Celestron EdgeHD 1100 11in Optical Tube Assembly Review

What Makes Celestron EdgeHD 1100 11in Optical Tube Assembly Stand Out?

The Celestron EdgeHD 1100 11in Optical Tube Assembly isn’t just another telescope; it’s a precision instrument designed for the serious amateur astronomer and astrophotographer. Crafted by Celestron, this optical tube assembly offers exceptional image quality and a suite of features aimed at maximizing performance. From its EdgeHD optics to its Fastar compatibility, the Celestron EdgeHD 1100 is designed to deliver stunning views of the cosmos.

After years of battling astigmatism and field curvature in my Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, I craved a solution that would provide sharp, flat images across the entire field of view. The promise of the Celestron EdgeHD 1100’s coma-free performance, coupled with its generous 11-inch aperture, drew me in like a moth to a flame.

Unboxing the Celestron EdgeHD 1100 was an experience in itself. The sheer size of the OTA was immediately apparent, a testament to its light-gathering power. The aluminum tube felt robust and well-constructed, and the StarBright XLT coatings gave the optics a distinctive sheen.

I had previously considered the Meade LX200 ACF 12″ and the Takahashi FSQ-106ED. While the Meade offered a larger aperture, I was concerned about its potential for image shift and the complexity of its electronics. The Takahashi, while renowned for its exceptional optics, was significantly smaller and far more expensive, making the Celestron EdgeHD 1100 a compelling compromise.

My first impression was one of excitement mixed with a healthy dose of respect. The Celestron EdgeHD 1100 felt like a serious piece of equipment, a tool capable of unlocking the secrets of the night sky.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Celestron EdgeHD 1100 11in Optical Tube Assembly to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Celestron EdgeHD 1100 to a dark sky site in the Mojave Desert for its maiden voyage. The skies were Bortle 2, offering exceptional transparency and minimal light pollution. I mounted the OTA on my trusted Losmandy G-11 equatorial mount and spent the evening observing deep-sky objects like galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.

The desert environment, with its low humidity and cool temperatures, proved ideal for testing the Celestron EdgeHD 1100’s performance. The tube vents, equipped with 60-micron mesh filters, worked effectively to equalize the temperature between the interior and exterior of the OTA, minimizing tube currents.

The Celestron EdgeHD 1100 took some getting used to, primarily due to its long focal length. Pinpoint accuracy in focusing and guiding became essential. Once dialed in, however, the views were breathtaking, revealing details I had never seen before in familiar objects.

The biggest surprise during my first use was how well the Celestron EdgeHD 1100 handled high magnification. Even at 400x, the images remained remarkably sharp and detailed, a testament to the quality of its optics and collimation.

Extended Use & Reliability

After six months of regular use, the Celestron EdgeHD 1100 continues to impress. I’ve used it in a variety of conditions, from the freezing temperatures of winter nights to the humid evenings of early summer. The OTA has held up remarkably well.

There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the Celestron EdgeHD 1100. The aluminum tube has proven durable and resistant to scratches, and the StarBright XLT coatings remain in excellent condition.

Maintenance involves occasional cleaning of the optics with a high-quality lens cleaner and microfiber cloth. The tube vents require periodic inspection to ensure they remain free of dust and debris. Overall, the Celestron EdgeHD 1100 is relatively easy to clean and maintain.

Compared to my previous Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, the Celestron EdgeHD 1100 significantly outperforms them in terms of image quality and field flatness. The coma-free design eliminates the need for expensive coma correctors. It allows me to capture stunning astrophotography images with minimal distortion.

Breaking Down the Features of Celestron EdgeHD 1100 11in Optical Tube Assembly

Specifications

• 11″ EdgeHD Optical Tube Assembly: This is the heart of the system, providing a large aperture for gathering light and resolving fine details. The larger aperture allows for fainter objects to be observed.
• Aluminum Optical Tube: Provides a lightweight yet rigid structure to maintain optical alignment. The aluminum construction resists flexing and thermal expansion.
• Celestron’s premium StarBright XLT coatings: These coatings maximize light transmission and reduce internal reflections, resulting in brighter, higher-contrast images. The StarBright XLT coatings improve light throughput.
• 2800mm focal length (f/10): This long focal length is ideal for high-magnification observing of planets, lunar details, and small deep-sky objects. The longer focal length delivers higher magnification views.
• 23mm Axiom 2″ eyepiece included (122x): This eyepiece provides a comfortable viewing experience and a wide field of view. The included eyepiece provides a good starting point for observations.
• 9×50 finderscope to help accurately find objects: This finderscope aids in locating celestial objects before observing them through the main telescope. The finderscope makes finding targets much easier.
• 2″ diagonal provides more comfortable viewing position when observing objects that are high in the sky: The diagonal bends the light path 90 degrees, allowing for more comfortable viewing, especially when the telescope is pointed near the zenith. The diagonal enables comfortable viewing at high altitudes.
• Mirror Support Knobs hold the mirror in place and reduces image shift during imaging: These knobs provide precise control over mirror alignment, minimizing image shift and ensuring optimal performance. Mirror support knobs stabilize the primary mirror.
• Tube vents with integrated 60 micron mesh filter allowing hot air to be released from behind the primary mirror: These vents help to equalize the temperature between the interior and exterior of the OTA, reducing tube currents and improving image stability. The vents minimize temperature gradients.
• Fastar Compatible optical tubes are equipped with a removable secondary mirror for fast f/2 ccd imaging: This allows for extremely fast imaging at f/2, ideal for capturing faint deep-sky objects with short exposure times. Fastar compatibility provides incredible versatility for astrophotography.
• Includes dovetail rail compatible with CGE mount: This dovetail rail allows for easy and secure attachment to compatible equatorial mounts. The CGE dovetail rail ensures secure mounting.

Performance & Functionality

The Celestron EdgeHD 1100 excels at delivering high-resolution images of planets, the moon, and deep-sky objects. Its 11-inch aperture gathers ample light, revealing faint details that are often invisible in smaller telescopes.

The greatest strength of the Celestron EdgeHD 1100 is its ability to produce sharp, flat images across the entire field of view. The EdgeHD optics effectively eliminate coma and field curvature. The only real weakness is its long focal length, which can make it challenging to locate objects and track them accurately.

The Celestron EdgeHD 1100 meets and exceeds my expectations. The coma-free design and excellent image quality have transformed my astrophotography and observing experiences.

Design & Ergonomics

The Celestron EdgeHD 1100 features a sturdy aluminum tube that is both lightweight and durable. The OTA weighs approximately 27 pounds, which is manageable for most equatorial mounts.

The design of the Celestron EdgeHD 1100 is relatively straightforward and user-friendly. The only real learning curve involves mastering the art of collimation.

Durability & Maintenance

The Celestron EdgeHD 1100 is built to last. The aluminum tube and StarBright XLT coatings are designed to withstand the rigors of regular use.

The Celestron EdgeHD 1100 requires minimal maintenance. Cleaning the optics is the primary task.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Celestron EdgeHD 1100 comes with a 23mm Axiom eyepiece and a 9×50 finderscope. Many accessories can be used to customize the telescope.

The Celestron EdgeHD 1100 is compatible with a wide range of accessories, including focal reducers, coma correctors (although not necessary due to EdgeHD optics), and various eyepieces. It is also compatible with popular mounting systems and guiding systems.

Pros and Cons of Celestron EdgeHD 1100 11in Optical Tube Assembly

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Who Should Buy Celestron EdgeHD 1100 11in Optical Tube Assembly?

The Celestron EdgeHD 1100 is perfect for serious amateur astronomers and astrophotographers who demand high-quality images and a versatile platform. It is also ideal for those who want to explore the night sky in detail.

Beginners should skip this product. The Celestron EdgeHD 1100 requires some experience to operate.

A high-quality equatorial mount, guiding system, and a selection of eyepieces are must-have accessories.

Conclusion on Celestron EdgeHD 1100 11in Optical Tube Assembly

The Celestron EdgeHD 1100 is an exceptional optical tube assembly that delivers outstanding performance and versatility. While the price of $4399.00 is significant, it is justified by the Celestron EdgeHD 1100’s exceptional image quality, large aperture, and Fastar compatibility.

I would personally recommend the Celestron EdgeHD 1100 to anyone who is serious about astronomy and astrophotography. If you’re ready to take your observing and imaging to the next level, the Celestron EdgeHD 1100 is an investment that will pay dividends for years to come. So, point your Celestron EdgeHD 1100 to the stars and experience the cosmos like never before!