Celestron StarSense Explorer Dob REVIEW!

In this video, I review the 8" Celestron StarSense Explorer Dob!

The Celestron StarSense Explorer is a clever 'upgrade' to a traditional 8" Dobsonian telescope. The StarSense system works really well. This exact package is what I now recommend to beginners looking for their first telescope!

I was not compensated in any way to provide this review. I might get to keep the telescope, but I will probably give it to my nephew for Christmas (he's 8).

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[thuggles]

Thank you for reminding me to turn off my red dot, it's only been on for two weeks

[peterw]

I had scope when I was a kid but didn't have what I call YouTube University to help guide me. I purchased this telescope about a month ago and have been so happy. I played with the starsense app and have it so dialed in that I can center Jupiter inthe eyepiece with a 6mm without needing to find it at low power first. Absolutely blows my mind.(All you need to do is once you do get it in the high power eyepiece, quicly recalibrate the apps finder, then it'll be centered on all eyepieces) The best part I'm finding this time around with my astronomy journey is for the first time I'm learning the night sky. I'm able to find some objects now even without the app. Some guides to find objects was difficult because I was never sure if I had actually found it. But with the app getting me there then by knowing where I should actually be looking in the sky, going back to the guides. Like "Turn left at orion" I then was able to see how to refind objects on my own. I'm very happy and excited and looking forward to becoming a star guru lol.

[franklinbradfield]

Great review! After owning and using this scope for about a month now, I only have one thing to add, which is that it isn't necessary to align StarSense during daylight / dusk on a terrestrial object, which overcomes the problem of having to leave the phone in the mount throughout the entire viewing session. It can easily be re-aligned on demand against the Moon, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter, or a zero magnitude star. For the Northern Hemisphere right now, I recommend using Capella since it is visible pretty much all night. During other seasons, Arcturus and/or Vega may be better candidates for this. Just use the red-dot finder to pinpoint one of these objects in the eyepiece, then hit "Needs Align" in the app. Works like a charm.

[brettrouleau]

Bought this same one and it came in this week. It is amazing and easy to use. Also light enough for transport. Just starting myself and am glad with the choice I made. Can see soo much in the night sky. Was debating over the 10inch but I think it’s worth saving the money and weight and going with the 8. Eventually want to go bigger anyways with something around 16-20inch kept at home only obviously. The StarSense works wonders and never fails me. Just be patient and let it catch up when you are moving and you are golden!!! Great video and keep them coming

[kevinburke]

Almost got the Aperture AD8 after watching your video 2 weeks ago but came across this scope soon after and the app sold me. As a novice, it has made the last few nights so much fun. I have your excitement of a new Dob owner but using the technology to enjoy faster. I went from never owning a scope 2 weeks ago to full in on this hobby thanks to this scope.

[capt.redbeard]

Loved your video! There is something very special about Dobsonian telescopes - many of us saw Saturn's rings for the first time through a Dobsonian. I think I fell in love with them because it felt to me like the universe is within my own grasp as a hobbyist. It feels like the stars and planets are more real like this than photos can ever portray. Keep up the good work.

[fanglette]

I love mine!

It's really reignited my love of stargazing, as a casual astronomer who doesn't have a ton of time to spend searching for DSOs and is still learning the night sky.

[astronuim]

Hey Astrobackyard,
I'm from india and you helped me to understand Astro-photography and find better gear.

[petejones]

that moon pic was so good i love how you can see that whatever hit the moon on the left blew debris out almost covering 20% of the moon that mus of been going super fast imo cause it looks like it was smaller than what made the huge craters but sent debris clearly really far

[PeteJBC]

My first telescope was the Celestron AstroMaster 130eq and standing there going from just 'being alive' to looking down the viewfinder and seeing Jupiter and its moons LIVE blew my mind

There's no such thing as a sky object that isn't astrophotography - if it's beyond the atmosphere, it's worth shooting

You'll never recapture that sense of awe you first have, but upgrading equipment and getting more skillful over time is the best sensation

[Outdoorastro]

You have no idea how badly I needed this!! I was just about to pull the trigger on it but there was only one other review on YouTube from Ed and HPS. I appreciate it!

[PTNLemay]

That finder app thing looks amazing. It's like half-way to a fully automated system, but still keeping that manual feeling for people who like that stuff.

[thelostexplorer]

"Even though I have never, not once, ever, remembered to turn the red dot finder off." Ha. I think we've all experienced that.😂

[kennykanada]

I purchased the Celestron 10” Dob last January. It’s my 5th telescope in 54 years. Great optics, but not at its best in a city of Bortle 8+. Incredible for moon and the planets.

[voetbergg]

I bought a 10 inch push to goto dobsonian as my first telescope a yeat ago, and I have not been dissapointed so far. Deep Sky is visible especially Orion’s nebula. But Bode’s Galaxy is doable as well. Took some pretty decent pictures of the moon, Jupiter and Saturn. So for ervery beginner, go for this one or the 10” and enjoy the nightsky. Great video as always.

[ASTROindi]

8 inch DOB is probably the most popular beginner scopes after some sub 90mm refractors. My journey too started with the 8 inch DOB

[EnuffsEnuff]

I had a Celestron 4" reflector back in the 90's. The Ring Nebula was my biggest win. Thinking about picking up one of these guys.

[DaveSwenson]

When I asked you at AIC in San Jose when you'd be moving to plate solving, I didn't think it would be on a Dob! I have had my 10" StarSense Dob for a couple of weeks and absolutely love it. So easy to find objects and with good quality eyepieces, gives a great view. Had it at a star party a couple of days ago, and saw M42 with my own eyes for the first time - spectacular. Have had no issue with balance, even with a heavy Tele View eyepiece.

[JustinStarrPhotography]

The big knob towards the front to help steer the DOB seems like a great idea!

[Ronalddegroote]

I think it's a brilliant idea from celestron. . And altho your vid on this celestron app, isn't the first I saw on the internet, it's so wel presented, it kicked my intrest in astronomy off again. Thanks for your work.