Celestron EdgeHD .7x Telescope Reducer Lens, 11in – 1 out of 2 models Review

Let’s Talk About Celestron EdgeHD .7x Telescope Reducer Lens, 11in – 1 out of 2 models

As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience under my belt, I’ve become intimately familiar with the importance of quality optics. Specifically, I’ve spent countless nights under the stars, both for personal enjoyment and for evaluating equipment in the field. When I first heard about the Celestron EdgeHD .7x Telescope Reducer Lens, 11in – 1 out of 2 models, I was immediately intrigued. This lens promised to shorten focal length, improve field of view, and speed up exposure times for astrophotography, all while maintaining the renowned flat-field performance of Celestron’s EdgeHD telescopes.

I was seeking a way to capture wider, more detailed images of deep-sky objects with my Celestron EdgeHD 11″ telescope without sacrificing image quality. The thought of reducing exposure times by half was particularly appealing. Unboxing the reducer lens revealed a solid, well-machined aluminum housing with threaded metal covers protecting the glass. The weight felt substantial, indicative of the quality lanthanum glass elements within.

I considered other reducer lenses, including those from Explore Scientific and Meade, but I chose the Celestron EdgeHD .7x Telescope Reducer Lens, 11in – 1 out of 2 models specifically because it was designed to maintain the flat-field characteristics of my EdgeHD telescope. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; if it performed as advertised, this lens could significantly enhance my astrophotography capabilities.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Celestron EdgeHD .7x Telescope Reducer Lens, 11in – 1 out of 2 models to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Celestron EdgeHD .7x Telescope Reducer Lens, 11in – 1 out of 2 models at a dark sky location in the Mojave Desert, known for its clear, stable air. The initial setup was straightforward: it threaded directly onto the 3.25″ threads of my EdgeHD 11″ optical tube. I used it with a cooled astronomy camera, focusing on capturing images of the Orion Nebula.

The lens performed admirably, even with a slight breeze causing minor telescope vibrations. The reduced exposure times were immediately noticeable. I typically take 3-minute exposures, but with the reducer, I was able to achieve similar results in just 90 seconds. I did observe a slight increase in vignetting (darkening at the edges of the image), but this was easily corrected during processing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Celestron EdgeHD .7x Telescope Reducer Lens, 11in – 1 out of 2 models has proven to be a reliable and valuable addition to my astrophotography setup. The aluminum housing shows no signs of wear, and the lens elements remain clean and free of scratches thanks to the protective covers. Cleaning is simple; a gentle wipe with a microfiber cloth is usually sufficient.

Compared to my previous experiences without a reducer, this lens has dramatically improved my ability to capture faint deep-sky objects. The increased field of view is also a significant advantage. It allows me to frame larger objects, like galaxies and nebulae, more effectively. It definitively outperforms my expectations, especially in reducing imaging time without significant quality loss.

Breaking Down the Features of Celestron EdgeHD .7x Telescope Reducer Lens, 11in – 1 out of 2 models

Specifications

• The Celestron EdgeHD .7x Telescope Reducer Lens, 11in – 1 out of 2 models offers a 0.7x focal reduction. This effectively shortens the focal length of the telescope, increasing the field of view and reducing exposure times.
• The lens is designed with a five-element optical layout. This complex design is specifically engineered to maintain the flat-field performance characteristic of Celestron EdgeHD telescopes.
• It maintains a consistent back focus when used at f/10. This accommodates a wide variety of astronomy cameras and ensures compatibility.
• The lens reduces exposure time by half. This dramatically speeds up the astrophotography process and allows for capturing more data in a given night.
• It improves the field of view by 43%. This is a significant increase, enabling the capture of larger deep-sky objects and wider star fields.
• The lens incorporates lanthanum glass elements. This specialized glass provides high contrast viewing with minimal aberration.
• Fully multi-coated glass is utilized in the lens. This ensures excellent light transmission, resulting in brighter images.
• Blackened edges are incorporated to minimize internal reflection. This improves contrast and reduces unwanted glare.
• The lens threads directly onto the 3.25″ threads of an EdgeHD optical tube. This ensures a secure and stable connection.
• It has a clear 60mm aperture lens. This is optimized for a 42mm image circle, accommodating most popular astronomy cameras.
• The lens features a machined aluminum housing. This ensures durability and protects the optics.
• Threaded metal covers are included to protect both ends of the lens assembly. This is vital for storage and transport.
• It allows EdgeHD optics to be used at f/10, f/7, and f/2. This provides a complete imaging system with versatile focal ratios.
• It is compatible with existing EdgeHD T-adapters. This makes it easy to integrate into existing astrophotography setups.
• The lens is backed by the Celestron 2-year warranty. This provides peace of mind and demonstrates Celestron’s confidence in their product.

Performance & Functionality

The Celestron EdgeHD .7x Telescope Reducer Lens, 11in – 1 out of 2 models significantly enhances the performance of EdgeHD telescopes for astrophotography. Its primary function, reducing focal length, is performed exceptionally well. The accuracy of the 0.7x reduction allows for predictable framing of celestial objects. The reduction in exposure time is a game-changer, particularly when imaging faint objects from light-polluted areas.

A minor weakness is the slight increase in vignetting, though easily corrected with flat frames during image processing. Overall, the lens meets and often exceeds expectations. This delivers on its promise of faster, wider-field imaging without compromising image quality.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent. The machined aluminum housing feels robust and durable. The weight is substantial but manageable. It instills confidence in the lens’s ability to withstand regular use.

The design is user-friendly. The threading is smooth and precise, making it easy to attach and detach the lens from the telescope. There is virtually no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the high-quality materials and construction, the Celestron EdgeHD .7x Telescope Reducer Lens, 11in – 1 out of 2 models is expected to last for many years. Maintenance is minimal; simply keeping the lens clean with a microfiber cloth and storing it in a safe, dry place will ensure its longevity. The robust construction suggests it could withstand moderate bumps during field usage, but it should be treated with care nevertheless.

Accessories and Customization Options

The reducer lens comes with threaded metal covers for both ends, which are essential for protecting the optics during storage and transportation. While there are no specific customization options for the lens itself, its compatibility with standard T-adapters allows for seamless integration with a variety of astronomy cameras and accessories. The Celestron Off-Axis Guider (OAG) is a particularly useful accessory for guiding long exposures when using this reducer lens.

Pros and Cons of Celestron EdgeHD .7x Telescope Reducer Lens, 11in – 1 out of 2 models