The new NexStars have been announced and will start showing up sometime between now and October. There are 3 basic models of the new smaller NexStars as pictured above. All three models (60, 80, 114) are available in 2 different versions. The base HC version includes the simpler directional hand control pictured above and is motorized on both axes, but does not include an onboard computer database. The more expensive GT version includes the NexStar "Goto" computer controller with a 4000 object database for automatic slewing to the desired object. The HC version can be upgraded to the GT version by adding the optional NexStar computer controller ($129). All versions include the Star Pointer red dot sighting device, an adjustable aluminum tripod, 2 eyepieces (3 for the 60mm scope), and GuideStar software. One item of interest is that the NexStar basic HC versions can use a PC running the included GuideStar software to slew the scopes automatically, whereas the equivelant Meade scopes must be equipped with a AutoStar controller to do this. ScopeTronix has dozens of these new Nexstars on order and will post them to the purchasing page as they become available. We can accept advance orders (no deposit required, we will just call to confirm when they arrive to see if you are still interested) but we can make no guarantees about when they will be available. If you would like to reserve one just send us an email with the model requested and a daytime phone number and email address. These units are sure to be in short supply through Christmas, much as the NexStar 5 was last year ; )

The NexStar 8 has been out for a little while now and I have had extensive experience using this scope. Again regardless of what people may think (and say before they actually try one) this one armed wonder is quite stable. I had several scopes set up last night and did some comparisons. The N5 on it's standard tripod damped a solid rap on the tube almost instantly (about 1 second). A solid rap on the side of the N8 tube (again on the standard tripod) was squelched in about 2-3 seconds, again very impressive. In fact it was about in line with my much heavier and bulkier LX50 believe it or not. It was even substantially better than the standard C8. This goes to show you that a single fork arm, if built well, can be extremely rigid. I almost instantly fell in love with this scope when the first one arrived, it is just what I always wanted. A primarily visual scope with at least 8" of aperture that I can carry outside (already fully setup on the tripod) in a matter of seconds. It is user friendly, the alignment and leveling routine is forgiving and easy, the goto is quiet and accurate, the tracking is quiet (for a goto scope), and the price ($1899) is very attractive for an 8" goto scope including tripod. It may not be the perfect astrophotography scope but it is perfect for everything else. If you purchase a scope capable of serious astrophotography there are a lot of trade offs (high cost, lost portability, heavy, bulky, etc.). I've been through all that and I'm done with it. Lots of equipment, lots of $$, lots of frustration, and a few good pictures ; ) Now I much prefer a lighter weight visual intrument. My observing time is limited and often I like to just go out for 10 or 15 minutes after dinner and take a tour. It used to take me at least that long just to get setup ; ) Now I get to take my quick peeks without a lot of effort and I still have 8" of excellent optics to boot. While astronomy obviously isn't a race I can (for example) literally take my scope outside, perform an alignment, put 10 Messier objects in the eyepiece and bring everything back inside in well under 10 minutes. A big change from spending hour after hour with my first dob trying to locate a single object ; )

For those of you who would like to have an abbreviated list of named stars (handy for laminating) in the NexStar database along with the NexStar database #'s here is a table I put together.....

I've been asked by several people how much I would sell a NexStar mount or Optical Tube for. A new NexStar mount would be $900, a new N5 OTA would be $400. Yes, if add them up and it comes to $100 more than a new NexStar 5. The difference is to make up for the labor involved and the work to have to make 2 sales instead of just one. Unless you are mechanically inclined and have the proper experience and equipment to make the necessary modifications to use either I recommend you not purchase one. This would be a *non-returnable* special order sale. The clearance from the altitude axis to the base is approximately 9.5". Your OTA must be able to balance at this point and fit the lower half in this space otherwise the OTA won't be able to point straight up ; ).

No, Celestron hasn't teamed up with Tele Vue ; ) The image above is just one of my recent experiments. I had purchased a TeleVue 85 APO that I was pretty happy with so I thought I would try for the best of both worlds. The images of a high quality refractor and the ease of use of the NexStar mount. A little custom machining and a few balancing weights (visible under the focuser) and she works like a champ. It may be a little bit more money than a Meade DS series Refractor but this is a seriously solid and well performing unit. With the reasonable price, ease of use, accuracy, and muscle of the NexStar mount you will probably start to see all kinds of weird combinations popping up in the hands of demented mechanically inclined amateur astronomers ; )

Due to time constraints and all the work that went into our recent move I have had little time to keep this site up to date, my apologies. Here is a minor update on NexStar happenings...As most of you now know Celestron has made the official announcement and the NexStar 8 is no longer a rumor. First shipments should begin around the end of March. Now the rumors are of possibly larger units such as 11" and 14" scopes. While the N5 base is overdesigned enough that I'm sure an 8" OTA will work well with it anything larger would of course require a new mounting. We'll just have to wait and see if this rumor pans out. In addition more smaller Nexstar based scopes will no doubt be on the way before long. These scopes will range from 60mm to 4.5" and will be direct competition for the Meade DS series of scopes. If Celestron keeps the quality up as they have done with the N5 these scopes will show Meade how a small, inexpensive GOTO scope should be made. If not, well you can't get much worse than most of the DS series scopes I've seen in stores ; )

While the NexStar wedge has been assigned a part number (#93658) and is in the new accessory catalog they are not yet accepting orders for them. Shouldn't be too much longer, most people considering an 8" NexStar will demand the wedge be available and I'm sure Celestron will come through. Other NexStar / Celestron news involves the introduction of several new accessories. Celestron has discontinued their previous line of Plossl eyepieces and released the NexStar Series of Plossls. These new multi-coated eyepieces come in a range of sizes from 3.6mm to 40mm, 9 eyepieces in all. They are silver colored and include flip down rubber eyeguards and grip rings. I have tested them and find them to be quite good and they are reasonably priced as well! Celestron has also released a new line of Solar Filters, based on the new AstroSolar film everyone is raving about, again pricing is very good! A new "Foamex" dew shield is also available in a range of sizes to fit the NexStars, they fit well and look great! The originally hard to find NexStar tripods are now plentiful, as are the Deluxe and Standard Hard Cases and the silky smooth Electric Focus units. That's about it for now. I will try my best to keep it up to date with new and interesting information about the NexStar in all of its present and coming incarnations! If you would like to post a message or have a question please send it to nexstar@att.net.