Buying a used Celestron C8 Telescope

The Celestron C8 could possibly be the most fun telescope on the market. But, they are expensive, unless you buy one used! This video shows you my experience getting a used C8 on Ebay.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hello Stargazers! We're excited to announce that we're now on Patreon! Follow us for behind-the-scenes footage from LearnToStargaze and updates on the development of our stargazing retreat, "Stargaze Nova Scotia." www.patreon.com/LearnToStargaze

[@therandommemelord2009]

Hey I don't know if you will reply but I have a celestron nextar telescope but don't have a remote can I still look at stuff without it?

[@iamwhoisme4647]

​@@therandommemelord2009 Yes but if you want to track get a new controller or get the Celestron sky portal Wi-Fi adapter

[@Dr.Pepper001]

My first scope was a used C8 that I bought in 1994. I had to drive 400 miles to pick it up. I had a great time with it for around 5 years and finally upgraded to a 6-inch f7 refractor.

[@infernalbird2]

Please! Never stop posting videos! My son's and I are loving your things to see with a telescope for kids book they got for christmas.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks for the feedback! Glad you like the book too! If you liked that book, you'll LOVE 50 Things to See on the Moon. Thanks again :-)

[@Michael.Chapman]

Thank you! I own an orange tube 1970s C5, inherited from my grandfather. Its uncoated USA optics are awesome! It has viewed many great astro-sights from Halley's Comet to eclipses of Venus and Mercury. Also, when it became available, I bought the Classic C8 black tube in the 1980s with Starbright coatings. Both scopes can use the same tripod and accessories. I love the compact SCT design. For collimation, if necessary, I use a precision artificial star--much easier than wasting observing time at night, fumbling about with Allen Keys.

[@pekwalker]

Congrats on the purchase. I just got one myself. I got one of the Vintage Celestron C8 Orange Tube scopes.

[@DaveAndrus]

Hi John! Even though I watched this video when you first posted it, I just now watched it again--and enjoyed it all over again! I bought a new Nexstar 8SE about 12 months ago, and have had lots of fun using it. I'm now happily falling down the rabbit hole of eyepieces, cameras and accessories! I just wanted to also say how much I have enjoyed your "50 Things..." books. Thanks for those, and for your very well-done videos!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Wow, great comment Dave! You’ll need to join the RASD! rasd.ca

[@ssks1979]

Most informative! Too many missing bits for a newbie to think about but I enjoyed this. Thanks and carry on.

[@Muesli711]

The way I see it, the main advantage of a Celestron or a Meade 8 inch SCT is they are the largest aperture of scope that still works on a relatively low cost / light Eq5 class of mount.

[@MikeLikesChannel]

I *love* my C8. Bought it lightly used, just 3 years old. It’s the goldilocks scope of aperture size, portability, weight, and ease of use. I like my 10” Dob too, but I’m most often on the C8 because I love the tracking.

[@troll_face_edits]

How much did it coasted you

[@TheMjphoto45]

I just got my first telescope celestron AR 114. After kohls cash and sales paid $60 new. Once I get better I will spend $1500 for a better scope. Your information is priceless. I do want to shoot using my phone. Thank you for the incredible info

[@Paroxistico]

I've just bought a second hand c8 and I was completely lost after using for many years just dobsonian telescopes. Really appreciate this 'semi' tutorial. Greetings from Spain

[@LearnToStargaze]

Congrats on the C8! I recently translated my stargazing books into Spanish, have you seen them? www.amazon.es/cosas-que-puedes-observar-telescopio/dp/1777451728 and www.amazon.es/cosas-que-puedes-observar-Luna/dp/1732726191

[@Paroxistico]

@@LearnToStargaze That's great! I'll have a look :)

[@ericaroundtheworld]

urgently need help ..I am super nervous getting the second hand telescope. (Traveling by bus for 8 hours for zhumell z130) How do I know if everything is alright I keep reading What I found online. I am super super nervous almost thinking what am I getting myself into .feeling like if one thing goes wrong like if the mirror is scratched or if ... It has small molds and dots I am done ( I should NOT accept the telescope if the mirror has molds in them right ?.) Now I don't even know with this dedication if my friend will ever be appreciated. Why is it so nerve wrecking . Also like ... Should I be holding it like a baby thru out the bus ride ???... Wrap with towel and bubble wrap.. am I even regretting not getting the skywatcher heritage 130 .. I can find in the local shop . But oo late I got the bus ticket and I am going .I am super worried I am going to either buy a bad one (cuz despite reading everything .. and I just want to screaaaaam I am so worried I don't know if the telescope mirror is good or bad .what if it has a few dots or spec or molds should I not buy it . I don't know what is consider to be good. Or bad althought the seller said like new .

[@UpsideDownHamster]

@@ericaroundtheworld how did it go?

[@tomaszsosnowski9279]

@@ericaroundtheworld how did it go?

[@maximuscassius3121]

What an inspiring video for a newbie like me...Thank YOU!!!!

[@marcindyba4774]

Nice. I like presentation of telescope with pictures how it works.

[@Rob_1472]

Nice optics for a non HD. Great sub of Orion with the 294mc pro. Amazingly no darks and no amp glow overwhelming the sub

[@geosobservations9496]

You're in NS 🥰 I'm just getting started capturing... finally jumped on a used nexstar 127 I'm loving it.

[@necondaa]

Seeing Saturn like that looks awesome, I’m getting the C8 but brand new and not used

[@TheSpacePlaceYT]

He is right about the prices though. I was looking at getting the Celestron Nexstar 5SE and it went from $699 to $1299. The 8SE went from $1299 to $2099 Gladly, the one I plan on buying hasn't changed and we are moving on from COVID now.

[@gracepierce1024]

yea that sucks. it almost doubled in price.

[@kwc1138]

I just bought a Celestar (basic) C8. Almost perfect physical condition considering a late 90s scope. Star tested it last night and collimation was perfect.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Fantastic!

[@mediocrefunkybeat]

How are you getting on with it? I'm a C5 owner, my Dad is a C8 owner and they're both great scopes. I'd like a C8 too...

[@astrospeedcuber]

As someone with a new C8 and AVX, that single exposure of Orion really motivates me to get outside and use it, haha

[@kevinashley478]

Wow. Great video. I have been thinking of just getting a star tracker and a small refractor so that I could image a specific target, plus being a cripple limits me to relatively lightweight equipment. But I am liking what I see with this particular scope. Can you also image the sun, provided you have the appropriate filters? And how does it do with galaxies?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yes, I image the sun in white light with this scope. It performs as expected on galaxies from dark skies.

[@Nottsboy24]

It still looks brand new 👌🔭

[@ericcurry1119]

I just bought a new one. Love it.

[@TheMje1963]

Nice, I just picked up a used Evolution 9.25 a couple weeks ago. Havent had a chance to play with it yet, clouds clouds and more clouds.

[@LearnToStargaze]

That’s a really great telescope!

[@ckotty]

Great video, your lad sold it to me though 🤣🤣, really, great presentation, many thanks 👍🏽😘. Will look up the C8.

[@alanrobinson2229]

First time I watched your video. I felt the excitement of getting this scope. Also,as a newbie,I was amazed at the images you got on the cell phone! I have been pricing together cheap used scopes and a new skywatcher az GTi,but after watching this,feel iam wasting money and time,I should be getting one of these?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Watch this video and see if the C8+AVX combo is for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqesoJilgayompY

[@SPQR-Z]

Never had a bad C8 of the 6 or 7 that I’ve owned. The 8” Edge version is my current and the best of the bunch. If I could only have one scope for viewing/imaging, portability, costs etc. it would be the C8

[@Dziadoo17]

C8 or C8 HD ?

[@SPQR-Z]

@@Dziadoo17 Either. Unless the optics where tired or damaged I personally have never see a bad one from Celestron including the new China made ones. My personal favorite of the bunch are the new EdgeHD versions. You cannot get a better all around SCT OTA especially considering price paid per inch of aperture. My 8” Edge optics are excellent. Sharp, contrasty and bright even compared to some pretty good 5-6” Apo refractors

[@gavinhensberg6395]

I have the same telescope & it did come off a Nexstar 8. The gearmotors in the mount have weak gears with too much slop, & spares are non existant. I de-forked it and have it on a HEQ5 as my goto scope. This version has imperial screws!

[@JoeJaguar]

iam pretty sure its the first nextstar8 when they came out in 2000 they were light grey, i probably had one of the first shipments then in Canada.

[@steviejd5803]

I’d like a C8, but for now I’ve bought a C5, it’s a lovely little scope, nice bright optics and pin sharp too. 🌌🌠🔭🌃

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yes! I like my C5 as well. And the OTA fits in a backpack.

[@driftrazor]

I just managed to acquire the same model SCT. How do you find focusing? I seem to be suffering from what I've determined to be mirror flop. How are you finding yours? I'm thinking of upgrading to the feathertouch focuser but am not too sure. Any thoughts?

[@Polishbaby1]

I did buy your book and I loved it

[@LearnToStargaze]

Great to hear!

[@renes4302]

We were just gifted a Super C8 Plus! It belonged to my husband's uncle. He bought it new in March of 1986. His cousin said it was used for just a short time...I believe to view Haley's Comet, then sat in a corner for the last 30 plus years. It's complete & in immaculate condition. Now we just need to learn how to use it!

[@kcott4177]

Best way to learn to use your scope is to hook up with a local astronomy club. Members will gladly help a beginner learn.

[@renes4302]

@@kcott4177 Thanks... that's what we did!

[@ericlopez2911]

Liked the video! Thanks!

[@danbeall8467]

JUst got my own for very cheap from the 70s i believe but i dont have the tripod nor do i know if the 120V AC tracking is supposed to have any controls or if it just plugs in and runs at a constant speed. mirror and lenses are in excellent shape though

[@danielzimnoch1020]

I have this one. Just took it outside to look at Jupiter and Saturn. Amazing investment I made over a decade ago. Bought it off of coworker. Happy as can be.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Great to hear!

[@andrewoler1]

Nice video. I bought a used C8 last Christmas as a first telescope and have loved it. Great flexibility. I’m curious how you were about to zoom in on Saturn at the end of the video. Is that a special eyepiece? Thanks!

[@LearnToStargaze]

thanks! I just used a NeXYZ adapter and a regular eyepiece. The zoom is on the phone.

[@terrymichael5821]

I just did the exact same thing this September !! But my Vintage Celstron SCT C8 cost me $950 with shipping, a Finder Scope and a visual back is included.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Nice!!!

[@billallen275]

Wow what a Jewel 💎!

[@BLOVECU]

my first c- 8 was purchased in the early 70's from billy conigliaro of the boston redsox. he was one of the local distributors at the time. went to his penthouse suite downtown boston to do the deal. remember impossibly thick carpeting and his gorgeous girlfriend curled up on a big chair. how cool was that.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Great story!

[@georgepoitras3502]

That is the HD version of the 8 "OTA with a built-in field flattener? Never mind. No mirror locks on the back!

[@DaveLaneNS]

I am considering trying a C8 in the Mini-Robotic Observatory!

[@LearnToStargaze]

With a hyperstar for F2 imaging?

[@DaveLaneNS]

@@LearnToStargaze Its camera is not a one shot colour, so that would limit it to one filter, so probable with a f6.2 reducer/flattener.

[@detailingtoken7938]

I just got my first C8 bought it used and it’s in great shape. Loving it every minute. Great video thanks for sharing 👍 what’s that app that you are using??

[@LearnToStargaze]

The app is ASIair. Clear skies!

[@caryheuchert]

Incredible!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@mucbutch]

Hello from Germany, what App you Use at your iPhone at Time 10:20

[@DavidMFChapman]

Where do you keep all your telescopes!

[@user-do1by7ky1s]

Hi John! Tell me from where can I buy used telescope and also I need a computerized mount for my old telescope so from where should I purchase it other than Amazon?

[@paulbuswell6566]

Impressive! Is there any reason you're not using a 0.63 for a flatter/wider field?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Only because I don't have one, and this isn't my primary imaging rig :-)

[@lankimanc]

Great scope but I'm not seeing the cost effectiveness. Sure, the C8 was cheap but it came without necessary equipment that had to be purchased (if you don't already have it lying around). The cost adds up to the point where you may as well buy new and have the reassurance of 1) new 2) warranty 3) latest tech.

[@bluegrassmagee8697]

Very nice C8 Optical Tube & Video! Was so glad to hear that Explore Scientific gave you a new Secondary Mirror for your Newtonion. I've always loved Celestron, Meade & Several other Brands. Recently, I've been so blown away with the Explore APO Triplet Refactors, Such Incredible Optics, hope you get to play with one sometime. Also, Really Love your Skywatcher Mount, My wife wouldn't trade her 10" Skywatcher Dob for anything LOL. Look forward to more LearnToStargaze videos! 🛸🔭🪐🌟

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks for the feedback! My main telescope for the past 7 years has been an Explore Scientific 102mm APO CF Triplet Refractor :-)

[@bluegrassmagee8697]

@@LearnToStargaze Hi, Thanks for the nice reply! After I posted my comment I had a feeling you may already have one! ☺ 👍🪐🌟

[@nathantw]

Great video. I was only confused when you changed mounts to a Skywatcher to do astrophotography. Why did you change? Was the Celestron mount unsuitable for deep sky?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yeah, the Celestron mount is fickle.

[@nathantw]

@@LearnToStargaze Thanks. I never even thought of maybe mixing and matching in order to get the best telescope. Now I'm thinking of a Celestron OTA and a Skywatcher mount as it appears to be the mount of choice.

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@nathantw ironically I just flew to Phoenix with a skywatcher Evolux on a Celestron StarSense Mount, haha. Yup, mixing and matching is key to a personal and optimized system.

[@jonnyreverb]

@8:38 I didn't see the rings of Saturn until I was 35 years old. I am determined to find a deal like this so my niece sees them before she starts college.

[@JoeJaguar]

hi iam in toronto ont, i too havw an astro channel. i also like the sct biggest aperture for the size.

[@tomveldman4415]

Howdy! What is the name of the app you’re using on your phone for stacking images?

[@LearnToStargaze]

ASIair

[@rubenrodriguez1285]

Hello, I am new to your channel, I would like to know what are some good reputable sites to find a good used 8 or 9 inch telescope? I got on EBAY and found some very questionable telescopes and many of them were higher priced than brand new!! Thanks

[@LearnToStargaze]

In the USA I’ll use OPT telescope or B&H Photo. Orion’s website is also good for Dobsonians.

[@tongzhou930]

ORGANIC TELESCOPE

[@aurimixas]

How do you get wide field of view for dp objects with this insane long focal lenght on c8?

[@LearnToStargaze]

For the Orion photo there is a 0.8 focal reducer in front of the camera. The planets are viewed using a 24mm eyepiece.

[@lblerg]

I have an older 8i (predecessor to 8se), is that similar to a c8? Are they all the same tube? They look identical from your video.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Probably the same.

[@lighthouse7i]

How did you tone down the contrast at 11:15 so you could see more detail of the planets?

[@LearnToStargaze]

I was using an app called NightCap camera. It gives you control over focus, exposure and ISO.

[@lighthouse7i]

@@LearnToStargaze - Thanks!

[@chadr2604]

I wouldn't own a Schmidt cassigrean. I had an 8" newtonian that was F7 then I bought a 10" SCT. The SCT actually had worse contrast and the field was too narrow for deep sky objects and too wide for planets. Basically it did a little of everything but half ass. I ended up selling the SCT and buying a Dall-Kirkham. Years later I bought a Maksutov-Newtonian. The Dall-Kirkham really shines on planets and double stars. The Maksutov-Newtonian is not very good on planets but works really well for deep sky objects.

[@XXXScorpionXXX]

What settings were you using on your phone, my images always appear washed out or too dark

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yeah, I’m not great at astrophotography. If you have any tips let me know.

[@neilsakey88]

Hi ... I would like to star to stargaze? But so confused about what to get ? I would prefer a go-to telescope 🔭 what do you recommend.

[@LearnToStargaze]

The only requirement for Stargazing is dark skies. That’s the most important thing. Watch my video “how to use any telescope” for a few recommendations.

[@desbarry8414]

send it back, not being hyperstar compatible would be a dealbreaker for me.

[@eitan71]

Noob question here : is there a telescope that can "bring me" very very close to the surface of the moon?

[@chrisgott3456]

How much is a decent mount for a C8 size glass scope? My only scope is a Dobsonian. Is Schmidt-Cass a decent scope format overall? I do know Celestron sells a bunch of them.

[@LearnToStargaze]

It’s a very versatile design. If you’re doing visual only, the evolution mount is a good choice (I’ve seen these used for around $600). I picked up my AXV mount (which is an eq mount) for around $500 used.

[@chrisgott3456]

@@LearnToStargaze Do you have a Goto device rigged in or is that what does the focusing for the C8? (the pad wired in and mounted on the tripod leg). A how to operate video for the unfamiliar crowd would be a good thing. I would watch it. I'm also trying to cram in tripod info for binoculars and a future scope of some type.

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@chrisgott3456 Hey Chris, here is a very detailed description of my current setup with this C8 and AVX mount. Enjoy! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqesoJilgayompY

[@jorymil]

Wow! I should have hoarded telescopes during the pandemic. Used C8s are going for $600 and $700 US now, so probably $800 or $900 $C.

[@mikebenengtouncry3613]

congrats (: btw thats a meade scope @3:50 haha ...

[@Chrisscatty55]

What’s the name of the app that you used to get Orion Nebula?

[@LearnToStargaze]

ASIair

[@bababoey3315]

10:08 what is this application on phone for astrophotography please ?

[@LearnToStargaze]

ASIair pro. You need an ASIair device for it to work.

[@_AndromedaGalaxy_]

would a 10 or 12" Reflector give this kind of viewing performance?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yes. For visual astronomy, performance is largely proportional to aperture.

[@popscola2574]

How much is the celestron 12-14 inch and are they good for a beginner that wants ti become serious in astronomy?

[@LearnToStargaze]

If you want to become serious in astronomy you need to join your local astronomy club. Telescopes with those apertures come in a variety of different configurations and many different price points.

[@veeretsy7528]

Hey John what telescope would you recommend for astrophotography. like around 600 usd to 1600 usd

[@LearnToStargaze]

For wide field, check out the new Radian Raptor telescopes, for a deeper field, a triplet APO from Explore Scientific.

[@veeretsy7528]

@@LearnToStargazeHmm but like I drown in selecting the best model.....any personal recommendations?

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@veeretsy7528 Well, the "best model" would probably be the Sky-Watcher Esprit ED Triplet APO. It may be a little over your budget.

[@veeretsy7528]

@@LearnToStargaze Thanks a lot.Will stretch my budget.

[@veeretsy7528]

@@LearnToStargaze hey how about the william optics gt 81? I already have a planewave cdk 350 as my observatory. looking for a travel setup

[@markstump7079]

I have a Celestron 9.25 HD sitting in the box, its a shame someone is not using it.

[@LearnToStargaze]

That is a shame!

[@markstump7079]

@@LearnToStargaze I know, I don't have a go to mount for it. Used it once with a Alt-A mount. Just lagging the motivation. I may want to get a 12-14 inch dob instead.

[@Oxfire95965]

Looks very light mine is very heavy

[@klttrll]

Is there an eq mount that can handle the weight of a c8, but also move it manually Edit: wait is the cg5 mount manual?

[@LearnToStargaze]

The CG4 is a manual EQ mount. The CG5 is motor driven.

[@klttrll]

Can I put the 8se OTA on a twilight 1 mount?

[@LearnToStargaze]

I haven’t tried it, (yet) but with as much power as the C8 has, you might want something with motorized tracking.

[@klttrll]

Thanks for the feedback

[@AmatureAstronomer]

Nice looking scope. Give ya $40 (U.S.) for it!

[@captaintoad-ef6zt]

Did you really find it that cheap? Where did you get it? I can't find a used c8 ota under $1000

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yes. But I can see there has been significant inflation in the used market as well since this video was produced.

[@captaintoad-ef6zt]

@@LearnToStargaze That's a shame.

[@NashWeekly]

where could i buy used telescope?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Besides Facebook marketplace, I’ve bought several telescopes here: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Telescopes/ci/3307/N/4294246674

[@chadr2604]

A newtonian made to a very high level of precision is much better than the SCT for all around use.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Mirror quality is a huge factor with the Newtonian. I’ve seen the entire spectrum from terrible to amazing. The SCT seems to fall somewhere in the middle. (Supernova Hunter Paul Grey’s newtonians will rock your world).

[@chadr2604]

@@LearnToStargaze parallax also makes very good ones and very good dall kirkhams

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@chadr2604 I just heard that David Levy just donated his big newtonian to the RASC! That's a telescope I'd like to try.

[@chadr2604]

@@LearnToStargaze these telescopes are like bodybuilding it is a 3 axis system. You have mobility, smarts, and light gathering. Or a laptop you have time, smarts, and mobility.

[@southbronxny5727]

I like this video but no posting about it since......why not?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Took a break from KZbin to finalize my next book. 110 Things to See with a Telescope (coming soon).

[@imdead_p5111]

What app was that

[@LearnToStargaze]

ASIair (requires the ASIair device).

[@MetaView7]

Sub'd !

[@ElaineFoster101]

I have trouble hearing you when the music kicks in. Interesting video, though.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yeah, I’m working on that. We have better microphones now. Music was often to cover for poor audio.

[@Alex.Brasil1]

what website do you use?

[@LearnToStargaze]

For what purpose?

[@Alex.Brasil1]

@@LearnToStargaze buying telescopes

[@keeplookingup911]

Celestron C8 better than Celestron Nexstar 8 SE????

[@LearnToStargaze]

C8 is the name of the optical tube. It is matched with several styles of mounts.

[@keeplookingup911]

@@LearnToStargaze which optical tube would you recommend :- C8 or Nexstar 8 SE

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@keeplookingup911 that’s the same optical tube.

[@antondubkov]

In Russia a used C6 costs over $1000 us 😞

[@LearnToStargaze]

Sounds about right.

[@guerreirosguerreirasdapoli7114]

🙏🏼🙏🏼❤🇧🇷

[@bobmanp8653]

the title isnt correct

[@damianwyczakowski2491]

I got the same with my p1000, thanks for this video, I will not buy this telescope

[@justinvernal]

The whole social distancing thing we could have done whithout

[@jongroubert4203]

Okay, so a few things here: First of all, you're comparing the price of a new COMPLETE scope with a used OTA. That is a completely unfair comparison. A new 8SE is $1199, which generally includes shipping. A used one - the complete scope and mount - is about $800 to $900, not the $330 you paid (+ shipping). Plus, this video definitively shows why beginners should NEVER buy a used scope. As you discussed, the scope you bought was missing the visual back, a finder mount, a red dot finder, a diagonal, and an eyepiece - all of which you get when you buy the scope new. Buying all of this adds about $164 (USD) onto the cost of the bare OTA. On the other hand you did get a Bahtinov mask and Bob's Knobs, so those would have otherwise cost you $45 new. And, of course, used scopes don't come with warranties. Things do go wrong with scopes; this is why I always recommend to beginners that they should buy a new scope, get all the pieces they need, and get the benefit of the warranty. Celestron's warranty is a 2-year warranty, and their customer service is pretty good, even if it is a little slow.

[@LearnToStargaze]

I used Canadian Dollars. A new 8se is $1649 plus 15% tax. I only compared the OTAs in the video. The visual back was $20 so that’s immaterial.

[@peterpalumbo1963]

Sounds like a ripoff. By the time you get the missing parts you spend a small.fortune.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Much less than buying new. This scope is about $2000 now.