2026 Gift Guide

• Manual German equatorial mount with setting circles - to locate and track sky objects
• Adjustable, full height steel tripod with deluxe accessory tray
• Quick and easy no-tool setup
• Accessories include a 20mm and 10mm eyepiece, and a finderscope

Unleash the power of your smartphone to take you on a guided tour of the night sky—no telescope experience required.

Patent-pending StarSense sky recognition technology uses your smartphone to analyze star patterns overhead and calculate its position in real time. Check phone compatibility here.

NOTE: The Starsense telscope uses your smartphone as a navigation device only, not to take photos.

• Manual altazimuth telescope and with pan handle control for smooth and accurate pointing.
• Adjustable, full height steel tripod with deluxe accessory tray.
• Quick and easy no-tool setup.
• Accessories include a 20mm and 10mm eyepiece, a finderscope, and an erect image diagonal - ideal for both terrestrial and astronomical use.
• Coated all-glass optics for clear, crisp images.
• Celestron Starry Night Software included.

The Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 is a WiFi-enabled 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope that lets you explore the night sky using your smartphone or tablet with the free SkyPortal app. Featuring a built-in rechargeable lithium-iron battery for up to 10 hours of observing, precision brass worm gear tracking, and StarBright XLT coatings, it delivers stunning views and astroimaging capability in a portable, user-friendly package.

• Explore the Universe and control your NexStar Evolution telescope with the free Celestron SkyPortal app for iOS and Android!
• Compact, portable 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube with StarBright XLT optical coatings and Fastar compatibility
• Computerized GoTo mount with high-performance brass worm gears and motors for improved tracking accuracy, along with reduced gear backlash
• Rechargeable lithium-iron 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

A handy guide to go along with your new scope! 

• Load rated capacity to 55 lbs (25kg)
• Heavy Duty belt-drive system minimizes backlash while providing smooth motor operation under heavy loads
• Spring-loaded brass worm wheel and stainless steel worm gear reduce friction and provide optimum gear mesh
• Internal cabling for worry-free remote operation. Power input and accessory ports remain stationary while the mount slews to avoid snags
• Control software developed in conjunction with PlaneWave Instruments for professional level control operation and imaging
• Adjustable EQ head position to optimize center of gravity over the tripod and fully utilize the increased 3°-65° latitude range
• 2" steel legs with height index marks for quick leveling
• Two handles for easy pickup and transport
• All-new ergonomically designed dovetail clamping knobs
• All-new ergonomic latitude adjuster for smooth and easy adjustment under full loads

• Digital Compass function provides degree, north pointing arrow and cardinal point readings. Compass Range: - 0° To 359° , 1-16 pointers (graphical)
• Magnetic declination angle adjustable for regions with magnetic variation
• Built-in Altimeter: measures in either meters or feet
• Barometer (air) pressure and sea level pressure measurement in mbar/hpPa, mmHG or inHG
• Weather forecast Icons: Sunny, Slightly Cloudy, Cloudy and Rainy
• Time, Date and Alarm Clock
• Built-in thermometer - °C or °F
• Backlight for nighttime use
• (2) long-life Lithium batteries included

The Celestron CGX-L Equatorial Mount and Tripod is a heavy-duty computerized mount built for serious astrophotographers and backyard observatory setups. With a generous 75 lb load capacity, massive 70 mm stainless steel tripod legs, and internally routed cabling for snag-free remote operation, it delivers exceptional stability and precision tracking for even the largest optical tubes and imaging rigs.

• Increased 75 lb load capacity. Exceptional load capacity to weight ratio
• Additional Aux accessory ports and autoguider port on the Dec axis for better cable management
• Larger 144 mm diameter worm wheels to better and more accurately drive heavier loads
• Longer 270 mm dovetail saddle to better support larger optical tubes
• Massive 70 mm stainless steel tripod legs with a wider stance for improved stability under heavy loads
• New accessory tray holds three 1.25” and two 2” eyepieces with an upright stand for your smartphone or tablet
• Heavy duty, 31.5 mm stainless steel counterweight shaft to support additional counterweights
• Spring-loaded brass worm wheel and stainless steel worm gear reduce friction and provide optimum gear mesh
• Internal cabling for worry-free remote operation. Power input and lower accessory ports remain stationary while the mount slews to avoid snags
• Includes Celestron's new PWI telescope control software, co-developed by PlaneWave Instruments. Software features multi-point mount modeling for extremely precise pointing accuracy
• Adjustable EQ head position to optimize center of gravity over the tripod and fully utilize the increased 3°-65° latitude range
• Integrated handles for easy transport and portability
• All-new ergonomically designed dovetail clamping knobs