Are you currently considering the Celestron Nexstar telescope series? Struggling to choose between the models. What about the Celestron Nexstar 4SE vs 8SE, specifically?
Well, if you are a little perplexed or even confused as to which one to go for, then this is the guide for you.
Today, we are going to be covering the key differences between these two computerized telescopes.
And perhaps most importantly, help you to identify which one is best. For you.
In a rush or hurry? Just want to know which one to get?
Quick Verdict
If you have the budget, the Celestron 8SE is without doubt the telescope to go for.
With a considerably larger focal length (2032mm vs 1325mm), you will be able to venture much further into the sky, with greater magnification/clarification all the while.
Celestron Nexstar 4SE vs 8SE
Differences Between the Celestron 4SE vs 8SE
Maksutov-Cassegrain vs Schmidt-Cassegrain
- Celestron NexStar 4SE: Maksutov-Cassegrain
- Celestron NexStar 8SE: Schmidt-Cassegrain
The type of optical system in a telescope has a profound impact on its performance and the quality of images it can produce.
The Celestron NexStar 4SE features a Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design, renowned for its excellent contrast and suitability for planetary observing due to its long focal length and slower focal ratio.
On the other hand, the 8SE uses a Schmidt Cassegrain optical design, well-regarded for its versatility and balance between performance and size.
Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes have shorter tubes for their aperture, making them more compact, but with the same light-gathering capacity.
As a result, the 8SE is capable of offering more detailed and brighter images across a wide range of celestial objects.
Focal Length
- Celestron NexStar 4SE: 1325mm (52″)
- Celestron NexStar 8SE: 20232mm (80″)
Focal length plays a critical role in determining a telescope’s power and field of view.
The NexStar 4SE’s focal length is 1325mm, which is great for wide field views and perfect for taking in larger celestial objects.
However, the NexStar 8SE, with a significantly longer focal length of 2032mm, allows for greater detail and magnification.
This higher focal length enables it to zoom in further on celestial objects, providing a closer and more detailed view, especially for objects like planets and distant galaxies.
Focal Ratio
- Celestron NexStar 4SE: F/13
- Celestron NexStar 8SE: F/10
The focal ratio of a telescope impacts the image brightness, field of view, and exposure times for astrophotography.
The 4SE has a focal ratio of f/13, indicating it has a narrower field of view but provides high magnification.
In contrast, the 8SE with an f/10 focal ratio offers a wider field of view, translating into brighter images and shorter exposure times, which is a significant advantage for astrophotography.
Magnification
- Celestron NexStar 4SE: 53x
- Celestron NexStar 8SE: 81x
Magnification is the telescope’s ability to enlarge the appearance of distant objects.
While the 4SE provides a magnification of 53x, the 8SE offers a substantial step up with 81x magnification.
This difference means that the 8SE can reveal far more detail, significantly enhancing observations of the Moon, planets, and other celestial objects.
Light Gathering Power
- Celestron NexStar 4SE: 212x
- Celestron NexStar 8SE: 843x
The light-gathering power of a telescope is a measure of how much more light the telescope can gather compared to the human eye.
The 4SE has a light-gathering power of 212, which is decent for viewing brighter celestial objects. However, the 8SE’s light-gathering power of 843 far outstrips that of the 4SE, capturing approximately four times more light.
This enormous increase in light-gathering capacity means the 8SE can reveal much fainter objects and details, including distant galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.
Limiting Magnitude
- Celestron NexStar 4SE: 12.5
- Celestron NexStar 8SE: 14
Limiting magnitude relates to the faintest star you can observe with a telescope.
With a limiting magnitude of 12.5, the 4SE is a competent performer, but the 8SE, with a limiting magnitude of 14, is superior.
This means that the 8SE can detect much fainter celestial bodies, significantly enhancing your stargazing experience.
Assembled Weight
- Celestron NexStar 4SE: 21 lbs.
- Celestron NexStar 8SE: 31 lbs.
The weight of a telescope is an important consideration for transport and setup.
The 4SE weighs in at 21 lbs, making it relatively easy to carry around for impromptu stargazing sessions.
However, the 8SE, despite being heavier at 33 lbs, offers significant performance enhancements that can justify its additional weight.
For the devoted astronomy enthusiast, the enhanced capabilities of the 8SE could well outweigh the convenience of the 4SE’s lighter frame.
Similarities Between the Celestron 4SE vs 8SE
Altazimuth Mounts
Both the Celestron NexStar 4SE and 8SE are built with altazimuth mounts.
This type of mount allows for easy and intuitive control, permitting movement along two axes: altitude (up and down) and azimuth (left and right).
As such, the altazimuth mount makes both of these models great for beginners and hobbyists, enabling them to easily track celestial objects across the sky.
Fully-Automated GoTo Mounts
Each telescope in the NexStar SE series, including both the 4SE and 8SE, comes equipped with a fully-automated GoTo mount.
This feature is incredibly useful as it can automatically slew the telescope to any of the thousands of celestial objects stored in its database.
This means that once set up, you can go on an automated tour of the best celestial objects to view each night without having to locate each object manually.
It’s a real boon for those new to astronomy, and also means that more experienced stargazers can spend more time observing and less time navigating.
SkyAlign Technology – 40,000+ Celestial Objects in Database
Both the 4SE and 8SE utilize Celestron’s patented SkyAlign Technology.
This powerful tool allows for a fast and easy alignment process by using any three bright celestial objects.
Once aligned, the built-in computerized database of more than 40,000 celestial objects can guide the telescope to any object of your choosing, enhancing your stargazing experience by making it easier to locate and learn about constellations, stars, planets, and other celestial objects.
StarPointer Red Dot Finderscope
The 4SE and 8SE both come with the StarPointer red dot finderscope.
This accessory projects a red dot onto a non-magnified viewing window, providing a direct line of sight to the object you wish to view.
It simplifies the process of aiming the telescope and is particularly useful when you’re first setting up for the night.
In short, the inclusion of a StarPointer finderscope on both models makes locating celestial objects easier and quicker, allowing you to focus more on the enjoyment of observation.
Design Comparison Between the Celestron 4SE and 8SE
4se
8se
Telescope Details
- NEXSTAR 4SE COMPUTERIZED TELESCOPE: Celestron’s iconic orange tube telescope combines 4" Maksutov-Cassegrian optics with updated technology and the latest features for an amazing stargazing experience for beginners and experienced observers alike.
- 4-INCH APERTURE MAKSUTOV-CASSEGRAIN TELESCOPE: 4-inch primary mirror packs enough light-gathering ability to deliver impressive views of the Moon and planets, along with deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula, while retaining a compact form factor.
- FULLY-AUTOMATED GOTO MOUNT: With a database of 40,000+ celestial objects, NexStar SE's GoTo mount locates and tracks objects for you. It's the perfect telescope for astronomy beginners. NexStar SE is also compatible with StarSense and SkyPortal WiFi.
- EASY TO SET UP & USE: Assembling the telescope takes just a few minutes.Once you're set up, built-in SkyAlign technology helps you align the telescope fast. When you're done observing, the telescope breaks down into small components for easy storage.
- UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Your purchase includes a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.
- Nexstar computerized telescope: The NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope features Celestron’s iconic orange tube design with updated technology and the latest features for amazing stargazing for beginners and experienced observers.
- 8-Inch aperture: The 8-inch primary mirror in this Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope for adults and kids to be used together packs enough light-gathering ability to observe the best that our Solar System has to offer, while retaining a compact form factor. Compatible with starsense technology, Wifi
- Fully-automated go to mount: Featuring a database of more than 40,000 celestial objects, the go to mount built into our telescopes for astronomy beginners automatically locates and tracks objects for you.
- Easy to assemble and break down: The single fork arm design and sturdy steel tripod all assemble and break down from separate components for easy transportation. SkyAlign technology gets your telescope aligned and ready in minutes.
- Unbeatable warranty and customer support: Buy with confidence from the telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a 2-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.
Verdict and Conclusion
If I can offer you one final piece of advice, let is be this. Buy the most powerful telescope that you can afford.
If that’s the 4SE, you’re getting a terrific telescope.
If its can be the 8SE, you are getting a serious bit of kit.
Ultimately, if your finances permit, the 8SE unequivocally emerges as the indisputable champion.
Its light-gathering ability is vastly superior and it boasts a notably superior magnification.
In the realm of astronomy, more light invariably translates to more power.
Consequently, you’ll be able to observe celestial objects far beyond the capabilities of the 4SE.
That said, if budget constraints are a concern, the 4SE is still an impressive and high-end telescope in its own right.
Indeed, given its price point, you’d be hard-pressed to identify a more finely-crafted telescope that also features such premium optics.
As you can discern from the similarities noted above – irrespective of whether your choice falls on the 4SE or the 8SE, you are guaranteed an exceptional telescope that offers remarkable value for money.
Related guides:
- Celestron Nexstar 4SE vs 5SE
- Celestron Nexstar 5SE vs 6SE
- Celestron Nexstar 6SE vs 8SE
- Celestron NexStar 8SE Review
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.
