Celestron CGEM II 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope Review

What Makes Celestron CGEM II 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope Stand Out?

The Celestron CGEM II 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope is not just another telescope; it’s a portal to the cosmos. Celestron, a name synonymous with quality optics, has crafted a telescope designed for both serious amateur astronomers and those ready to take their stargazing to the next level. Its combination of a substantial 8-inch aperture, Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design, and the advanced CGEM II GoTo mount offers a powerful and user-friendly observing experience.

For years, I’d been using smaller telescopes, feeling limited in what I could observe. I needed a telescope that could gather more light, providing brighter and more detailed views of deep-sky objects. The promise of the CGEM II 800’s GoTo system and its reputation for excellent optics lured me in, hoping to unveil the hidden wonders of the universe.

The Celestron CGEM II 800 arrives in multiple boxes, well-protected with custom-molded foam. The initial impression is one of quality; the optical tube assembly (OTA) feels robust, and the mount is substantial, hinting at its stability. The setup was straightforward, though the weight of the OTA required some care during assembly.

Compared to smaller refractors I’ve used, the CGEM II 800 boasts significantly greater light-gathering ability. Other similar Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes were considered, but the Celestron’s reputation for reliable electronics and the robust CGEM II mount swayed my decision. The price point, at $2999.00, felt justified given the instrument’s capabilities and promise.

Excitement was the prevailing emotion upon unboxing. The Celestron CGEM II 800 represents a significant upgrade and a gateway to exploring deeper into the cosmos. This was more than just a telescope; it was an investment in a lifelong passion.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Celestron CGEM II 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope to the Test

First Use Experience

My first observing session with the Celestron CGEM II 800 took place at a dark sky location about an hour outside the city. I tested it under clear, moonless conditions. The CGEM II mount’s GoTo system aligned with impressive accuracy, quickly slewing to chosen celestial targets.

The telescope performed admirably even with a slight breeze. The views of the Orion Nebula were breathtaking, revealing intricate details that my smaller telescopes couldn’t resolve. Focusing was precise and smooth, allowing me to achieve sharp images.

The initial setup took a little longer than anticipated, primarily due to leveling the mount accurately. However, once the mount was aligned and the GoTo system initialized, finding objects became incredibly easy. The hand controller was intuitive and user-friendly.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Celestron CGEM II 800 continues to impress. The mount’s tracking accuracy remains consistent, allowing for extended observing sessions and astrophotography attempts. There’s been no noticeable degradation in optical quality.

The telescope has shown no signs of wear and tear despite being transported to various observing sites. Its construction appears durable, and the optics have remained clean. Careful handling is essential, but the CGEM II 800 feels like a well-built instrument.

Maintenance has been minimal; primarily, cleaning the corrector plate with a microfiber cloth and occasional lubrication of the mount’s gears. The CGEM II 800 significantly outperforms my previous telescopes in terms of light-gathering ability and GoTo accuracy. Its stability and precision have elevated my observing experience.

Breaking Down the Features of Celestron CGEM II 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope

Specifications

• Optical Design: Schmidt-Cassegrain. This design provides a long focal length in a compact tube, offering high magnification capabilities.
• Aperture: 8 inches (203.2 mm). This sizable aperture gathers a significant amount of light, allowing for brighter and more detailed views of faint objects.
• Focal Length: 2032 mm. The long focal length contributes to the telescope’s high magnification potential, ideal for observing planets and lunar details.
• Focal Ratio: f/10. This moderate focal ratio is suitable for a wide range of observing tasks, from planetary viewing to deep-sky observation.
• Mount: Celestron CGEM II Equatorial Mount. The CGEM II mount offers a sturdy and precise platform for tracking celestial objects.
• GoTo System: Yes. The GoTo system allows users to automatically locate and track thousands of celestial objects with the touch of a button.
• Database: 40,000+ Objects. The vast database includes a wide variety of stars, planets, galaxies, and nebulae, providing ample observing opportunities.
• Hand Controller: NexStar+. The NexStar+ hand controller is user-friendly and provides access to the telescope’s GoTo system and various settings.
• Highest Useful Magnification: 480x. This high magnification allows for detailed views of planets and lunar features under optimal seeing conditions.
• Finderscope: 9×50. This finderscope helps in initially locating bright objects before using the telescope’s main optics.

These specifications are crucial for the Celestron CGEM II 800’s performance. The large aperture and long focal length enable high-resolution views of distant objects, while the GoTo system and precise mount make finding and tracking those objects effortless. The Celestron CGEM II 800 combines optical power with user-friendly technology.

Performance & Functionality

The Celestron CGEM II 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope excels in its primary function: delivering clear and detailed views of celestial objects. Its GoTo system is exceptionally accurate, placing targets within the field of view of a low-power eyepiece. Focusing is smooth and precise, allowing for sharp images across a wide magnification range.

The telescope’s strengths lie in its ability to gather light and resolve fine details. Deep-sky objects such as galaxies and nebulae appear brighter and more defined than in smaller telescopes. Planetary views are also impressive, revealing features like cloud bands on Jupiter and rings on Saturn. The only significant weakness is its sensitivity to atmospheric turbulence, which can limit the maximum useful magnification on nights with poor seeing conditions.

The Celestron CGEM II 800 more than meets expectations. Its performance has opened up a whole new realm of observing possibilities. The ease of use and the quality of the views make it a highly rewarding instrument.

Design & Ergonomics

The Celestron CGEM II 800 is well-designed and constructed using quality materials. The optical tube is made of durable aluminum, and the CGEM II mount feels robust and stable. The telescope is relatively heavy, requiring two people for safe lifting and setup.

The CGEM II 800 is generally user-friendly, but the GoTo system requires some initial setup and learning. The NexStar+ hand controller is intuitive, and the menus are easy to navigate. The telescope balances well on the mount, making tracking smooth and effortless.

Durability & Maintenance

The Celestron CGEM II 800 appears to be a durable instrument that should last for many years with proper care. The optics are protected by a corrector plate, which helps to prevent dust and debris from entering the telescope. Regular cleaning of the corrector plate with a microfiber cloth is recommended.

The CGEM II mount requires occasional lubrication of its gears to maintain smooth tracking. All required maintenance tasks are relatively simple. Replacement parts are readily available from Celestron if needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Celestron CGEM II 800 comes with a 9×50 finderscope, a 1.25-inch star diagonal, and a 25mm eyepiece. A wide range of accessories can enhance the telescope’s performance. These include additional eyepieces, filters, and astrophotography equipment.

The CGEM II 800 is compatible with a vast array of accessories from Celestron and other brands. These include coma correctors, which improve image sharpness across the field of view, and autoguiders, which enhance tracking accuracy for astrophotography. Upgrading the tripod to a sturdier model can further improve stability.

Pros and Cons of Celestron CGEM II 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope

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Who Should Buy Celestron CGEM II 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope?

The Celestron CGEM II 800 is perfect for serious amateur astronomers who want to explore the universe in greater detail. It’s also a great choice for astrophotographers looking for a stable and accurate GoTo mount. This telescope provides an immersive and rewarding observing experience.

Beginners might find the CGEM II 800 a bit overwhelming initially, especially regarding setting up the GoTo system. Those with limited storage space or who need a highly portable telescope might prefer a smaller, more compact model. Anyone sensitive to atmospheric seeing conditions might find themselves frustrated on nights of poor seeing.

A must-have accessory is a good set of quality eyepieces to take full advantage of the telescope’s capabilities. A coma corrector is essential for astrophotography. Consider a dew shield to prevent dew from forming on the corrector plate.

Conclusion on Celestron CGEM II 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope

The Celestron CGEM II 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope is a powerful and versatile instrument that delivers exceptional views of the cosmos. Its combination of a large aperture, precise GoTo mount, and high-quality optics makes it a worthwhile investment for serious amateur astronomers. The Celestron CGEM II 800’s price, at $2999.00, is justified by its performance and features.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Celestron CGEM II 800 to anyone looking to elevate their stargazing experience. If you are ready to explore the universe in greater detail, this telescope is an excellent choice. Unveil the wonders of the night sky.