Celestron EdgeHD 1400 14in Optical Tube Assembly 91060-XLT, OTA Telescope Review

Let’s Dive into Celestron EdgeHD 1400 14in Optical Tube Assembly 91060-XLT, OTA Telescope

As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of equipment. From high-powered rifle scopes to sophisticated GPS devices, I’ve learned what truly delivers performance and what falls short. However, nothing quite prepared me for the Celestron EdgeHD 1400 14in Optical Tube Assembly 91060-XLT, OTA Telescope, a behemoth of light-gathering power promising unparalleled views of the cosmos.

I’d always been captivated by astrophotography but struggled with the aberrations and field curvature inherent in standard Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes (SCTs). The promise of edge-to-edge clarity and astrograph-quality imaging drew me to this scope like a moth to a flame. When I finally got my hands on the Celestron EdgeHD 1400, unboxing it was akin to unveiling a priceless artifact.

The sheer size and weight (requiring two people to safely maneuver) immediately conveyed a sense of serious optical engineering. The aluminum optical tube felt robust and well-constructed, exuding the quality I expect from Celestron. Compared to my older 8-inch SCT and a friend’s similar-sized Ritchey-Chrétien, the EdgeHD 1400 stood out.

Its promise of a flatter field and reduced coma made the hefty price tag seem justifiable. My initial reaction was one of excited anticipation mixed with a healthy dose of respect for the instrument’s complexity. I knew I was in for a learning curve, but the potential rewards seemed astronomical.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Celestron EdgeHD 1400 14in Optical Tube Assembly 91060-XLT, OTA Telescope to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at a dark sky site about two hours outside of the city. The lack of light pollution was essential for pushing the Celestron EdgeHD 1400 to its limits. I mounted the OTA on my trusted Losmandy G-11 equatorial mount, a task that required careful balancing due to the scope’s weight.

The first target was the Ring Nebula (M57). Through my widest field eyepiece, the nebula popped into view with a level of detail I had never witnessed before. Even at the edges of the field, stars remained pinpoint sharp, a testament to the EdgeHD optics. One night, high altitude cirrus clouds were moving in and out but the views were still phenomenal through the Celestron EdgeHD 1400.

The Celestron EdgeHD 1400 requires patience and careful collimation to achieve its full potential, and the weight of this instrument means using an appropriate mount is a necessity. However, the reward of stunning views and pinpoint stars made the effort worthwhile.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Celestron EdgeHD 1400 has proven to be a reliable and high-performing instrument. Despite its size, the tube vents effectively dissipate heat, minimizing thermal currents that can degrade image quality. The mirror support system, designed to reduce image shift, works flawlessly, keeping the image stable even during long-exposure astrophotography sessions.

There has been no significant wear and tear to date, thanks to the robust build quality and durable materials. Cleaning the optics requires care, but is no more complicated than any other large-aperture telescope. Compared to my previous scopes, the EdgeHD 1400 consistently delivers superior image quality and a more immersive viewing experience.

Breaking Down the Features of Celestron EdgeHD 1400 14in Optical Tube Assembly 91060-XLT, OTA Telescope

Specifications

• The Celestron EdgeHD 1400 boasts a massive 14-inch (355.6mm) aperture, crucial for gathering faint light from distant celestial objects. This large aperture significantly enhances resolution and allows for observing fainter deep-sky objects.
• With a focal length of 3910mm and a focal ratio of f/11, the scope provides a high magnification capability. This makes it ideal for detailed planetary observations and capturing high-resolution images of smaller deep-sky objects.
• The optical tube assembly utilizes Celestron’s StarBright XLT coatings, maximizing light transmission and enhancing contrast. These coatings are essential for achieving bright and detailed images, especially when observing faint objects.
• The OTA weighs approximately 65 lbs (29.5 kg), requiring a sturdy equatorial mount for stable operation. This weight is a considerable factor for portability and setup, demanding a robust and well-balanced mounting system.
• Equipped with a dovetail rail compatible with the CGE mount, the EdgeHD 1400 offers easy attachment to a range of popular equatorial mounts. This versatility allows for flexibility in choosing a suitable mount based on individual preferences and requirements.

Performance & Functionality

The Celestron EdgeHD 1400 truly shines in its ability to deliver exceptional optical performance. The EdgeHD optical system minimizes aberrations and field curvature, providing sharp, pinpoint stars across the entire field of view.
Its performance exceeds expectations. The integrated features, like the mirror support system and tube vents, contribute significantly to a stable and high-quality viewing experience.

However, the telescope’s weight and size can be a challenge. Maneuvering and setting it up require careful planning and assistance.
Also, collimation is essential to ensure optimal performance, which could be daunting for beginners.

Design & Ergonomics

The Celestron EdgeHD 1400‘s design prioritizes optical performance and stability. The aluminum optical tube is robust and well-constructed, providing a solid foundation for the optics.
The weight reflects the quality of materials and the attention to detail in the construction.

Its size and weight make it less user-friendly than smaller telescopes, requiring more effort for setup and transport. The collimation process has a learning curve, but the easy-to-adjust screws simplify the procedure.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care and maintenance, the Celestron EdgeHD 1400 is built to last for many years. The high-quality materials and robust construction ensure durability.
Regular cleaning of the optics is essential to maintain optimal performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

• The Celestron EdgeHD 1400 comes with a 23mm Axiom 2″ eyepiece, providing a wide field of view and comfortable viewing experience at 170x magnification. Upgrading to higher quality eyepieces can further enhance the viewing experience.
• A 9×50 finderscope is included, aiding in accurately locating celestial objects. While functional, some users might prefer a larger or illuminated finderscope for easier targeting.
• The included 2″ diagonal provides a more comfortable viewing position when observing objects high in the sky. A high-quality diagonal can improve image brightness and contrast.
• The Celestron EdgeHD 1400 is Fastar compatible, allowing for ultra-fast f/2 CCD imaging with a removable secondary mirror. This feature opens up possibilities for capturing wide-field, deep-sky images with shorter exposure times.
• The telescope is also compatible with a range of Celestron accessories, including focal reducers and Barlow lenses, for further customization of focal length and magnification. The Celestron Off-Axis Guider is a popular choice for astrophotography.

Pros and Cons of Celestron EdgeHD 1400 14in Optical Tube Assembly 91060-XLT, OTA Telescope

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Who Should Buy Celestron EdgeHD 1400 14in Optical Tube Assembly 91060-XLT, OTA Telescope?

The Celestron EdgeHD 1400 is perfect for serious amateur astronomers and astrophotographers seeking top-tier optical performance. It is an excellent choice for those willing to invest in a high-quality instrument and a robust mounting system. This telescope is ideal for experienced users who understand the nuances of collimation and telescope maintenance.

Beginners or those with limited budgets should skip this product. Its cost and complexity can be overwhelming.
A good quality coma corrector is a must-have accessory to further enhance the flat field capability of this telescope and a dew shield will help prevent condensation.

Conclusion on Celestron EdgeHD 1400 14in Optical Tube Assembly 91060-XLT, OTA Telescope

The Celestron EdgeHD 1400 14in Optical Tube Assembly 91060-XLT, OTA Telescope is an exceptional instrument that delivers unparalleled optical performance. Its large aperture, combined with Celestron’s EdgeHD optics and StarBright XLT coatings, provides stunning views of the cosmos.

While the price is steep, the EdgeHD 1400 offers a significant value proposition for serious amateur astronomers and astrophotographers seeking the best possible image quality. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking to take their observing or imaging to the next level. If you’re ready to invest in a truly remarkable telescope, the Celestron EdgeHD 1400 won’t disappoint.