Do you find yourself in the current conundrum; what do you get, the Celestron Evolution 6 or 8? Are you struggling to justify the added price between the models. Not sure whether the 8 is a worthy upgrade?
Well, either way, you’ve come to the right place.
Here, we are going to be exploring the fundamental differences between these two reputable telescopes.
And perhaps even more importantly, help you to to decide on which one to get. That suits you best.
In a rush or hurry? Just want to know which one to get?
Quick Verdict
If you can afford it, the Celestron Evolution 8 is the telescope to get.
With a higher aperture and magnification, you you be able to venture much further into the sky.
And with almost twice the light gathering ability, you will be able to see with much better clarity.
Celestron Evolution 6 vs 8
Differences Between the Celestron Evolution 6 vs 8
Aperture
- Celestron Evolution 6: 150mm (6″)
- Celestron Evolution 8: 203.2mm (8″)
The aperture of a telescope is its most critical feature – it determines how much light the telescope can gather from the objects you’re observing.
A larger aperture means that the telescope can gather more light, enabling you to see dimmer objects and providing a brighter and more detailed view of the sky.
In the case of the Celestron Evolution 6 and 8, the difference in aperture size is significant.
The Evolution 8’s aperture is 203.2mm (8″), significantly larger than the 6’s 150mm (6″).
This means that the Evolution 8 can gather more light and offer a brighter, more detailed view of celestial bodies than the Evolution 6.
In practical terms, this makes it possible to observe faint galaxies and nebulae that the Evolution 6 would struggle to reveal.
Focal Length
- Celestron Evolution 6: 1500mm (59″)
- Celestron Evolution 8: 2032mm (80″)
The focal length of a telescope determines how large a particular object will appear in the field of view.
The longer the focal length, the larger the image.
A telescope with a longer focal length also has a narrower field of view, making it better for detailed views of individual objects.
The Celestron Evolution 8 has a longer focal length of 2032mm (80″), compared to the 1500mm (59″) of the Evolution 6.
This difference means that the Evolution 8 can provide larger, more detailed images than the Evolution 6.
For example, you would be able to see finer details on the surface of the moon or the rings of Saturn with the Evolution 8.
Highest Useful Magnification: 354x for the 6 vs 480x for the 8
- Celestron Evolution 6: 354x
- Celestron Evolution 8: 480x
The maximum useful magnification of a telescope determines how much you can enlarge the objects you’re observing before the image starts to lose sharpness.
Higher magnification is especially beneficial for observing smaller objects like planets or distant galaxies.
With a maximum useful magnification of 480x, the Celestron Evolution 8 allows for much higher magnification than the Evolution 6, which has a maximum of 354x.
This means that the Evolution 8 can provide more detailed views of celestial objects, enhancing your stargazing experience.
Light Gathering Power
- Celestron Evolution 6: 459x
- Celestron Evolution 8: 843x
Light gathering power refers to a telescope’s ability to collect light. The larger this number, the brighter and clearer the images you’ll get.
The Celestron Evolution 8’s light gathering power is almost twice that of the Evolution 6—843x compared to 459x.
This means that the Evolution 8 can reveal much more detail and give clearer images of celestial bodies than the Evolution 6, particularly of faint and distant objects like galaxies and nebulae.
Weight
- Celestron Evolution 6: 38 lbs.
- Celestron Evolution 8: 40.5 lbs.
While weight might seem less important in terms of viewing capability, it does have a significant impact on portability.
Heavier telescopes can be more challenging to move and set up, which may be a consideration if you plan on transporting your telescope for different viewing locations.
The difference in weight between the Celestron Evolution 6 and 8 is marginal, with the Evolution 8 weighing slightly more at 40.5 lbs compared to the 38 lbs of the Evolution 6.
However, this slight increase in weight is balanced by the substantially improved viewing experience that the Evolution 8 provides.
Similarities Between the Celestron Evolution 6 vs 8
Schmidt-Cassegrain Optical Design
Both the Celestron Evolution 6 and 8 feature a Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design.
This versatile design delivers high magnification and sharp images while maintaining a compact physical size.
This allows the telescopes to provide excellent performance whether you’re viewing celestial bodies nearby like the Moon or distant galaxies.
Focal Ratio: Both F/10
The Evolution 6 and 8 both boast an F/10 focal ratio, striking a balance between wide-field and high-magnification viewing.
This means both telescopes will provide fantastic views of larger celestial objects like nebulae and star clusters, as well as detailed views of planets and other distant objects.
StarBright XLT Optical Coatings
Equipped with Celestron’s proprietary StarBright XLT optical coatings, the Evolution 6 and 8 promise superior light transmission.
This technology leads to brighter images and more intricate detail when observing celestial objects.
The coating contributes to both telescopes’ exceptional light-gathering capabilities and image clarity.
Computerized GoTo Mount
The Evolution 6 and 8 come with a computerized GoTo mount, complete with high-performance worm gears and motors.
This setup yields improved tracking accuracy and reduced gear backlash, allowing for easier location and tracking of celestial bodies.
It ensures a user-friendly experience, even for astronomy beginners.
Celestron SkyPortal App
Both the Evolution 6 and 8 include access to the Celestron SkyPortal app for iOS and Android.
This app allows you to control your NexStar Evolution telescope directly from your smartphone or tablet, offering an intuitive and engaging stargazing experience.
The app also contains an extensive database of celestial objects, enriching your exploration of the cosmos.
Rechargeable Lithium-Iron Phosphate Battery
The Evolution 6 and 8 both feature a built-in rechargeable lithium-iron phosphate battery, capable of providing up to 10 hours of continuous stargazing.
The convenience of a rechargeable battery eliminates the need for frequent battery replacements, making these models both efficient and eco-friendly.
2 Year Manufacturer Warranty
Lastly, the Celestron Evolution 6 and 8 come with a two-year manufacturer warranty.
This warranty speaks to Celestron’s confidence in the durability of their products and offers peace of mind for the user.
In the event of defects or malfunctions, the telescope can be repaired or replaced within this period.
Celestron Evolution Telescope Tour
Telescope Details
- COMPUTERIZED TELESCOPE WITH WIFI FUNCTIONALITY: Explore the Universe and control your telescope with the free Celestron SkyPortal app for iOS and Android! Select any object from the app’s database and the telescope locates and tracks it automatically.
- CELESTRON’S LEGENDARY 8” SCHMIDT-CASSEGRAIN OPTICAL TUBE: See the difference! Compact, portable 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube with StarBright XLT optical coatings provides stunning views.
- SUPERIOR TRACKING ACCURACY: This computerized GoTo mount with high-performance brass worm gears and motors tracks objects smoothly as they appear to drift across the night sky. Ideal for star parties and astroimaging.
- BUILT-IN 10-HOUR LITHIUM IRON PHOSPHATE BATTERY: Forget about buying an external power supply. Celestron’s LiFePO4 battery is built right in for the safest, most reliable power anywhere.
- EASY TO USE IN THE FIELD: Enjoy the improved industrial design with manual clutches and integrated carry handles, plus the added convenience of two accessory trays and a USB charge port for your phone.
- Control your telescope wirelessly from your iOS or Android smartphone or tablet with the free Celestron mobile app with planetarium interface and SkyAlign technology
- Compact, portable Schmidt Cassegrain telescope with StarBright XLT optical coatings and Fastar compatibility
- Computerized GoTo mount with high-performance worm gears and motors for improved tracking accuracy, along with reduced gear backlash
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with enough power for 10 hours of continuous observing
- Improved industrial design with manual clutches and integrated carry handles, plus the added convenience of two accessory trays and a USB charge port for your smart device
Verdict and Conclusion
In the Celestron Evolution 6 versus the Evolution 8 showdown, the Evolution 8 emerges the clear winner.
Despite a higher upfront cost, the Evolution 8’s superior optical performance, larger aperture, longer focal length, higher magnification, and greater light gathering power justifies the extra investment.
These enhancements provide a remarkable viewing experience, making the Evolution 8 ideal for deep sky observations. While both telescopes boast impressive features, the Evolution 8 delivers an unmatched, enriching stargazing experience that will last for years, saving you from future upgrade costs.
In essence, if you’re aiming for long-term value and a profound celestial viewing journey, the Celestron Evolution 8 stands as the worthier choice.
Still, if you are strapped for cash, you won’t go wrong with the 6, either. It’s just not as powerful.
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Hey, my name is Jeremy. I’m a passionate and seasoned astronomer who loves nothing more than observing the night sky. I also love researching, learning, and writing all things Space and the Universe. I created Astronomy Scope to share my knowledge, experience, suggestions, and recommendations of what I have learned along the way while helping anyone to get into and maximize their enjoyment of the hobby.