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Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 Telescope - Review
Having used my Celestron Nexstar Evolution 8 Telescope for a few months I've made this review video to explain the features of the package and why I think it works so well. We will look at portability, wifi, alignment, motor noise, optical quality and more.
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This is a great video. Straight to the point, matter of fact and no annoying music. Thanks.
Nice review. I picked up the 9.25" model last year and initially had alignment issues until I checked out a post on Cloudy Nights which said to keep the SkyAlign triangle much tighter than the instructions say. Since then it's aligned on the first try ever since. The optics really are fantastic and having it all self contained and obeying my phone makes observing extremely enjoyable.
@JenhamsAstro
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Michael, that’s a useful tip for SkyAlign and not something I would otherwise have tried as I’d assumed a larger separation would be best. I’ll give it a try next time.
Great review, I always appreciate your videos - no flash, just substance. Cheers!
This is, in part, what I needed to hear! Thank you for this!
Thank you for the review! Thanks in particular for the section on portability. I've had this scope for years, and I never realized those were actually handles, and so I've been taking it apart and re-assembling in the backyard each observing session. Doh! The way you carry it, with the OTA pointing at Zenith, makes it so much more manageable to carry. Much appreciated video, friend! I have really been impressed at this scopes ability to locate items with accuracy once aligned- even placing objects in or near the center of high-powered eyepieces. My previous scope was a wonderful old Newtonian GEM with manual setting circles. It required a lot of eye-balling and good star charts to be able to find anything with that scope. I would be fortunate to hunt down even a single Messier object on any given night of observing. With this Celestron NexStar, I could easily locate and observe any Messier object that was visible in the sky at the time. Now I have to be careful to make sure I'm actually spending some time observing instead of slewing in rapid succession from one object to the next, only briefly glancing at each. It was a total game changer for me.
@JenhamsAstro
Жыл бұрын
Hi John, I’m glad the video was useful. I agree it is a great scope. I still do some starhopping with my other scopes but the convenience of the Nexstar is excellent. I recognise the temptation to see a lot of objects in a little time “because you can” rather than studying a particular target. It seems like a nice problem to have! Clear skies, Graham
Excellent review, really thorough and informative. I have a 6SE currently and am hoping to upgrade to an Evo 8 in a few years. Looks superb.
I ordered mine yesterday and awaiting delivery. This video was very reassuring, the unboxing one not so much. Though they did make things right for you. I will carefully inspect mine. Thank You.
Nice video 🔭 i have the Celestron Nexstar Evolution 9.25" since 2014 and had no issues at all 👍
@necondaa
10 ай бұрын
I recently picked up the Evolution 8 and I’m super impressed with it, I usually use to see planets and I was blown away with the detail. I saw Saturn and it’s rings and Jupiter with its red bands, I also so Venus. I’m looking forward when Mars is visible at night again
Very nice telescope. I have one of the first Nexstars made in the year 2000. It is the same color as that one. I got over 20 years of use from it until I left it in a cold storage building to long and it quit working. The Evolution mount is nice. Thanks for the video. I would like to have a mount like that for my Nexstar 5.
@JenhamsAstro
2 ай бұрын
It is a nice package and has the benefit of being able to put smaller OTAs on.
Perfectly well made video. To the point. No rubbish.
The best telescope is the one you use the most and the one you use the most is the one that's the easiest to use that does everything you want, not necessarily the best telescope you own
@JenhamsAstro
2 жыл бұрын
Completely agree.
I’d put a Baader click lock on it. Eagerly awaited your review. I think this setup is really good for outreach. Very little to carry places. Enough aperture to get the “wow” effect. It’s really a no-nonsense, streamline, machine.
@JenhamsAstro
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Garnett, yeah I've picked up a 2" clicklock but not fitted it yet as my existing 2" WO diagonal has a scratched mirror and could do with being replaced. After your C8 video I wasn't sure what to expect, and my first (rejected) scope didn't help either. But so far this one is great - streamline is exactly the right word for it. The standard 40mm EP is just the job for alignment, while the obligatory 2nd standard EP - a 13mm Plossl - is staying in its box. Other than the 13mm it just comes with useful kit. Really happy with the Morpheus views through the scope, I'd like to get a couple more focal lengths from that range at some point.
Great review you’ve made up my mind 👍🏻 going for the 9.25 version 🔭👏👏
@JenhamsAstro
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Dave, It’s a well thought out package. I hope you enjoy the 9.25.
@chris-ip4pk
Жыл бұрын
Yeah I've just ordered my 9.25 from rother valley optics, not received it yet are you happy with yours,I bought the raci as red dot is no good for me.
@JenhamsAstro
Жыл бұрын
@@chris-ip4pk Hi Chris, I hope you enjoy the new scope, I like mine a lot. The RDF works ok for me but RACIs are always useful. Clear skies! Graham
Many thanks for your review. Very professional and extremely useful for me to make my decision.
Hope you are planning next videos about this scope (comparisons to yours previous scopes, some pictures etc.) Good work, THX.
Really nice review Graham. Straight to the point.
Good review. Thanks
Great review Graham! I just upgraded my Evolution 6 with an 8 SE OTA, Baader Click-Lock visual back, and Starsense Autoalign. This seems like a perfect outreach scope that's easy to transport and set up - the Starsense does all the hard work and has no problem aligning at light-polluted locations. I've owned an orange-tube C8 from the 1990's and a black-tube C8 from the 2000's but this 8 SE has better optics/coatings and features compared to those older scopes. I noticed you didn't extend the tripod legs which degrade the mount stability somewhat. I'm looking for better tripod options to improve stability without resorting to the much heavier CPC tripod.
@JenhamsAstro
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Tom. My SCT experience sounds similar to yours and I now wonder if I misjudged their lack of sharpness and contrast for imprecise collimation. I tend to think it’s a mixture of better optics and coatings and my attention to collimation, but my previously lacklustre experience led me into years of Maks and Apos. I’m interested to hear that you like Starsense. Was there much of a learning curve to get it working? As for the tripod, I’ve kept mine low as you noted as the Evo mount is a heavy lump of kit. I find being seated works for me if I want to concentrate on seeing details.
@tombennett831
2 жыл бұрын
@@JenhamsAstro On the Evolution mount, I just level the tripod, point the OTA horizontally, and turn on the power. There is a one-time calibration needed so the OTA and Starsense are both pointed at the same location and I just leave the Starsense attached to the OTA so no further calibration is needed. It takes a couple minutes to go through its alignment routine before it's ready for a night of observing. It seems to be just as accurate as a manual align and no red-dot or finderscope are necessary. Starsense comes with it's own hand controller which replaces the stock Evolution hand controller. I haven't tried Wi-Fi yet but may try it after seeing your review. I'm having some trouble seeing the hand controller display so having a larger tablet display would help.
@JenhamsAstro
2 жыл бұрын
@@tombennett831 Thats interesting. Does Starsense cope with having a restricted view, like from a small back garden?
Nice review. I agree with many of your points, although I do not find the Evo very noisy, even at max slew speed. I am just curious as to why you have the telescope inverted for the entire video. The telescope should have the printing right side up on the dovetail bar when the telescope tube is level. The focuser should be under the visual back, and the Aux ports on the upright arm should be facing the rear of the optical tube. The tightening knob on the saddle should be below the optical tube, not above it. I bring this up because I am concerned that other Evo users will set their telescopes up as you have set up your telescope in this video, which is quite incorrect.
@JenhamsAstro
Жыл бұрын
The tube was rotated when I made the video and I didn’t notice at the time. When in use the focuser is under the visual back as you say, with ports facing back. There’s a picture of it in this orientation in the community tab. Clear skies.
Loved seeing you carrying the Evo into the backyard--that by itself answers a lot of questions! My other question would be can anyone see a difference at the eyepiece between the normal tube and the Edge HD?
@JenhamsAstro
24 күн бұрын
Thanks, I decided after buying scopes that were too big that I needed to buy one I could actually carry, or it wouldn’t get used! I haven’t used an HD, but have read that the differences are only at the edge of the FOV. I’m happy with the basic model, but perhaps if you see a HD at an offer price it would be worth it for the Starsense? Having said that alignment is easy with the basic scope so I really don’t need more bells and whistles.
I've got myself the Evolution 6 , and I use the Baader Hyperion eyepieces (10, 17, 24) and I love it. Soon I will order the 5 mm. It is a pity that there is no bracket to place your hand controller in, you can order it separately. Clear skies :)
@JenhamsAstro
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Raymond.
@johnmarler6735
2 жыл бұрын
Velcro works quite well.
@_rlb
Жыл бұрын
There should be a bracket attached to one of the tripod legs (mine broke sadly)
Great review,
Great video, thank you! Subscribed
Great review and nice scope. Clear sky's.
@JenhamsAstro
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks 👍
great scope got the baader hyperion zoom 2inch diagonal back celestron and reducer is a great addition nice review 👍subbed looking forward to upcoming videos as just got the scope so will be interesting to see thoughts and any tips
Great video and cat
Good review
Well done
Hey Graham nice review! I was advised for use of the skyalign to try with the mount directly on the power even though the battery is fully charged. I am also very satisfied with my evo 8 the only thing I do regret is that there is no power supply for a dewheater directly on the mount. Kind regards Dietger
@JenhamsAstro
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Dietger, do you find that being connected to mains power helps the skyalign? Seems a bit strange. I haven't tackled dew protection issue yet - I've seen Celestron's heater rings but their controller seems expensive - what setup are you using? Graham
@dietgerherregodts2220
2 жыл бұрын
@@JenhamsAstro hallo weird enough yes I had problems with the skyalign failed every time I got this tip and was successful the first time, don't see the connection with the power directly.My mount was also delivered slightly damaged and I also reported this to my supplier and i was allowed to exchange it and the new mount had no problem doing the skyalign also on battery so I don't really understand why. i bought the dew heater ring but not the celestron controller i combine this with a hitec astro controller this also works and a lot cheaper there is no humidity sensor though.
@JenhamsAstro
2 жыл бұрын
Very interesting that you also returned your first scope - not a one-off for me then. I'll experiment with Skyalign at some point, but for now the Manual option does the job. Thanks for the info on the heater ring - did installation require re-collimation?
@dietgerherregodts2220
2 жыл бұрын
@@JenhamsAstro yes it is not only with you 😀 I have only changed the mount itself I have not changed the ota and tripod, qc must have been on vacation. After the installation i collimated my telescope it was not only because of the installation of that ring but i think it was not 100% from the beginning. the first time i tested the collimation i was too far out of focus (it was my first time doing this too) I re-collimated this week and now closer to focus the images are much better now. I'm also going to attempt to use manual mode, do you have to do also 3 objects?
@JenhamsAstro
2 жыл бұрын
Yes it wants 3 objects for a manual align. It's worth a try. Good collimation seems to be a must - having Maks and refractors has spoilt me in that regard!
Interesting.
Hello! Thanks for a great informative review of this telescope. I was thinking of buying a telescope for the fall or now in the spring of 2024 and it's between evolution and edge 8 HD?? I did a lot of astronomy when I was a little boy and want to take up this hobby again. Best regards, Karl-David Sweden
It seems as though most amature astronomers are too worried about the "noise" of their mounts disturbing their neighbors. I can tell you for a certainty, that there are no mounts made that are as loud as any vehicles of any neighbor of mine that have sat idling out front of my home at any hour of the night. So unless you're trying to hide what you're doing from some nosy neighbor, you really shouldn't worry at all about that tiny amount of sound coming from your mount. 😁
Red dot finders work ok for me in dark skies, but there aren’t enough stars in light-polluted skies. In those, I prefer a decent magnifying optical finder.
As always, a great video. How does it compare to your 150mm Mak for planets? Have you tried the Mak on the Evolution mount?
@JenhamsAstro
4 ай бұрын
Thanks, I’ve let the 150 go in favour of a more portable 127 but it would definitely have worked well on the mount.
Your neighbors would have to have paper thin walls to hear that
i just want to see mars and saturn and venus the rest are kind of i dont think too interesting but I think i will buy this one thank you. its way bigger than i thought tho from the images of it i saw before this
Hello Graham. Have you used this scope for lunar and/or planetary imaging? I would like to know your thoughts on this scope/mount vs using an equatorial mount. Thanks.
@JenhamsAstro
2 ай бұрын
Hello David, so far I’ve used the scope mainly for visual observation rather than imaging. As for equatorial vs alt az, the stacking software like AutoStakkert allows for field rotation so I don’t see any issue with using an alt az mount when each video frame is of very short duration.
Thank you for the review, this is only my second telescope and I'm having some alignment issues to with my android phone but not with my android tablet. Since this is new to me could you do a video explaining setting up the culmination, everything I've seen about it is like speaking greek.
I've just bought an evo 8 after watching your review. Thanks to the wonderful N. Ireland weather I haven't had a chance to give it a full test of what it can do. But initally I'm very happy with it. Does anyone that has an evo have a link or point me in the direction of a good storage box for the mount? Ideally I want to put the bottom piece of cut out foam from the original packaging, at the bottom of the box. I have a bag for the scope but I'll probably go for the proper celestron one. But it's the mount I'm more concerned about.
Hi guys! I want to buy this telescope in the future. I need to know what are the dimensions of the box. Not the big box, the small box inside where there sits just the scope in styrofoam. Thanks in advance.
@JenhamsAstro
7 ай бұрын
The box for the OTA is 55 x 34 x 28cm The mount box is 53 x 40 x 34 cm.
@HelenoPaiva
7 ай бұрын
@@JenhamsAstro :-( thanks for your information. It is precisely just about a couple of centimeters larger than the biggest luggage allowed inside the airplane cabin. Damn it. The evolution 8 costs less than 1800usd on Amazon. If I buy it in my country it’ll cost me 4000usd. I think I’ll go with a dobsonian mount 8in Newtonian, and in the future I’ll pick a nice sturdy eq goto mount for it.
Do a video about dew problems messing up your evening ☺️
Hi! thanks for making videos like this. What kind of telescope would you recommend to a beginner that wants to capture saturn rings?
@JenhamsAstro
Жыл бұрын
Hi, the “which telescope?” question can have many answers! If you want to image Saturn, or planets in general, then high magnification is needed and hence a long focal length. A Maksutov telescope like a Celestron C90 or a Skywatcher/Orion 127 is ideal, along with a barlow lens. But be aware that imaging can become expensive! You will need a tracking mount of some kind and an Astro camera as well.
Can you get it to the Zenith position with a 2" diagonal or would I be stuck with the 1.25 diagonal and eyepieces? With an 8" F-10 telescope I'd like to have the option of 40mm and larger eyepieces with a 62 degree fov. With 1.25 barrels 40mm is 40° to 44° at best. I know there is a maximum on field of view with any SCT or MCT especially.
@JenhamsAstro
10 ай бұрын
Yes, it can point straight up after a sliding it a little further along the dovetail. Mine now has a 2" Clicklock and 2" diagonal.
So I'm not the only one with issues aligning Celestron Align.
I was thinking about purchasing the Celestron - NexStar Evolution 8 soon. What eyepiece and other accessories should I get first for this scope.
@JenhamsAstro
10 ай бұрын
Hello, the choice is eyepieces is very personal, so 10 people will give you 11 answers! The basic EPs are ok but some options are Baader Hyperions or Morpheus ranges. I have a 2” Clicklock and 2” diagonal. A dew shield is a must in cooler damper weather. Aside from that the scope package is all you need in my view. Hope this helps, Graham
Do you recommend the Celestron nexstar Evolution 8 or Celestron cpc 800 xlt
The first time I used the SkyAlign I was foiled. Then I discovered that the location defaulted to Los Angeles! I wish the assumed location were displayed as a reality check. Also, when I entered the named location from the supplied list, the assumed time zone was wrong! I think these details need to be correct before SkyAlign will work. Yes?
@JenhamsAstro
2 жыл бұрын
Yes it needs to know your location. Hopefully for my that part is ok as it’s on my phone. Lots Angeles would be unhelpful!
Sneaky cat at 3:28
Fine Review Graham, Looks Like a Pretty great Scope. On my List, So Do you have any Problems pointing the scope when Looking at Objects in the Zenith, I thought there is Very Little room to Put a Barlow Lens and Look at A Planet or moon When at Zenith! Whats your solution to that?! Thanks!
@JenhamsAstro
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks. Well I've never had to deal with a planet being that high in the sky - a latitude thing I suppose! But in general if i use a 1.25 diagonal and EP then the scope JUST clears the base with the OTA set at it's nominal balance position on the dovetail. The app has a altitude limit which you can set or disable if a clash occurs with your setup. If I barlow it then there's no issue as it is between the diagonal and EP. Have you tried this to make the viewing angle more comfortable, and to avoid a clash?
What would I need to record video and pictures? Does the app allow you to do that? Or will I need a specific camera and mount ?
@JenhamsAstro
Жыл бұрын
The Sky Portal app isn’t for photography, only for finding objects. With the Evo’s type of mount you can do moon or planetary photography. There are a few ways of doing it. A smartphone held or clamped over the eyepiece can give a nice moon pic, or a DSLR with an adapter could be used, or you could try a dedicated Astro camera like a ZWO asi 224, to video the planets. Lots of options.
The 1.25" visual back, can it easily be replaced with a 2"?
@JenhamsAstro
Жыл бұрын
I’ve put a 2” Clicklock on mine easily.
I currently have a 10" dobsonian and are considering going to this telescope for the tracking. How does the view compare going from a 10 to an 8?
@JenhamsAstro
Жыл бұрын
Hi Russ, the 10” provided a brighter and slightly higher contrast view than the 8”, for faint objects, but it wasn’t a huge difference. Of course the field of view and magnification are larger and lower on the Dob and that can make a small object like M57 look more crisp. Personally the tracking and goto tipped the balance, plus the Evo is more portable. If I was buying another Dob I’d probably stick to 8”. No point having a light bucket sitting in the garage.
is it just a goto mount or does it track as well? is it good for photography?
@JenhamsAstro
Жыл бұрын
It has goto and it does track. It’s good for planetary imaging, but maybe not quite as good as a Maksutov. I bought it as a visual scope mainly as it combines good aperture with portability and wire free use.
Gostaria de saber por quanto compro um equipamento desse, e se é fácil sua montagem
@JenhamsAstro
7 ай бұрын
Easy to assemble yes, but an expensive item. £2000 on the UK approx.
Hi Graham. I have an opportunity to buy a C8 on a fork mount with drive (not computerised). I see everywhere, C8's being used with GEMs of various types but, 'in my day', the LX200 Meade and C8's were all fork mounted and I wonder why they have gone out of fashion? Are they no good for imaging? If not, then I don't understand why they were marketed by Meade and Celestron with such mounts in the first place? I would not want to spend the asking price for the total assembly if I can't use for imaging as well as viewing.
@JenhamsAstro
Жыл бұрын
Hi Mark, my imaging experience has mainly been with GEMs, with autoguiding used where necessary. I think the main reason non computerised mounts are out of fashion is the benefit of GOTO, but as for fork vs GEM I expect it’s the need to guide with a long focal length OTA which favours the GEM. A wedge mounted fork scope is fine for planetary imaging as you have the off line processing software to allow for some drift, but I imagine you’d struggle for DSOs. How do you even get an accurate polar align with a wedge and fork? It’s always been a rough align for visual in my case. In my day (possibly our day!) I thumbed the pages of astronomy magazines admiring those fork mounted SCTs, but I never imaged with one. If you want to image beyond planetary I would budget to put the OTA on a GEM. Loads of old SCTs are having their 2nd life after a defork.
@markwelsh9068
Жыл бұрын
@@JenhamsAstro Thanks Graham. I'm probably a bit older than you! I'm 59! LOL I've seen a C8 with a fork at £650 and also a C8 with goto and Celestron VX mount (plus a large bunch of accessories) for £370. I guess the latter would be the best choice then.
@JenhamsAstro
Жыл бұрын
@@markwelsh9068 Yes I think so unless the one with a fork is a newish Nexstar in which case it could be interesting. Look through it if you can - there are lots of used C8 choices around so still worth getting the best OTA. Sorry if I’m preaching to the converted on that point. Clear skies.
Is it possible to view horizon to zenith while sitting down comfortably in a regular sized chair ?
@JenhamsAstro
Жыл бұрын
If the scope is pointing at the horizon the centreline of the OTA is 114cm off the ground, with the tripod at its lowest.
@Kaos3ce
Жыл бұрын
@@JenhamsAstro Thank you
👍👍👍👍
Is there a forum where you can find a used model like this at a discount? Thanks
@JenhamsAstro
Жыл бұрын
Try Astrobuysell. They can be seen on eBay occasionally.
Got this scope recently for lunar. Swapped out that visual back as soon as I could for 2". Love the scope overall, but have had nothing but trouble with the wifi connectivity. I'm using an Android 11 Pixel 4a, I can connect to the wifi ok (usually) and provided I use an older version of SkyPortal can connect to the app (usually). I've never gotten as far as a successful alignment though as the stability is just so bad. I don't have any issues (asside from it feeling clunky) using the hand controller or even computer control via CPWI. Guy I bought it off was an apple user and said he had no issues like yourself. Wondering if this is some sort of apple vs android issue?
@JenhamsAstro
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Dominic, that’s frustrating. Maybe it is an Android issue, hard for me to tell. Not sure how old your scope is but I expect that Celestron have updated the firmware over the years to get it to a better state, have you tried this route? At least the hand controller works, but not ideal. 2” click lock is here and will go on soon.
@dominic-ryan
2 жыл бұрын
@@JenhamsAstro thanks for the reply. Yeah, firmware was the first thing I upgraded. Not sure how old my scope is precisely, but going on what the previous owner said and firmware version that was on it when I got it, I'd say it was circa 2016. Thinking maybe it is android related though as I also tried my old phone (android 10 Pixel XL) with the same result. Don't have an Apple device in the house unfortunately to test with. Just weird as I can connect to and operate a SkyWatcher AZ-GTE mount with the same phone without any issue at all.
@dietgerherregodts2220
2 жыл бұрын
@@dominic-ryan hello Ryan i also have an evo and i have an android galaxy a71 and i have no problem with wifi dropping out i read somewhere if there are many wifi networks in the area that they can also cause problems
@ChopperChad
Жыл бұрын
There’s a tiny recessed wifi reset button near the aux 2 port. Use a paper clip and reset it.
Hi Graham, which one better, Celestron c90 or MC 102 Starquest EQ?
@JenhamsAstro
2 жыл бұрын
Of the two examples optical tubes I had, I preferred the C90. But in truth the optical performance isn’t that different between them. The C90 has a longer focal ratio and always gave views with good contrast. To my eye that gave it the edge over the 102.
@Tataouine854
2 жыл бұрын
@@JenhamsAstro thanks a lot Graham , you are Great.👍
Cat at 3:27
@JenhamsAstro
10 ай бұрын
Lazy lump!
Nice telescope, Did you consider buy the 9,25?
@JenhamsAstro
Жыл бұрын
Not really, whilst I’ve read good things about the 9.25 i was focused more on the portability aspect, so went for the 8.
@marcutrillogibert9154
Жыл бұрын
@@JenhamsAstro Many thanks for your answer. That's means ... do you think the 9.25 cannot take out of your garden with only one piece?
@JenhamsAstro
Жыл бұрын
@@marcutrillogibert9154 I haven’t tried doing this with a 9.25 - as I bought the 8! The 8 is at the limit for me, but I think it’s a personal choice for you. I’d suggest trying to carry an equivalent weight if you have a suitable proxy. I tried my Heq5 with an OTA and it’s counterweights. You can hold it close to your body which is good, but I know for me personally I’d have to split the tripod and mount/OTA to be comfortable with the 9.25. This wouldn’t be a big issue, but just something I wanted to avoid after a couple of bouts of aperture fever regret.
@JenhamsAstro
Жыл бұрын
@@marcutrillogibert9154 For me, I would struggle to comfortably carry it in one piece. The parts are relatively easy to split and reattach so I’d expect to do that with the 9.25.
@marcutrillogibert9154
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for your opinion, another point is if that mount is not suffering with the 9,25
I'm thinking of getting this,but is it over priced for what it is,2k or 8se 500 cheaper, is it worth it I your opinion
@JenhamsAstro
Жыл бұрын
Hi Chris, it is an expensive scope. I haven’t use the 8SE, but optically the two are exactly the same obviously. So the difference is in the mount and the fact that you have Wi-Fi and a built in battery to make it convenient and wireless, vs a hand controller & power pack. Is that worth the extra 5 or £600? For me it is because I really wanted to get to a point of a grab and go 8” SCT with no wires and easy portability. Just my 2p though, the 8SE has a good reputation and is also a sound choice.
@chris-ip4pk
Жыл бұрын
Now I've seen the 9.25 evolution, haha,I know it's considerably heavier but apparently the mount is beefier also,is that worth the extra 500 over the evo 8,I think the evo is the way to go.any help is much appreciated, 8 or 9.25,I do t mind the extra cost ,as I'll.only be owning 1 scope,thanks ,and your videos are clear and consise.
@JenhamsAstro
Жыл бұрын
@@chris-ip4pk A lot of people give positive reviews of the 9.25, I’d just check if the portability is OK for you. It’s a bit heavier than an 8, but bulkier too.
@chris-ip4pk
Жыл бұрын
@@JenhamsAstro I'm just thinking the extra weight on the mount is a strain especially when you start adding accessories, I think the 8 seems most logical,
I wonder how it is for imaging.
@JenhamsAstro
Жыл бұрын
The OTA on the non-Edge model I’ve got is a standard 8” unit. As an f/10 alt-az it’s a good basis for planetary imaging with a barlow. I don’t plan to try DSO imaging as it is slow and would need to use a wedge. If I was looking to use it for DSOs I’d probably put the tube onto my HEQ5, and use a reducer. Not tried it yet though.
@hangerbird
Жыл бұрын
@@JenhamsAstro Looking for a scope for astrophotography, but for the planets and the Sun. (I have solar filters for my camera lens)
@JenhamsAstro
Жыл бұрын
@@hangerbird A Maksutov could be a good choice.
Can you share a few images that you could take?
@JenhamsAstro
Жыл бұрын
I will when I have some. So far I’ve only captured Jupiter as mainly I use the scope for visual observing.
@deepthakkar5660
Жыл бұрын
@@JenhamsAstro Can u say something about what you saw while you were observing deep sky objects from the scope like galaxies and nebulaes?
Nice review buddy. I have the 9.25 and I am having few issues. I am at a point of returning it. Its not tracking and the skyportal app is always showing bullseye posting below the horizon. It's doing my heading. I tend to use it without any alignment ans normally it tracks planets brilliantly however, as of last night it doesn't work. I even removed the removed so not to confuse the app still not working. Any help would be appreciated. Cheers
@JenhamsAstro
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks, I haven't tried using it without an alignment - I'm not sure how that would work with an alt az mount as I think it needs a reference to work from? I've used my HEQ5 this way, just tracking, but then the mount axis has been pointed to north in that case. I'm not an expert on the Evo though, it's still early days for me.
@Ajajambo
2 жыл бұрын
@@JenhamsAstro Fair enough, thanks for the tip. Like you said, it might need at least a manual alignment on a planet for accurate tracking. A part form that the optics are superb, quick glimps at Saturn and Jupiter revealed some stunning contrast. Jupiter belts were very prominent.
@Ajajambo
Жыл бұрын
@@JenhamsAstro Graham, quick update for you. So, I did a sky alignment picking three random stars. First one was Polaris, then one in Cassiopeia and then last one due south. Alignment was perfect on first attempt. The scope aligned on target with the objets just outside of the FOV but then I added couple more objects as I am observing and the scope was able centre the object 💯. I had my first views of Jupiter, Saturn, M57, Cat eye, M13,M92, Andromeda and the quality of this glass is simply amazing. I use a William optics binoviwer coupled with 20mm Ep. Let me know how to find the views when you get a chance. Clear skies my friend.
@JenhamsAstro
Жыл бұрын
@@Ajajambo Thanks for the update. I’ve had more success recently with Sky Align by using 3 relatively close stars. I had a great view of M11 and M17 the other night, despite their inevitable low altitude. Saturn also looked very nice. I’m really liking the scope so far.
@Ajajambo
Жыл бұрын
Hi there, how is things going with scope? Btw, did you feel any need to change the prism diagonal? Mine seem to retain the same image with or without it. Also, I am finding mounting the scope on the arm of the mount frustration. Despite the locking knob fully out it’s still strictly to slide it in. Have you experienced that all? Also, I made an aperture stop on my 9.25” which allowed me to bring the scope to a 5” scope with two circular holes on each side of the central obstruction. Amazing stability on those bad nights, the view is similar to a refractor 😊
Also enjoying my Evo 8”. Did you end up keeping your 10” Dob? They’re monsters but ideologically distinct from the all-automated Nexstars.
@JenhamsAstro
Жыл бұрын
Hi Mike, I sold the Dob in favour of the Evo - still wireless, but with more time on the target because of the Goto. The Dob was a very well made scope and it felt “pure” but I can now see why an 8” Dob is a sweet spot for more frequent use. Just my 2p of course as it’s all personal choice.
@MikeLikesChannel
Жыл бұрын
@@JenhamsAstro I hear you there! I feel the same way about 8" SCTs being the sweet spot. I know a 10" Dob would be "too close in aperture" to the 8" SCT to be worthwhile, so I'd want a 12"... and they're just a lot to handle.
Celestron or Mead?
@JenhamsAstro
Жыл бұрын
I prefer Celestron. I’ve owned Meades but they don’t seem to have the same features as the Celestron models at the moment.
Some years ago this would have been a ' research grade ' scope at a University....100 years ago maybe. Now it's a consumer item.
Nice telescope Graham. How long does it take to cool down to reach equilibrium temperature? I found that this is vitally important to unlock the scopes potential.
@JenhamsAstro
2 жыл бұрын
I’ve been it taking outside about an hour before observing, removing the dust caps to help it stabilise. It then takes a few minutes to do the alignment (more if I mess it up). So far it seems to be enough.
@martynh5410
Жыл бұрын
@@JenhamsAstro I added fans to my 8” EdgeHD. They cool it in about 15 mins!!
@JenhamsAstro
Жыл бұрын
@@martynh5410 Does the Edge OTA have vents to help cooling?
Why don't you show the people the stars ? Show the sheeple they are pulsating in many varying colors and patterns, many are not round, they are see through and they are close, in the waters of the firmament above. Or does your thing there have some auto CGI adjusting happening ? Look at that thing, just get a 3k$ nikon. You can zoom in on islands 100 + miles away too. (8 inches of curve per mile squared on a 24k mile sphere) That's already 6 feet of curve at 3 miles, now apply
@Michael.Chapman
2 ай бұрын
I’ve enjoyed years of excitement exploring the night sky with a high-quality scope and premium eyepieces. Great fun-a simple SLR camera just cannot compare in any sense, no matter what lenses are used.
I got started in Astronomy way back in the 1960's. Back then, of course, none of today's "Advanced Digital Technology" existed. So we learned to find objects in the Sky on our own. And, for most of us over a certain age, that's still the way we do things! Today's "Kids" actually NEVER LEARN what real Astronomy is all about! Their wedded to computers, Digital Imagers and the ubiquitous "Go To" electronic mounts. Kind of sad, Really. Just watching how fast they get bored 😴 and give up on THE SKY, only to go back to their mind numbing computer Games! There is this endless panorama of THE UNIVERSE just out the door, overhead. And their back in Mom's basement, playing games 🎮😳🤣!
3grand wasted!!!! Never charges properly
I like those cheap red dots. They are very light, and I even use them on non goto scopes, and with 2" low power eyepieces, I have no problems finding objects
@JenhamsAstro
Ай бұрын
Yes they get a bad rep but work pretty well for me as long as they are lined up. The slightly more expensive metal bodied ones keep their alignment better.
@k.h.1587
Ай бұрын
@@JenhamsAstro ah yes, but most can't be dialed down quite as dim. I used to use one of those when I had an AT66ED back in the day, which had a little WO stalk available that bolted into a single hole on the focuser