Let’s Dive into Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain Advanced VX 11in Telescope
The Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain Advanced VX 11in Telescope promises a gateway to deeper celestial exploration, combining a large aperture with a relatively portable and technologically advanced mount. Celestron, a name synonymous with quality optics, aims to deliver a powerful, yet accessible, experience for intermediate to advanced amateur astronomers with this telescope.
My journey to this particular telescope began with a persistent itch to see more. I had been using an 8-inch Dobsonian for years, and while it offered great views, I longed for a GoTo system and the capability to delve into astrophotography. The Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain Advanced VX 11in Telescope seemed to strike a balance between aperture, portability, and a feature set geared towards both visual observing and entry-level imaging.
Unboxing the Celestron was a substantial undertaking, given the telescope’s size. The optical tube assembly (OTA) felt impressively solid, and the Advanced VX mount, while lighter than some of its competitors, inspired confidence. The StarBright XLT coatings on the Schmidt-Cassegrain optics hinted at the promise of bright, contrasty images.
I considered the Meade LX90 12″ and the Sky-Watcher 10″ GoTo Dobsonian before settling on the Celestron. The Meade offered a larger aperture but was significantly more expensive and bulkier, while the Sky-Watcher lacked the astrophotography-friendly features of the Advanced VX mount. I was excited to assemble the Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain Advanced VX 11in Telescope and explore its capabilities, though a touch daunted by the initial setup process.
Real-World Testing: Putting Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain Advanced VX 11in Telescope to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing grounds was my backyard, a moderately light-polluted suburban environment. Setting up the Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain Advanced VX 11in Telescope took some time; the polar alignment, even with the All-Star Polar Alignment feature, required patience and precision. Once aligned, the GoTo system accurately slewed to several bright objects, including Jupiter and the Orion Nebula.
The seeing conditions were less than ideal, with some atmospheric turbulence affecting image sharpness. However, even with these limitations, the views through the 11-inch aperture were noticeably brighter and more detailed than what I was used to. I experienced some initial frustration with the hand controller’s menu system, but quickly got the hang of it.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Celestron has proven to be a reliable and capable instrument. The Advanced VX mount tracks accurately, especially after refining the polar alignment and performing a periodic error correction (PEC) routine. The telescope has seen action in various conditions, from dry, cold winter nights to humid summer evenings.
I have observed no significant wear and tear on the telescope or mount. Cleaning the Schmidt-Cassegrain corrector plate requires occasional attention to remove dust and fingerprints, but it is a straightforward process with the proper cleaning solution and microfiber cloth. Compared to my Dobsonian, the Celestron demands more setup time, but the GoTo functionality and tracking capabilities provide a significant advantage for both visual observing and astrophotography.
Breaking Down the Features of Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain Advanced VX 11in Telescope
Specifications
- Optical Design: Schmidt-Cassegrain, offering a good balance of aperture, portability, and image quality. This design allows for a long focal length in a compact tube.
- Aperture: 280 mm (11 in), gathering a substantial amount of light for detailed views of faint objects. The 11-inch aperture is a major step up from smaller telescopes.
- Focal Length: 2800 mm, resulting in a focal ratio of f/10. This longer focal length is well-suited for high-magnification views of planets and lunar details.
- Mount: Advanced VX, an equatorial mount designed for astrophotography. The Advanced VX mount is a crucial component for accurate tracking and imaging.
- Coatings: StarBright XLT, Celestron’s proprietary multi-layer coatings for enhanced light transmission. These coatings maximize the amount of light reaching the eyepiece or camera sensor.
- Finderscope: 9×50, a standard finderscope for locating objects in the night sky. The 9x magnification and 50mm aperture provide a bright and wide field of view.
- Hand Control: NexStar+, with a database of over 40,000 objects. The NexStar+ hand control simplifies object location and provides information on celestial targets.
- Weight: 95 lbs (43 kg), a significant weight that requires careful handling and setup. The overall weight includes the OTA, mount, tripod, and counterweights.
These specifications translate to excellent light-gathering ability, high magnification potential, and accurate tracking, making the Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain Advanced VX 11in Telescope a versatile instrument. The quality of the optics and the functionality of the mount are critical to the overall user experience.
Performance & Functionality
The Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain Advanced VX 11in Telescope performs admirably for both visual observing and astrophotography, within its design limitations. Visually, it delivers bright, sharp views of planets, nebulae, and galaxies, revealing details that are simply not visible in smaller telescopes. The GoTo system accurately locates objects, and the tracking is smooth and precise.
One notable weakness is the mount’s payload capacity; while it can handle the 11-inch OTA, adding heavy accessories, such as a large guide scope or camera, can push it to its limits. The Advanced VX mount can become unstable when overloaded, leading to tracking errors and blurred images. Overall, the telescope meets expectations for visual observing but requires careful balancing and potentially a guiding system for optimal astrophotography.
Design & Ergonomics
The Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain Advanced VX 11in Telescope features a classic Schmidt-Cassegrain design with a compact and lightweight OTA. The mount is sturdy and well-built, but the hand controller’s button layout could be more intuitive. The telescope requires some assembly and setup, and there is a learning curve associated with polar alignment and GoTo operation.
Durability & Maintenance
The Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain Advanced VX 11in Telescope appears to be well-built and durable, with quality materials and robust construction. With proper care and maintenance, the telescope should last for many years. Periodic cleaning of the optics and lubrication of the mount are necessary to ensure optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain Advanced VX 11in Telescope comes with a 40mm eyepiece, a 9×50 finderscope, and a car battery adapter. The telescope is compatible with a wide range of accessories, including different eyepieces, Barlow lenses, filters, and cameras. The Fastar compatibility allows for ultra-fast imaging at f/2 with optional accessories.
Pros and Cons of Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain Advanced VX 11in Telescope
Pros
- Large 11-inch aperture provides excellent light-gathering ability for bright and detailed views.
- The Advanced VX mount offers GoTo functionality and accurate tracking for visual observing and astrophotography.
- StarBright XLT coatings maximize light transmission for brighter and higher-contrast images.
- Relatively compact Schmidt-Cassegrain design makes it more portable than other telescopes of comparable aperture.
- Fastar compatibility allows for ultra-fast imaging with optional accessories.
Cons
- The Advanced VX mount has a limited payload capacity, which can be challenging for astrophotography with heavy accessories.
- The setup process can be time-consuming, especially polar alignment.
- Requires a 12V DC power source, which may necessitate the use of a car battery or portable power pack.
Who Should Buy Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain Advanced VX 11in Telescope?
The Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain Advanced VX 11in Telescope is perfect for intermediate to advanced amateur astronomers seeking a large-aperture telescope with GoTo functionality and astrophotography capabilities. It is well-suited for visual observers who want to explore faint deep-sky objects and for astrophotographers who are interested in capturing images of planets, nebulae, and galaxies.
Beginner astronomers may find the setup and operation of the Celestron challenging. Those primarily interested in wide-field views or terrestrial observing might be better served by a refractor or a smaller, more portable telescope.
A must-have accessory is a good quality dew shield to prevent dew from forming on the corrector plate. Also, a dedicated power supply is highly recommended for extended observing sessions.
Conclusion on Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain Advanced VX 11in Telescope
The Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain Advanced VX 11in Telescope offers a compelling blend of aperture, portability, and technology, delivering impressive views of the cosmos. While the Advanced VX mount has its limitations, it provides a solid foundation for both visual observing and entry-level astrophotography. The StarBright XLT coatings enhance the image quality, and the GoTo system simplifies object location.
The price is justified for the features and performance offered, making it a worthwhile investment for serious amateur astronomers. I would personally recommend the Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain Advanced VX 11in Telescope to anyone looking to take their astronomical pursuits to the next level. Explore the universe with confidence – order yours today!