Celestron NexStar Evolution 8" 3 Item Bundle Telescope w/WiFi, with Observers Eyepiece Kit and Lens Shade

Evolution...a natural transformation over the course of time produced by an organism's efforts to respond to its environment. The aptly named Celestron NexStar Evolution embodies what a telescope should be in 2014; a self-powered instrument with built-in WiFi that can be controlled by a smartphone or tablet, and have the ability to tour the Universe at the tap of a finger. I received an 8" model, and on the first clear night, set it up and took it for a spin. Here are my thoughts about the experience, and trust me, multiple smiley faces. Let's start with the proverbial heart of any telescope...it's optics. Celestron invented the Schmidt-Cassegrain manufacturing process and has been perfecting it since 1960. The Evolution comes with their modern diffraction- limited optics with patented Starbright XLT coatings (seriously, what an amazing difference this makes!), Celestron's superior smooth bearing focus, designed to eliminate image shift, and don't even get me started with the inclusion of FASTAR Optics capability, where, with an optional accessory, you can adapt this telescope to shoot deep sky images in mere seconds at f/2! However, you will promptly forget all this the first time you look at the Moon, Saturn or the Great Globular Cluster in Hercules with this amazing telescope; Celestron has done as much of the hard work as possible so you can just sit back and enjoy the spectacular view! The level of integration, sophistication, detail, fun, ease-of-use and information the Nexstar Evolution telescope & SkyPortal app offers is flatly unprecedented. It is just a joy to use, whether I do a quick set-up to show the kids Saturn, or I am putting it through its paces on a night of observing. I highly recommend the Celestron Evolution telescopes to beginners and seasoned amateur astronomers alike. Using one sure put a smile on my face, and I work with telescopes every day! I bet a NexStar Evolution will put a smile on your face, too.