Celestron · Schmidt-Cassegrain
Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25
WiFi-enabled 9.25-inch SCT that lets you explore the sky from your smartphone, no hand controller needed
Price updated Apr 18, 2026
Performance Scores
Overview
The NexStar Evolution 9.25 is a serious optical instrument wrapped in a genuinely modern package. The 235mm aperture and f/10 focal ratio give you real light-gathering power for planets, globular clusters, and brighter deep-sky objects. Saturn's ring divisions, Jupiter's cloud bands, and the lunar surface will all show impressive detail at this aperture level. The 2350mm focal length makes it best suited for higher-magnification targets rather than wide-field views, so deep-sky observers chasing large nebulae may find the field of view limiting.
What separates this scope from earlier NexStar models is the built-in WiFi and rechargeable lithium-ion battery. You align once using SkyAlign, connect your phone, and navigate the sky through Celestron's app rather than a hand controller. The GoTo system with worm gear drives handles tracking reliably once aligned. At 16.33kg, it is portable enough to move between locations but still requires a car.
The alt-azimuth mount is a trade-off worth noting. It tracks well for visual use but introduces field rotation for long-exposure astrophotography, making this primarily a visual observing telescope with room for short planetary imaging sessions. At $2499, you are paying for aperture, convenience, and build quality together.
At a Glance
235mm
Aperture
f/10
Focal Ratio
16.33kg
Weight
2350mm
Focal Length
Specifications
Key Features
- 235mm aperture delivers clear views of planets, globular clusters, and brighter deep-sky objects
- Integrated WiFi connects directly to the free Celestron app, replacing the hand controller entirely
- Built-in lithium-ion battery provides up to 10 hours of observing without an external power source
- GoTo system with high-performance worm gears slews accurately and tracks targets with reduced backlash
- StarBright XLT coatings maximize light transmission through the optical path for sharper, brighter images
- Fastar compatibility allows the corrector plate to accept a camera for wide-field imaging at a faster focal ratio
- Alt-azimuth mount limits long-exposure deep-sky photography due to field rotation, so this scope is best suited for visual use and planetary imaging
Recommended Eyepieces
For planets
All-rounder
Customer Reviews
42 reviews
Okay. I'ts been about three months now and I am comfortable enough to write a fair review. First, the design is gorgeous and very portable. I purchased a very large Pelican case to transport it in and I take it around often to different sites. Dis-assembly and reassembly are a breeze and I am never ...
I'd love to be able to write a positive review for this scope, but I haven't had the chance to use it. It arrived a little over two weeks ago and I was very excited to take it for a spin until I found out that one of the tripod screws for the mount was misaligned. Threading is perfectly fine, just d...
I am disappointment with a 9 1/4 evolution telescope. Using iPhone, Wi-Fi connectivity to this telescope at 6 feet away will connect for 15 - 30 seconds then disconnects. If you are in the middle of slewing the telescope and lose connectivity, the slewing will continue until you power off the unit. ...