Two models, the numbers decide
Celestron NexStar 5SE or Celestron NexStar 8SE?
Celestron NexStar 5SE — 125 mm, €889. Celestron NexStar 8SE — 203 mm, €2129. The same method as everywhere on this site: the numbers first, the verdict from them.
Same family (150–200 mm Schmidt-Cassegrain on a GoTo alt-az): what changes between these two is aperture, bulk and price — not character.
150–200 mm Schmidt-Cassegrain on a GoTo alt-az
€889seen 7 Oct 2026 at Astroshop
150–200 mm Schmidt-Cassegrain on a GoTo alt-az
€2,129seen 7 Oct 2026 at Astroshop
Side by side
The Celestron NexStar 8SE collects 2.6× more light — that is what aperture buys.
| Celestron NexStar 5SE | Celestron NexStar 8SE | |
|---|---|---|
| Aperture | 125 mm | 203 mm |
| Focal ratio | 1250 mm · f/10.0 | 2032 mm · f/10.0 |
| Typical weight | 12 kg | 15 kg |
| Setup time | 15 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Learning curve | 3 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
| Useful magnification | ≤ 250× | ≤ 406× |
| Resolution (Dawes) | 0.9″ | 0.6″ |
| Observed price | €889seen 7 Oct 2026 at Astroshop | €2,129seen 7 Oct 2026 at Astroshop |
| Where to buy | See it at Astroshop paid link | See it at Astroshop paid link |
Choose the Celestron NexStar 5SE if…
- budget decides: €1240 less
- it has to be carried: 3 kg lighter
Full page on the NexStar 5SE →
Where to buy
Also search at First Light Optics · Optique Unterlinden · Pierro Astro · Teleskop-Express (searches; neither price nor stock checked)
1 of these 5 links earn us a commission, marked above. Sorted by price, never by what pays. How this site is funded.
Choose the Celestron NexStar 8SE if…
- you want the most sky: 2.6× the light
Full page on the NexStar 8SE →
Where to buy
Also search at First Light Optics · Optique Unterlinden · Pierro Astro · Teleskop-Express (searches; neither price nor stock checked)
1 of these 5 links earn us a commission, marked above. Sorted by price, never by what pays. How this site is funded.
The same sky, through both
These circles are simulations, computed from the aperture, the magnification and the sky — indicative, not exact. A real night also depends on the turbulence, your eyes and your experience. Closer to the truth than the photo on the box; still not a promise.
The Moon
Saturn
The Orion Nebula
The Andromeda Galaxy
Photo credits
These thumbnails are built from real photographs, scaled and darkened by the same arithmetic as the large view.
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