Let’s Dive into Celestron Advanced VX 8in Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope
The Celestron Advanced VX 8in Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope is a renowned instrument in the amateur astronomy world, blending classic design with modern technology. Manufactured by Celestron, this telescope aims to bridge the gap between visual observing and astrophotography for beginner to intermediate users. Its combination of an 8-inch aperture and a stable, computerized mount makes it a compelling option for stargazers looking to explore the cosmos.
My journey to this telescope began with a yearning to capture the beauty of deep-sky objects. I wanted a telescope capable of revealing faint galaxies and nebulae, but without the daunting complexity of a professional-grade setup. The Celestron Advanced VX 8in Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope seemed to strike the right balance between performance, portability, and affordability.
Upon unboxing, the telescope components felt substantial and well-made. The optical tube assembly, though relatively lightweight at 13 lbs, exuded quality with its smooth aluminum finish. The Advanced VX mount appeared robust, promising stability for long-exposure astrophotography.
Compared to similarly priced Maksutov-Cassegrain or Newtonian telescopes, the Schmidt-Cassegrain design offered a more compact form factor for its aperture. It also boasted the potential for wider field views, something I valued for observing extended objects like the Andromeda Galaxy. Ultimately, the Celestron Advanced VX 8in Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope’s versatility and reputation swayed my decision.
My first impression was one of eager anticipation tempered with a touch of intimidation. The computerized mount seemed complex at first glance, but the promise of GoTo functionality and autoguiding support was undeniably exciting. I was ready to embark on a new chapter of astronomical exploration with this instrument.
Real-World Testing: Putting Celestron Advanced VX 8in Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at a dark sky site about an hour outside of the city, far from light pollution. I wanted to give the Celestron Advanced VX 8in Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope a proper shakedown under optimal conditions. Set up was straightforward, although balancing the telescope and aligning the mount took some practice.
The Celestron Advanced VX 8in Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope performed admirably despite some initial humidity. Views of the Moon were sharp and detailed, revealing intricate crater formations. The GoTo system accurately located several bright nebulae and star clusters, demonstrating its capabilities.
The initial challenges involved mastering the polar alignment process and fine-tuning the autoguider settings. I experienced minor tracking errors, but these were easily corrected with adjustments to the mount’s periodic error correction. This confirmed that some learning curve was expected.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Celestron Advanced VX 8in Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope has proven to be a reliable and capable instrument. The mount consistently tracks objects accurately, allowing for long-exposure astrophotography. I am now able to capture detailed images of galaxies and nebulae.
There have been no significant signs of wear and tear, despite frequent transport and use in varying weather conditions. The optical tube assembly and mount have held up well, demonstrating their durability. The StarBright XLT coatings have maintained their performance, ensuring bright and crisp images.
Maintaining the Celestron Advanced VX 8in Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope is relatively simple. Cleaning the optics requires occasional attention, and the mount benefits from periodic lubrication. Compared to my previous telescope, this model offers superior tracking accuracy and ease of use.
Breaking Down the Features of Celestron Advanced VX 8in Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope
Specifications
- Optical Design: Schmidt-Cassegrain – This design combines mirrors and a lens to achieve a long focal length in a compact tube, offering versatility for both visual and photographic use.
- Aperture: 203 mm (8 in) – An 8-inch aperture gathers a significant amount of light, allowing for detailed views of deep-sky objects.
- Focal Length: 2032 mm (80 in) – The long focal length yields high magnification, ideal for observing planets and smaller objects.
- Focal Ratio: f/10 – This relatively slow focal ratio provides good contrast and image scale, suitable for both visual observing and planetary imaging.
- Eyepiece: 20 mm (0.79 in) – The included 20mm eyepiece offers a moderate magnification of 102x, suitable for initial observations.
- Finderscope: 6×30 – This finderscope aids in locating objects before viewing them through the main telescope.
- Optical Tube Material: Aluminum – Aluminum is lightweight and durable, contributing to the telescope’s portability and longevity.
- Tripod: Adjustable, Stainless Steel – The stainless steel tripod provides a stable platform, crucial for sharp images and accurate tracking.
- Weight: 59 lbs (27 kg) – The total weight of the telescope and mount requires careful handling and setup.
- Power Supply: Car battery adapter – The telescope can be powered by a car battery, allowing for remote observing sessions.
- Database: 40,000+ objects – The hand control’s database allows users to easily locate and track thousands of celestial objects.
Performance & Functionality
The Celestron Advanced VX 8in Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope performs exceptionally well for both visual observing and astrophotography. The 8-inch aperture provides ample light-gathering capability, revealing faint details in deep-sky objects. The computerized GoTo mount accurately locates and tracks celestial targets.
The telescope’s strengths lie in its versatility, portability, and ease of use. It excels at both planetary and deep-sky observing. The main weakness is the need for precise polar alignment for optimal astrophotography.
This telescope meets and exceeds expectations for an intermediate-level astrophotography setup. It provides a balance of performance, features, and affordability.
Design & Ergonomics
The Celestron Advanced VX 8in Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope boasts a compact and well-designed optical tube assembly. The aluminum construction keeps the weight manageable while ensuring durability. The Advanced VX mount is robust and stable, providing smooth and accurate tracking.
The telescope is relatively user-friendly, although mastering the GoTo system and polar alignment requires some learning. The NexStar+ hand control is intuitive and easy to navigate.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Celestron Advanced VX 8in Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope should last for many years. The aluminum optical tube and stainless steel tripod are resistant to corrosion and wear.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning of the optics and lubrication of the mount. Replacement parts are readily available from Celestron, if needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Celestron Advanced VX 8in Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope comes with a 20mm eyepiece, a 6×30 finderscope, and a car battery adapter. The telescope is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, including eyepieces, filters, autoguiders, and cameras.
The Fastar compatibility allows for extremely fast f/2 imaging with optional accessories. Furthermore, the telescope can be adapted to various astrophotography setups, catering to different imaging goals and skill levels.
Pros and Cons of Celestron Advanced VX 8in Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope
Pros
- Excellent optics provide sharp and detailed views of planets and deep-sky objects.
- The Advanced VX mount offers stable tracking for astrophotography.
- GoTo system with a large database makes finding objects easy.
- The compact design makes it relatively portable for an 8-inch telescope.
- It is Fastar compatible for ultra-fast imaging.
Cons
- Requires precise polar alignment for optimal tracking.
- Can be heavy and bulky to transport for some users.
Who Should Buy Celestron Advanced VX 8in Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope?
The Celestron Advanced VX 8in Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope is perfect for beginner to intermediate astrophotographers looking to capture high-quality images of planets and deep-sky objects. It’s also suitable for visual observers who want a versatile telescope with GoTo capabilities.
This telescope may not be ideal for users primarily interested in wide-field views or those who require extreme portability. Advanced astrophotographers may eventually outgrow the Advanced VX mount.
Must-have accessories include a polar alignment scope, a dedicated autoguider, and a set of high-quality eyepieces. A dew shield is also recommended to prevent condensation on the optics.
Conclusion on Celestron Advanced VX 8in Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope
The Celestron Advanced VX 8in Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope is a well-rounded and capable instrument that offers excellent value for the price. Its combination of an 8-inch aperture, stable GoTo mount, and Schmidt-Cassegrain design makes it a versatile choice for both visual observing and astrophotography.
The price of $2499.00 is justified by the telescope’s performance, features, and included accessories. It represents a significant upgrade from smaller or less capable telescopes.
I would personally recommend the Celestron Advanced VX 8in Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope to anyone looking to take their astronomical pursuits to the next level. It’s a rewarding and capable instrument that will provide years of enjoyment. Invest in the Celestron Advanced VX 8in Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope and unlock the wonders of the universe!