- 203mm Schmidt-Cassegrain OTA
- Focal Length: 2032mm, f/10 Focal Ratio
- StarBright XLT Optical Coating System
- Flat-Field, Coma-Free EdgeHD Optics
- StarSense Auto Alignment System
- Wireless Control with iOS/Android App
- Motorized and Computerized Fork Mount
- Multiple Automatic Alignment Systems
- Adjustable Stainless Steel Tripod
- Rechargeable LiFePO4 Battery
This iteration of the NexStar Evolution 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope from Celestron
is a powerful, versatile, and user-friendly compact catadioptric-style
scope that can be used for observing everything from the Moon and
planets to deep sky objects like galaxies and nebulae. The EdgeHD
optical system is designed to virtually eliminate spherical and
chromatic aberrations so views through it are flat and distortion-free
across the entire field of view with accurate color rendition. Using
Celestron's proprietary StarBright XLT multi-coating system, light
transmission is increased throughout the entire optical path with
anti-reflection multi-coated lenses, highly reflective multi-coated
mirrors, and 4-element rare-earth glass. While the focal ratio is a slow
f/10, the scope's precision tracking system and distortion-free optical
qualities allow it to be a competent astrophotography/astroimaging
platform for the Moon, planets, prominent deep sky objects, and
wide-field photos.
The Evolution comes with Celestron's
StarSense Autoalign system that uses a digital camera to take photos of
the sky that the scope is pointed. It then interfaces with an internal
database to align itself. It requires virtually no input from the user
except to turn it on and to confirm its position when it is finished.
The scope connects to Celestron's free SkyPortal app for Android and iOS
smartphones and tablets via an internal Wi-Fi module. Once aligned, the
app opens up the scope's true capabilities. It has a database of over
120,000 objects and offers guided tours, automatic tracking rates for
near and deep-sky objects, and multiple slew speeds.
Designed for
portability, the Evolution features a long life lithium-ion phosphate
(LiFePO4) battery providing up to 10 hours of continual use on a single
charge. The scope comes with an AC power supply with plugs for the US,
EU, UK, and AU outlets so it can go with you when you chase eclipses or
other celestial events across the world. The battery powers the servo
motors, auxiliary accessory ports, a USB charging port, and the built-in
Wi-Fi. Manual clutches in both altitude and azimuth enable users to
manually move and point the telescope when it's powered off.