Let’s Dive into Celestron Advanced VX 8in Newtonian Telescope
The Celestron Advanced VX 8in Newtonian Telescope is a compelling option for amateur astronomers looking to bridge the gap between beginner-friendly scopes and more advanced astrophotography setups. Manufactured by Celestron, this telescope combines a large aperture Newtonian reflector with their Advanced VX equatorial mount, offering a balance of light-gathering power and tracking precision. Its promise of high-resolution views and potential for deep-sky imaging immediately piqued my interest.
My search for a capable telescope stemmed from a growing frustration with smaller aperture scopes that left me wanting more detail when observing faint galaxies and nebulae. I needed a telescope that could reveal the subtle nuances of deep-sky objects and allow me to explore the universe with greater clarity. The Celestron Advanced VX 8in Newtonian Telescope appeared to be a solution.
Unboxing the telescope was a bit of an undertaking due to the size and weight of the components, but everything was well-packaged. The optical tube felt solid, and the Advanced VX mount exuded a sense of quality with its robust construction. The stainless steel tripod was also quite heavy.
I considered the Sky-Watcher 8″ Dobsonian and the Orion AstroView 6″ Equatorial Reflector, but ultimately chose the Celestron for its computerized GoTo mount, which promised easier object location and tracking. I was excited to assemble it and see what it could do. This telescope left me eager to begin my astronomical journey.
Real-World Testing: Putting Celestron Advanced VX 8in Newtonian Telescope to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at a dark sky location about an hour outside the city. I wanted to escape the light pollution and fully utilize the 8-inch aperture. The first clear night was relatively calm, but there was some humidity in the air.
The GoTo system aligned surprisingly well after performing a two-star alignment, and the telescope slewed accurately to several deep-sky objects. I was immediately impressed with the brightness and detail in the views of globular clusters like M13. There was some slight coma at the edge of the field of view, typical for Newtonian reflectors, but this could be corrected with a coma corrector.
The mount’s tracking was smooth and accurate for visual observing. However, I noticed some periodic error during longer exposures when trying some basic planetary imaging with a webcam. This would require more precise polar alignment and potentially autoguiding to fully overcome.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Celestron Advanced VX 8in Newtonian Telescope has proven to be a reliable and capable instrument. The optics have remained consistently sharp, and the mount continues to perform well for visual observing. I have learned to refine my polar alignment technique, which has significantly improved tracking accuracy for short-exposure astrophotography.
The aluminum optical tube shows no signs of significant wear, though I am careful to store it properly in a padded case. The mount has required occasional cleaning and lubrication to maintain smooth operation. Compared to my previous 6-inch reflector, the Celestron offers a noticeable improvement in light-gathering power and resolution.
Breaking Down the Features of Celestron Advanced VX 8in Newtonian Telescope
Specifications
The Celestron Advanced VX 8in Newtonian Telescope boasts an 8-inch (200mm) aperture, which is its defining characteristic. This large aperture enables it to gather 816 times more light than the human eye, crucial for observing faint deep-sky objects. It has a focal length of 1000mm, resulting in a focal ratio of f/5, which is relatively fast and provides a wider field of view, beneficial for observing extended objects.
The telescope comes with a 20mm eyepiece, yielding a magnification of 50x, and a 9×50 finderscope for locating objects. The optical tube is made of aluminum, ensuring a balance of lightweight and rigidity. The Advanced VX equatorial mount is designed for astrophotography and features All-Star Polar Alignment for easy setup. The stainless steel tripod offers adjustable height for comfortable viewing.
Performance & Functionality
The Celestron Advanced VX 8in Newtonian Telescope excels at providing bright and detailed views of deep-sky objects. Its large aperture allows for the observation of faint galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters that are simply invisible in smaller telescopes. The parabolic primary mirror minimizes spherical aberration, resulting in sharper images across the field of view.
The Advanced VX mount’s GoTo system is accurate and easy to use, enabling quick location of celestial objects. However, the mount’s tracking accuracy can be affected by periodic error, requiring precise polar alignment and potentially autoguiding for long-exposure astrophotography. The included 20mm eyepiece provides decent views, but upgrading to higher-quality eyepieces can significantly enhance the observing experience.
Design & Ergonomics
The Celestron Advanced VX 8in Newtonian Telescope features a classic Newtonian reflector design. The aluminum optical tube is well-constructed and relatively lightweight for its size. The Advanced VX mount is robust and provides stable support for the telescope.
The telescope is generally user-friendly, although some experience with equatorial mounts is helpful for proper setup and operation. The NexStar+ hand control is intuitive and easy to navigate, but the sheer number of objects in the database can be overwhelming for beginners.
Durability & Maintenance
The Celestron Advanced VX 8in Newtonian Telescope is built with durable materials and should provide years of reliable service with proper care. The aluminum optical tube is resistant to corrosion, and the stainless steel tripod is sturdy and stable. Regular cleaning of the optics is essential to maintain optimal performance.
The mount may require occasional lubrication to ensure smooth operation. The overall design is relatively simple, making repairs straightforward if necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Celestron Advanced VX 8in Newtonian Telescope comes with a 20mm eyepiece and a 9×50 finderscope. Numerous accessories can enhance the telescope’s performance and versatility. These include coma correctors to eliminate coma, higher-quality eyepieces for sharper views, and autoguiders for improved tracking accuracy during astrophotography.
The telescope is compatible with standard 1.25-inch and 2-inch accessories, allowing for a wide range of customization options. A T-adapter can be used to connect a DSLR camera for astrophotography. The Advanced VX mount also supports an optional SkySync GPS accessory for even easier alignment.
Pros and Cons of Celestron Advanced VX 8in Newtonian Telescope
Pros
- Large 8-inch aperture provides excellent light-gathering power for observing faint deep-sky objects.
- Advanced VX equatorial mount offers GoTo functionality and tracking capabilities for astrophotography.
- Parabolic primary mirror minimizes spherical aberration for sharper images.
- Relatively affordable compared to other telescopes with similar aperture and features.
- Durable construction and easy to maintain.
Cons
- Requires some experience with equatorial mounts for proper setup and operation.
- Tracking accuracy can be affected by periodic error, requiring precise polar alignment and potentially autoguiding for long exposures.
- Coma is present at the edge of the field of view, requiring a coma corrector for optimal image quality.
Who Should Buy Celestron Advanced VX 8in Newtonian Telescope?
The Celestron Advanced VX 8in Newtonian Telescope is perfect for intermediate visual observers and beginning astroimagers. People looking for a large aperture telescope with GoTo functionality at a relatively affordable price will greatly benefit from this telescope. Amateur astronomers wanting to explore deep-sky objects and experiment with astrophotography will find this telescope to be a great investment.
This telescope may not be ideal for complete beginners who are unfamiliar with equatorial mounts and GoTo systems. Astrophotographers seeking long-exposure, high-resolution images may need to invest in additional accessories such as an autoguider and coma corrector.
Must-have accessories include a coma corrector, higher-quality eyepieces, and a polar alignment scope or camera.
Conclusion on Celestron Advanced VX 8in Newtonian Telescope
The Celestron Advanced VX 8in Newtonian Telescope is a versatile and capable instrument that offers a compelling combination of light-gathering power, tracking precision, and GoTo convenience. While it requires some experience to fully utilize its capabilities, the telescope provides stunning views of deep-sky objects and opens the door to the exciting world of astrophotography. The price is justified for the features and performance it delivers.
I would personally recommend the Celestron Advanced VX 8in Newtonian Telescope to any amateur astronomer looking to upgrade from a smaller telescope or embark on their astrophotography journey. With its large aperture, accurate GoTo system, and durable construction, this telescope is sure to provide years of rewarding astronomical experiences. Take the leap and explore the universe with the Celestron Advanced VX 8in Newtonian Telescope!