Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly Review

What Makes Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly Stand Out?

The Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly represents a significant leap in amateur astronomy technology. Made by Celestron, this optical tube assembly is designed to deliver exceptional edge-to-edge clarity, a common issue with Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. With its advanced optics and user-friendly features, this telescope aims to provide both visual observers and astrophotographers with an unparalleled viewing experience.

I’ve spent years struggling with field curvature in my astrophotography. Standard Schmidt-Cassegrains often produce images with stars that are sharp in the center but become distorted and elongated towards the edges. I needed a telescope that could deliver a flat field across the entire image sensor. The Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly promised exactly that.

Unboxing the Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly was an experience in itself. The tube felt solid and well-constructed, a testament to Celestron’s commitment to quality. The aluminum optical tube was surprisingly lightweight, considering the 8-inch aperture, making it manageable for solo setup.

I was torn between this and the Meade LX200 and the Explore Scientific ED127. The Meade, while a solid performer, still didn’t address the field curvature as directly as the EdgeHD. The Explore Scientific offered excellent optics, but lacked the aperture of the Celestron, meaning I’d be sacrificing light-gathering ability. The Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly seemed like the perfect balance of aperture and flat-field performance.

My first impression was one of excitement mixed with a hint of apprehension. Could it truly live up to the hype? The initial inspection revealed meticulous attention to detail, and the included accessories hinted at a well-thought-out design. The Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly had the potential to be a game-changer, and I was eager to put it to the test.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly was at a dark sky site about an hour outside the city. I wanted to observe and photograph deep-sky objects like nebulae and galaxies. The skies were clear, but there was a slight breeze.

The Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly handled the wind surprisingly well, thanks to its relatively short tube length. Aligning the telescope was straightforward using the included 9×50 finderscope. The views through the 40mm eyepiece were immediately impressive. Stars were pinpoint sharp across the entire field of view. This was a massive improvement over my previous scope.

I did notice a slight learning curve with the mirror support knobs. These are designed to reduce image shift during long-exposure astrophotography, but require some fine-tuning to get the mirror perfectly collimated. However, after a few adjustments, I achieved excellent results.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly has proven to be a reliable and capable instrument. The aluminum optical tube has held up well to the rigors of transport and outdoor use. There are no signs of significant wear and tear.

Maintaining the Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly is relatively simple. The tube vents with integrated 60-micron mesh filters help prevent dust buildup inside the tube. I occasionally wipe down the exterior with a soft cloth. Collimation has remained stable, requiring only minor adjustments every few weeks.

The Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly has far surpassed my expectations compared to my older Schmidt-Cassegrain. The difference in image quality, especially in astrophotography, is night and day. The flat field optics have eliminated the need for expensive field flatteners, saving me both time and money.

Breaking Down the Features of Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly

Specifications

• 8″ EdgeHD Optical Tube Assembly: The 8-inch aperture provides a significant amount of light-gathering ability. This is crucial for observing faint deep-sky objects.
• Aluminum Optical Tube: Aluminum is lightweight and durable. This makes the telescope easier to transport and handle.
• Celestron’s premium StarBright XLT coatings: These coatings enhance light transmission. They result in brighter and higher-contrast images.
• 2032 mm focal length (f/10): The long focal length is ideal for high-magnification observing. It is also well-suited for planetary and lunar imaging.
• 40 mm eyepiece included (51x): This provides a good starting point for visual observing. It allows for wide-field views.
• Visual back allows for use with 1.25″ accessories: This compatibility opens up a wide range of eyepiece options. It provides flexibility for different observing needs.
• 9×50 finderscope to help accurately find objects: The large aperture and magnification of the finderscope makes it easier to locate faint targets. This is a significant improvement over smaller finderscopes.
• Star diagonal provides more comfortable viewing position when observing objects that are high in the sky: This is essential for comfortable observing. It prevents neck strain.
• Mirror Support Knobs hold the mirror in place and reduces image shift during imaging: These knobs are critical for long-exposure astrophotography. They maintain precise collimation.
• Tube vents with integrated 60 micron mesh filter allowing hot air to be released from behind the primary mirror: These vents help to equalize temperature inside the tube. This reduces image distortion.
• Fastar Compatible optical tubes are equipped with a removable secondary mirror for fast f/2 ccd imaging: This feature allows for extremely fast imaging speeds. It is ideal for capturing faint objects in short exposure times.
• Includes dovetail rail compatible with CGE mount: The dovetail rail provides a secure and stable connection to a compatible mount. This is essential for both visual observing and astrophotography.

Performance & Functionality

The Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly excels in delivering sharp, high-contrast images across the entire field of view. The flat-field optics significantly reduce aberrations. This makes it ideal for both visual observing and astrophotography.

The primary strength of this telescope is its ability to produce flat-field images without the need for additional field flatteners. One area for potential improvement is the fine focus knob, which could be smoother and more precise. Overall, the Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly meets and often exceeds expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly is excellent. The aluminum tube feels sturdy and well-made, and the overall design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Despite the 8-inch aperture, the telescope remains relatively lightweight and manageable.

The telescope is generally user-friendly, although new users may need to consult the manual to understand the functions of the mirror support knobs. The included accessories are of good quality and provide a solid foundation for both visual observing and astrophotography.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly should last for many years. The high-quality materials and construction ensure durability, and the tube vents help to minimize dust buildup. Regular cleaning of the optics and occasional collimation adjustments are all that is required to keep the telescope in top condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly comes with a 40mm eyepiece, a 9×50 finderscope, a visual back, and a star diagonal. The Fastar compatibility allows for the use of HyperStar lenses for ultra-fast f/2 imaging.

The telescope is also compatible with a wide range of accessories from Celestron and other brands, including different eyepieces, filters, and cameras. The dovetail rail allows for easy attachment to a variety of mounts. The ability to use readily available aftermarket accessories significantly enhances the telescope’s versatility.

Pros and Cons of Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly?

Perfect for: Serious amateur astronomers and astrophotographers who demand exceptional image quality. It is also ideal for those looking for a versatile telescope that can handle both visual observing and imaging. This is perfect for astrophotographers who require flat-field performance without extra flatteners.

Who should skip this product? Beginners who are just starting out in astronomy might find the Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly to be too complex and expensive. A smaller, simpler telescope would be a better choice for learning the basics.

Must-have accessories or modifications? A high-quality equatorial mount is essential for astrophotography. A dedicated astronomy camera will also greatly enhance the imaging capabilities of the Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly.

Conclusion on Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly

The Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly is a superb telescope that delivers exceptional performance. Its flat-field optics, high-quality coatings, and versatile design make it a valuable tool for both visual observers and astrophotographers.

The price is justified by the superior image quality and advanced features. It offers a significant upgrade over standard Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Celestron EdgeHD 800 8″ Optical Tube Assembly to anyone who is serious about astronomy. If you’re ready to take your observing and imaging to the next level, this telescope is an investment you won’t regret. Take the plunge and unlock the wonders of the universe!