Considering 9.25" evolution vs, upcoming 8" edge hd evolution. which would be a better value for observational use as opposed to heavy astrography?

If you are a visual observer (like myself), then aperture will win out over a slightly better optical design. The Edge design helps correct for the use of a spherical mirror in standard SCTs that produces distortion at the edges of the image field (gives a flatter field and eliminates coma). This improvement only becomes noticeable when doing high-end imaging, which is why most serious imagers use either refractors (with field flatteners) or corrected SCTs. Since a visual observer centers the objects he or she wants to look at, the observer pays scant attention to the edges of the image field. Light-gathering power is directly related to the collecting area of the primary optic. A 9.25-inch optic will pull in more light than an 8-inch one. Also, a larger optic produces improved resolution. Celestron's specs are as follows: 8-in: 0.57 arcsec resolution (theoretical maximum) and light-gathering power of 843X; 9.25-in: 0.49 arcsec resolution and light-gathering power of 1127X. I would not hesitate to choose the 9.25-in Evolution over the 8-in Edge. Further, the tripod for the 9.25 is beefier than the one used for the 6-in and 8-in Evolutions (same tripod is used for the 8-in Edge version). I chose the 8-in Evolution over the 9.25-in for two reasons: one was cost ($1,600 vs $2,100) and the other was weight. (I am a senior citizen, and while I could handle the 9.25 tube now, as I got older, getting the 9.25 optical tube attached to the mount would get harder with an increasing possibility that I might drop it during the attaching process.) The Evolution 8-in Edge costs $100 more than the 9.25-in and $500 more than the standard 8-in. Other than the enhanced performance for imagers, the only other new feature is the StarSense AutoAlign that automatically aligns the scope without further input from the observer. I don't know how well this works. I can say that the "regular" Evolution scopes can be aligned using either the handset (which permits several options) or the SkyPortal app, which just uses SkyAlign (you choose three bright stars). SkyAlign does require observer input, though it is pretty easy and has always worked well for me (using either my 8-in or my university's 6-in Evolution). Also note that serious imaging with the 8-in Edge Evolution cannot be done without the addition of a wedge that converts the alt-az into an equatorial set-up. (Alt-az mounts produce field rotation that limits one's ability to perform very-long exposure astro-imaging.) Frankly, I do not see many serious imagers opting for the 8-in Edge Evolution, as they will probably gravitate to the heavier (and thus more stable) dual arm CPC series with an Edge optical tube. Overall, I think that the Evolution series is the best and easiest-to-use mount and optical tube combination currently available today for visual observers.

Once you align the telescope, does it automatically track with the Earth's rotation to keep an object in the field of view?

It will keep an object centered but the stars around it will appear to rotate over time. For visual work this is not a problem but for long camera exposures, the stars around it will appear to rotate (called "field rotation"). If you are going to get into astrophotography it is best to get an equatorial mount and a high quality one too. I like the Sky Watcher AZ-EQ5 but the AZ-EQ6 is even better for bigger payloads (OTA (optical tube assembly), finder, diagonal, eyepiece, guiding scope, etc.)

How does the Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 compare to the Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope? What's different beyond Wifi? Does it have internal GPS?

Brass worm gears, clutch locks in both axis (you can manually move the telescope), internal rechargeable battery, padded illuminated eyepiece holder, multiple auxiliary ports (alludes to new products to come??), superior tripod in features and functions, comes with 2 eyepieces instead of one (this is how you change magnification). Call us for more information if you like, we love helping amateur astronomers ;-) 888-471-9991

It doesn't look like a barlow lens is included. Should I get a barlow lens? Which barlow lens would you recommend?

The lenses included are fine for viewing clusters of stars, nebulae, and bright planets (including all 4 of Jupiter's Galilean moons). I recommend getting a higher quality barlow (2-4x), since higher magnification means less light, higher SNR, so to speak, so reduce the noise. I've tried buying 2.8mm medium grade lenses, but at that magnification, imperfections in lens design distort the image.

NexStar Evolution 8 HD Telescope with StarSense, Silver/Black

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