What Makes Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, Stand Out?
The Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, from Celestron, promises a blend of advanced technology and user-friendly design, aiming to bring professional-grade astronomical viewing to both seasoned stargazers and ambitious beginners. With its 8-inch aperture and sophisticated CGX equatorial mount, this telescope is designed to capture stunning images of deep-sky objects and provide stable tracking for long-exposure astrophotography. The price point of $3799.00 places it in a competitive market, suggesting a high level of performance and build quality that demands a closer look.
My journey to the Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, stemmed from a need to upgrade my astrophotography capabilities. I was battling inconsistent tracking with my older setup and needed a robust mount capable of handling the weight of my imaging equipment.
Unboxing the Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, revealed a well-packaged and substantial piece of equipment. The build quality immediately impressed me, with the OTA (Optical Tube Assembly) feeling solid and the CGX mount exhibiting a robust, industrial design.
I considered the Meade LX200 8″ and the Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro before settling on the Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope,. The Celestron offered a superior combination of aperture, portability, and GoTo functionality compared to the Meade. The Sky-Watcher was cheaper, but the CGX mount was reputed to have better tracking accuracy, a crucial factor for astrophotography.
My first impression was a mix of excitement and slight intimidation. The size and complexity of the Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, hinted at the power it possessed, but also suggested a learning curve to fully harness its potential.
Real-World Testing: Putting Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at a dark sky site about an hour outside of my city, known for its minimal light pollution. I wanted to test the telescope’s deep-sky imaging capabilities. The skies were clear, with excellent seeing conditions.
The Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, performed admirably even in the moderately cold (around 40°F) evening. Setting up the CGX mount took some time initially, as polar alignment is crucial for accurate tracking.
The GoTo system was accurate, quickly locating and centering on several targets, including the Andromeda Galaxy and the Orion Nebula. Once aligned, the telescope tracked objects smoothly, allowing for surprisingly long exposures with minimal star trailing. I was initially worried about the mount’s stability, but it proved to be quite solid, even with moderate wind gusts.
However, I did notice some minor backlash in the declination axis during initial GoTo slews. This was easily corrected with precise hand-controller adjustments.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, has proven to be a reliable and capable instrument. The mount continues to track accurately, and the optics deliver sharp, high-contrast images.
The OTA shows no signs of wear and tear, despite being transported frequently. The CGX mount has a few minor scratches from field use, but nothing that affects its performance.
Maintaining the Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, is relatively straightforward. The optics require occasional cleaning with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution. The mount benefits from periodic lubrication of the gears and bearings to ensure smooth operation.
Compared to my previous telescope, the Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, is a significant upgrade in terms of both optical performance and mount stability. The increased aperture allows me to observe fainter objects, while the accurate tracking enables longer exposure times, resulting in more detailed astrophotos.
Breaking Down the Features of Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope,
Specifications
Aperture: 8 inches (203.2 mm). This dictates the light-gathering ability, crucial for seeing fainter objects.
Focal Length: 2032 mm. This, combined with the aperture, determines the telescope’s focal ratio, which affects image scale and brightness.
Focal Ratio: f/10. A higher focal ratio like f/10 is well-suited for planetary and lunar observing, providing high magnification.
Optical Design: Schmidt-Cassegrain. This design provides a long focal length in a compact tube.
Mount Type: CGX Equatorial. This is a computerized GoTo mount designed for astrophotography.
GoTo Database: 40,000+ objects. This extensive database allows you to easily locate celestial objects.
Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Solar, Lunar. This ensures accurate tracking of different celestial bodies.
Weight (OTA): 13 lbs (5.9 kg). This is a manageable weight for an 8-inch OTA, making it relatively portable.
Weight (Mount): 44 lbs (20 kg). The hefty mount provides stability and tracking accuracy.
Highest Useful Magnification: 480x. This represents the maximum magnification that can be achieved before image quality degrades significantly due to atmospheric conditions and telescope limitations.
Optical Coatings: StarBright XLT. These coatings enhance light transmission and contrast for brighter, sharper images.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the telescope’s performance and suitability for different observing and imaging tasks. The Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, strikes a good balance between aperture, portability, and advanced features, making it a versatile instrument for a wide range of astronomical pursuits.
Performance & Functionality
The Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, excels at both visual observing and astrophotography. The 8-inch aperture provides ample light-gathering ability for viewing faint deep-sky objects, while the Schmidt-Cassegrain design delivers sharp, high-contrast images.
The CGX mount is a standout feature, providing accurate tracking and GoTo functionality. The GoTo system is easy to use and boasts a vast database of celestial objects.
However, the initial polar alignment process can be time-consuming and requires some practice. Also, the hand controller interface, while functional, could be more intuitive.
Overall, the Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, meets and often exceeds expectations, delivering exceptional performance for its price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, is excellent, with both the OTA and the mount feeling solid and well-constructed. The telescope is relatively compact for its aperture, making it reasonably portable.
The CGX mount is heavy, but its weight contributes to its stability. The hand controller is ergonomically designed and easy to hold, although its interface could be more user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, is built to last, with durable materials and robust construction. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide many years of reliable service.
The optics require periodic cleaning to remove dust and debris. The mount benefits from occasional lubrication to ensure smooth operation.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, typically comes with a few basic accessories, including a 1.25″ eyepiece, a star diagonal, and a finderscope. A wide range of optional accessories are available, including different eyepieces, filters, focal reducers, and autoguiders.
The telescope is compatible with a variety of accessories from Celestron and other brands, allowing for extensive customization. The Schmidt-Cassegrain design makes it easy to attach cameras and other imaging equipment.
Pros and Cons of Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope,
Pros
- Exceptional optical performance: Sharp, high-contrast images.
- Accurate and stable CGX equatorial mount: Ideal for astrophotography.
- Extensive GoTo database: Easy to locate celestial objects.
- Durable construction: Built to last.
- Versatile: Suitable for both visual observing and astrophotography.
Cons
- Initial polar alignment can be time-consuming.
- Hand controller interface could be more intuitive.
- Relatively expensive.
Who Should Buy Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope,?
The Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, is perfect for serious amateur astronomers who are interested in both visual observing and astrophotography. It’s also a great choice for those who want a high-quality telescope with advanced features and accurate tracking.
Beginners might find the Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, overwhelming at first. Those seeking a budget-friendly option should explore alternatives.
Must-have accessories include a decent set of eyepieces covering a range of magnifications, a dew shield to prevent condensation on the optics, and a good quality polar alignment tool.
Conclusion on Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope,
The Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, is a powerful and versatile telescope that delivers exceptional performance for both visual observing and astrophotography. While it is relatively expensive, the quality of the optics, the accuracy of the mount, and the extensive features justify the price.
I would personally recommend the Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, to anyone who is serious about astronomy and wants a telescope that can grow with their skills and interests. If you’re ready to take your stargazing to the next level, then consider investing in the Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, – you won’t be disappointed.