The iconic 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain has been known for decades as Celestron’s most beloved telescope. Now beginner to intermediate astroimagers can have their own “C-8” at an extremely affordable price. This classic design has been upgraded with our StarBright XLT coatings for maximum light transmission. Combined with our fully featured Advanced VX mount, you have a setup that is ready for both imaging and visual observing.

Advanced VX Mount

The new Advanced VX mount was specifically designed to provide optimum imaging performance for smaller telescopes. Now your smaller telescope can take advantage of All-Star Polar Alignment and autoguider support. You’ll be able to track through long exposures using permanently programmable periodic error correction. Image across the meridian without doing a meridian flip, so you can seamlessly image the best part of night sky. Advanced VX features significantly larger base castings than Celestron's previous design, improving stability under heavier loads. Improved motors offer more torque and can handle slight load imbalances with ease.

Features

• 8” (203mm) f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain includes StarBright XLT coatings for better light transmission
• 84% more light gathering than a 6” telescope.
• Integer gear ratios and permanently programmable Periodic Error Correction eliminates recurring track errors from the worm gear.
• Autoguider port for long exposure imaging
• New motors offer improved tracking performance & provide more power to overcome load imbalances
• Updated industrial design offers more rigidity, less flexure and improved aesthetics
• New design allows viewing or imaging across the meridian without interference from the motors housings
• Improved latitude range. Can be used between 7 – 77 degrees latitude.
• NexStar+ hand control offers multiple language programming (English, French, Italian, German, Spanish)

Specifications

• Aperture (mm): 203 mm (7.99 in)
• Focal Length (mm): 2032 mm (80 in)
• Focal Ratio: 10
• Eyepiece 1 (mm): 20 mm (0.79 in)
• Magnification 1: 102 x
• Finderscope: 6x30
• Optical Tube: Aluminum
• Fastar Compatible: Yes
• Tripod: Adjustable, Stainless Steel
• Tripod Legs: 2"
• Weight (lbs): 59 lbs (27 kg)
• Power Supply: Car battery adapter
• Highest Useful Magnification: 480 x
• Lowest Useful Magnification: 29 x
• Limiting Stellar Magnitude: 14
• Resolution (Rayleigh): 0.69 arc seconds
• Resolution (Dawes): 0.57 arc seconds
• Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye): 841 x
• Optical Tube Length: 17" in (432 mm)
• Optical Tube Weight: 13 lbs (5.9 kg)
• EQ Mount Weight: 17 lbs (7.71 kg)
• Tripod Height (Max): 64" in (1626 mm)
• Tripod Height (Min): 44" in (1118 mm)
• Tripod Weight: 18 lbs (8.16 kg)
• Counterweight Bar: 12" Length, 0.75" Diameter lbs (5.44 kg)
• Counterweights: 1 x 11 lbs
• Latitude Range: 7-77 deg
• Motor Drive: Low cog DC Servo motors with encoders, both axes
• Slew Speeds: Nine slew speeds, 4 deg/sec maximum
• Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Solar and Lunar
• Tracking Modes: EQ North and EQ South
• Alignment Procedures: 2-Star Align, Quick Align, 1-Star Align, Last Alignment, Solar System Align
• Communication Ports: 2x AUX ports, Autoguider port, RS-232 port (on hand control)
• Computer Hand Control: Double line, 16 character Liquid Crystal Display; 19 fiber optic backlit LED buttons
• Database: 40,000+ objects, 100 user defined programmable objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects
• Power Requirements: 12V DC 3.5A (tip positive)
• Internal Clock: Yes
• GPS: Optional SkySync GPS Accessory