Whether you’re searching for your first telescope or want to upgrade, Celestron has an extensive catalog of telescopes that offer an array of technology and features. Each serves a sweet spot for stargazers; although they all have something to offer, some are better than others. If you are here, chances are you are looking at the Celestron Evolution range.
And two in particular have caught your eye. The Evolution 8 and the 9.25.
But what’s the differences between them? Is the latter worth the higher price point? Well, this guide will reveal all and help you decide which is the best choice for your needs.
Celestron Evolution 8 vs. 9.25: Key Differences
There are some minor and stark differences between the Celestron Evolution 8 and the 9.25. With their own aperture, focal length, and variations in weight and dimensions, the small details are important to understand. Even if it’s a slight difference, it could have a significant impact on your overall viewing experience.
Focal Length
Pertaining to the distance that light travels from the entry to the exit point, the focal length is a key part of the magnification and field of view capabilities of a telescope.
The Evolution 8 offers a focal length of 2,032mm (80”), and the 9.25 delivers a focal length of 2,350mm (93”). In this case, the 9.25 is capable of a bit more in regard to magnification and FOV.
If you’re trying to determine the capabilities of focal length you’ll need, it really depends on what you’re trying to see in the night sky.
A higher focal length means you’ll be able to see more objects at a greater distance, but you may not see objects with as much detail.
Aperture
Each feature of a telescope plays an important role in every other aspect of its technology.
The aperture of a telescope determines the brightness and clarity of your viewing experience.
This goes hand-in-hand with the focal length, ratio, and so on. With the Evolution 8, you’ll get a 203.2mm (8”), and the Evolution 9.25 offers an aperture of 235mm (9.25”).
Thankfully as the 9.25 offers a higher magnification, it also comes with a higher aperture than the Evolution 8, which helps ensure you get the best visuals at a great distance.
Even if you’re looking at nearby objects, such as the Moon, the 9.25 is bound to provide a higher-quality image.
Magnification
Without question, the Evolution 9.25 offers a broader range in magnification, but this doesn’t mean the Evolution 8 isn’t acceptable.
Both telescopes come with two different eyepieces, and the range of the Evolution 8 is 51x to 156x, and the Evolution 9.25 delivers 59x to 180x in magnification.
The lowest and highest useful magnification of the Evolution 8 is 29x and 480x, respectively.
With the 9.25, its range of useful magnification offers 34x and 555x. It’s evident that the Evolution 9.25 delivers more capabilities regarding magnification.
Celestron Evolution 8 vs. 9.25: Key Similarities
Most people are going to look at the differences between the two telescopes, but the similarities are important as it shows there are a few aspects you won’t miss out on. The Celestron Evolution 8 and 9.25 share a few features that you’ll benefit from regardless of which one you choose. From the focal ratio, the focal length of each eyepiece, Wi-Fi capabilities, and more, both telescopes share a handful of features.
Focal Ratio
The focal ratio affects a few different aspects of your viewing experience; It pertains to the “speed” of a telescope’s optics.
The Evolution 8 and 9.25 both come with an f/10 focal ratio, which is more than satisfactory for viewing all kinds of celestial objects.
To shed light on what this number means, a smaller f/number provides a lower magnification, in addition to a wider field of view and an overall brighter image.
With an f/10 focal ratio, you’ll get a narrower field of view, but it’s great for observing a broad range of objects, such as our Moon and a variety of planets and stars.
It’s great for viewing individual objects, but you won’t be able to see numerous objects in one look due to the narrow FOV.
Wi-Fi
A highly beneficial feature of any telescope, Wi-Fi gives you the ability to utilize many different integrations and tools.
More specifically, this feature allows you to use the Celestron mobile app, which is packed with all kinds of information and tools.
These will help you find and track celestial objects while learning about their details along the way.
It also offers numerous controls to work with your telescope directly from your smartphone.
With an all-inclusive approach, the app makes it a lot easier to navigate the night sky and find exactly what you’re looking for.
Focal Length of Eyepiece
Both telescopes share the same focal lengths of both of their eyepieces.
With eyepiece one being 40mm and eyepiece two sitting at 13mm, you’ll get the best of both worlds no matter which telescope you go for.
The focal length of an eyepiece plays into the magnification capabilities, and the Evolution 8 and 9.25 provide a range that’s more than satisfactory.
This particular aspect may not be a deal breaker when you try to make a decision about your purchase, but it’s still a key component in the quality of your viewing experience.
For what it’s worth, you can also upgrade this specific part of the telescope if you’d like to take a more customized approach.
What Can You See With The Celestron Evolution 8?
The Evolution 8 is capable of viewing quite a lot in outer space. Some of these include parts of Saturn’s rings, geographic features on the Moon’s surface, and even cloud bands on Jupiter.
This is an important question to ask as you want to ensure you’ll be able to see what you’re looking for during your stargazing session.
These are only a handful of objects that you’ll be able to view, but thanks to the technology it offers, you’ll also be able to see a broad range of deep-space objects.
You won’t need to customize any of the telescope’s features to see many different celestial objects, and with the help of the Celestron app, finding those objects in the night sky will be a breeze.
What Can You See With The Celestron Evolution 9.25?
The Evolution 9.25 offers a step up regarding viewing capabilities. It can provide everything the Evolution 8 can, but with finer clarity in addition to distant, deep-space objects. Although both telescopes come with many similar features, the Evolution 9.25 has a higher magnification, which means you’ll be able to see farther in the vastness of outer space.
For casual viewers, these differences may not be too big of a deal, but if you’re hoping for a specific viewing quality, the Evolution 9.25 offers a bit more in this regard.
Overall, the 9.25 is capable of viewing anything within our solar system with a significant amount of detail.
Who Is The Celestron NexStar 8 Best For?
This is a tough question to answer, considering the number of similarities both telescopes share, but it’s evident that the NexStar 8 is best for beginners. It has everything you might need when you’re new to telescope technology, and the additional features will provide hours of wonder and entertainment as your search through the night sky.
Of course, there may be simpler and more cost-efficient telescopes on the market, but if you want a telescope that’ll provide unwavering quality and longevity, the NexStar 8 is a great option.
The features it provides act as a stellar introduction to the world of telescopes while offering assistive features to help guide you along the way.
If you’re hoping to save a few bucks, this telescope is the better option, as it’s a lot cheaper than the NexStar 9.25.
The telescope may be over $2,000, but with proper care, it can easily last you a lifetime and provide an endless amount of enjoyment with stargazing endeavors.
- 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.
Who Is The Celestron NexStar 9.25 Best For?
Although this telescope is also a great option for beginners, it’s known to offer a few features that are better than the NexStar 8. You may be looking for more magnification, which means the 9.25 is the obvious choice, but it does come with a higher price tag. If the higher cost isn’t an issue for you, then it’s more than worth the investment. The telescope has quite a few similarities to the NexStar 8, but it stands out regarding the overall viewing experience.
Even if many consider it a great telescope to start out with, it’s also more than satisfactory for those who are experienced or looking to upgrade to something better.
Its viewing capabilities are vast, and the clarity it provides is one of its biggest selling points.
Most people see many benefits in both telescopes, but if you were to choose one over the other, many astronomy enthusiasts would go with the NexStar 9.25.
The price may seem steep, but its features, capabilities, and enjoyment it provides will far outlast the price tag.
- 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
Final Verdict
The Celestron Evolution 9.25 is the more powerful telescope; it’s the better telescope in terms of specification.
Though you do have to pay a little more for it.
Hence, if you are new to astronomy the Evolution 8 may suffice.
If you have more of a budget, want to make the investment now, or have had some previous experience with a telescope already, the 9.25 will be best for you.
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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.