specialist — avoidable returns really do impact our business, so we always encourage customers to ask questions before buying. We’re here to help you get it right first time.
Your statutory rights are not affected.
Fulfilled By Celestron
Products marked “Fulfilled by Celestron” are shipped directly from the manufacturer.
When you place an order with Welsh Astronomy Centre, the order is processed by us as normal. We then securely forward the order details to Celestron, who dispatch the item directly to your delivery address.
How it works
You place your order with Welsh Astronomy Centre
We process the order and send the fulfilment request to Celestron
Celestron ships the item directly to you
Mixed Orders
If your basket contains a mix of items:
In-stock items from Welsh Astronomy Centre will be shipped directly from us
Items marked “Fulfilled by Celestron” will be dispatched separately by the manufacturer
This means your order may arrive in separate deliveries.
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Questions about this product? Don't be a stranger.
Our FAQ section covers key information about warranties, shipping, returns, and store opening hours. Find details on manufacturer warranty cover, UK delivery options, how to return an item, and when our team is available to help.
Does it come with a warranty?
All our products are UK stock so come with manufacturers warranty
What happens if I don't like it?
We always want you to be happy with your purchase — so if you’re unsure, please ask us first. We’re always happy to give honest advice before you buy.
If the product arrives and you simply decide it isn’t for you, you can usually return it within the cooling-off period — as long as it’s unused, in perfect condition, and returned with all original packaging and accessories.
Because telescopes and optical equipment are large, delicate and expensive to ship, you’ll need to cover the cost of sending it back, and if we originally subsidised delivery, we may deduct our outbound shipping costs from your refund.
We’re a small specialist business, and unnecessary returns genuinely hurt us — so if you’re unsure at all, please talk to us first. We’d rather help you choose the right item than process a return.
How fast is shipping?
We aim to ship in-stock items as quickly as possible.
Most in-stock orders dispatch within 1–2 working days
Delivery usually takes 1–3 working days after dispatch (UK mainland)
Heavier / oversized items and special orders may take a little longer
You’ll receive tracking details as soon as your order is on its way.
Astronomy equipment often requires specialist packing and trusted couriers — we do this to keep your gear safe, not to slow things down. If you need something urgently, just ask and we’ll do our best.
What's the returns policy?
If something isn’t right, we’ll always try to help.
Unused items in “as new” condition can usually be returned within the statutory cooling-off period
Please contact us before sending anything back so we can advise on the safest way
For unwanted items, return shipping is your responsibility, and original shipping may be deducted where applicable
If a product is faulty or damaged, we’ll arrange repair, replacement or refund in line with your consumer rights — and we’ll cover reasonable return costs
Telescope shipping is expensive, and specialist — avoidable returns really do impact our business, so we always encourage customers to ask questions before buying. We’re here to help you get it right first time.