Let’s Dive into Celestron Piggyback Mount for NexStar 5, 6, & 8 SE Telescopes
The Celestron Piggyback Mount for NexStar 5, 6, & 8 SE Telescopes is a crucial piece of equipment for any astrophotographer using the compatible Celestron telescopes. This mount offers a stable platform to attach a camera, allowing for long-exposure shots of the night sky. It even provides a spot to mount the telescope’s Star Pointer, so you can continue to use it for navigation.
My journey with astrophotography started with a burning desire to capture the beauty of deep-sky objects. Initially, I struggled with shaky images and the limitations of using my telescope solely for imaging. The need for a stable and versatile mounting solution became clear, and I started to research my options.
When the Celestron Piggyback Mount arrived, I was immediately impressed by its solid construction. The mount felt sturdy and well-made, despite being surprisingly lightweight. The sleek design complemented my NexStar 8 SE Telescope, and the inclusion of a Star Pointer mount was a thoughtful touch.
Compared to using unwieldy rails that extend along the OTA, or trying to jury-rig a solution with clamps, this mount stood out. Other universal options felt less secure and added unnecessary weight and potential for flex. The Celestron Piggyback Mount felt specifically designed and optimized for my telescope.
My first impression was excitement mixed with relief. Finally, a dedicated solution that promised to enhance my astrophotography endeavors!
Real-World Testing: Putting Celestron Piggyback Mount for NexStar 5, 6, & 8 SE Telescopes to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Celestron Piggyback Mount during a weekend trip to a dark sky location known for its minimal light pollution. The conditions were perfect: clear skies and a new moon. Mounting my DSLR and a small finder guide scope was straightforward, and the mount felt exceptionally stable.
The clear night provided a stunning canvas for testing. Aligning my telescope and camera became considerably easier with the added stability. The images I captured were noticeably sharper and showed less tracking error.
I didn’t encounter any significant issues during the first use, but I did need to tighten the screws securing my camera a bit more than I initially thought. Otherwise, the experience was positive, and my first astrophotography session using the Piggyback Mount was a success.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Celestron Piggyback Mount has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of equipment. The mount has held up well under various weather conditions, including cold nights and humid evenings. There are no signs of wear or corrosion on the mount itself.
Maintaining the Piggyback Mount is simple. I periodically wipe it down with a clean cloth to remove dust and debris. So far, I have not had to tighten any of the screws since that initial tweak.
Before the Piggyback Mount, clutch slippage and backlash were common problems, shortening my mount’s life. Using rails that extended the length of the OTA added to these issues. The Celestron Piggyback Mount has helped eliminate these problems.
Breaking Down the Features of Celestron Piggyback Mount for NexStar 5, 6, & 8 SE Telescopes
Specifications
- The Celestron Piggyback Mount is specifically designed for Celestron NexStar 5, 6, and 8 SE Telescopes. This ensures a precise and secure fit.
- It allows you to attach your camera with its lens on top of the telescope. This provides a stable platform for astrophotography.
- It has a unique design that allows you to fit your Celestron NexStar SE Telescope‘s Star Pointer. This enables simultaneous navigation and astrophotography.
- The mount attaches to the rear cell of the telescopes. This placement minimizes vibration and maximizes stability.
- The mount is made from lightweight materials. It doesn’t add significant weight to the telescope assembly.
These specifications are crucial for successful astrophotography. A stable and secure mount ensures sharp images and minimizes tracking errors. Being able to use the Star Pointer alongside the camera makes navigating the night sky easier and more efficient.
Performance & Functionality
The Celestron Piggyback Mount performs its job exceptionally well. The mount provides a stable and secure platform for my camera and finder guide scope. It allows for capturing long-exposure shots of deep-sky objects with minimal vibration.
The Celestron Piggyback Mount helps extend the life of your mount. It accomplishes this by eliminating clutch slippage and backlash issues associated with longer rails.
The main strength is its simplicity and effectiveness. There’s not much that could be improved on the design.
Design & Ergonomics
The Celestron Piggyback Mount is well-designed and user-friendly. The mount is made from sturdy materials. Despite this durability, it remains lightweight and doesn’t add excessive weight to the telescope setup.
The mount is easy to install and requires no specialized tools. The design also allows for easy access to the telescope’s focuser.
There is virtually no learning curve associated with using the mount. Even beginners can quickly and easily attach their cameras and start taking pictures.
Durability & Maintenance
The Celestron Piggyback Mount is built to last. Its construction can withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dust and debris. With proper care, this mount should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Celestron Piggyback Mount doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond what’s needed for mounting. However, it’s compatible with a wide range of camera mounting hardware.
You can easily attach various ball heads, dovetail plates, and quick-release systems to accommodate different cameras and lenses. It provides the flexibility needed to configure my astrophotography setup.
Pros and Cons of Celestron Piggyback Mount for NexStar 5, 6, & 8 SE Telescopes
Pros
- Provides a stable platform for astrophotography with Celestron NexStar 5, 6, & 8 SE Telescopes. This results in sharper images and reduced tracking errors.
- Allows simultaneous use of the telescope’s Star Pointer. This makes navigation of the night sky easier.
- Lightweight design that doesn’t add significant weight to the telescope assembly. This helps prevent wear and tear on your mount.
- Easy to install and use. The mount requires no specialized tools.
- Durable construction. It is built to withstand outdoor conditions and last for years.
Cons
- Only compatible with Celestron NexStar 5, 6, & 8 SE Telescopes. This limits its use with other telescope models.
- May require additional camera mounting hardware (e.g., ball head, dovetail plate). It depends on your specific camera setup.
Who Should Buy Celestron Piggyback Mount for NexStar 5, 6, & 8 SE Telescopes?
The Celestron Piggyback Mount is perfect for amateur astrophotographers using Celestron NexStar 5, 6, or 8 SE Telescopes. Anyone wanting to capture long-exposure images of deep-sky objects will find this mount indispensable.
Anyone using a different model telescope should skip this product. It is specifically designed for the NexStar SE series.
A sturdy ball head or quick-release plate is a must-have accessory. This allows for easy adjustment and secure attachment of your camera.
Conclusion on Celestron Piggyback Mount for NexStar 5, 6, & 8 SE Telescopes
The Celestron Piggyback Mount for NexStar 5, 6, & 8 SE Telescopes is a simple yet highly effective tool for astrophotography. It provides the stability needed to capture stunning images of the night sky.
At $51.99, the price is more than justified by the improved image quality and ease of use it provides. It’s an investment in better astrophotography.
I would highly recommend the Celestron Piggyback Mount to anyone serious about astrophotography using a compatible Celestron telescope. Don’t hesitate – get yours today and start capturing the cosmos!