Buy This, Not That! Celestron Edition.

Additional notes:
The CPC series is highly recommended
The NexStars are good also, but buy them for the optics, not so much for the mounts, which are cheaper than the CPC and AVX series. At this point, I would be wary of older grey-tubed NexStars. They weren’t as good as the newer ones, and the OTAs are hard to remove from the base. If you must buy a grey-tubed NexStar, don’t pay too much. In all NexStars, I would stay away from the 4. Step up to the 5 if you can. The NexStars start getting unstable once you get to the 8” size. The 5” and the 6” are the sweet spot for this mount.
I don't love the SLT series.
Skip the AstroMasters and PoweSeekers.
The FirstScope76 isn’t great but it is at least cheap.
Most of the 4”, 5” and 6” achromats are decent scopes and attractively priced. Be sure you have a sturdy mount, especially for the 6”.
Likewise, the various Maks are at least OK, but be sure you have a decent mount.
The old Celestron/Vixen SP-C6 was a neat little 6” Newtonian with a “sled” focuser. Very collectible.
The CG-4 is a good small-midsize mount. Just don’t overload it.
The comments about the CGE apply only to that model - the CGEMs are fine.
The new CGX mounts are quite nice, if you need a big mount.
C8 history page: Celestron C8 Overview (scopereviews.com)
www.scopereviews.com/C8History.html
Gary Bennett’s CGE cable mod is here: CGE Cable Replacement Kits Main (bendun.net)
www.bendun.net/CGE-UPGRADE-KITS.html
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www.scopereviews.com

[@bloodstone2000]

Nothing like morning coffee with Ed and a new Video! I just purchased a vintage Super C8 Locally from a gentleman that never EVER used it .. It's such a fantastic Scope..

[@edting]

Nice. I'm hearing a lot of that lately.

[@bloodstone2000]

@@edting I was truly astounded. He said he purchased it in the early 80s.. set it on the table and used it one night only to discover his ambition outweighed his level of expertise ... I have it mounted on an eq6r pro with my William optics z61 and guide scope riding on top. It is Such a great scope I find myself enjoying Visual again..

[@edting]

Yeah, and if you think about it, that's only a C8. Sometimes I wonder how many C11s and C14s are gathering dust in people's basements...

[@CD3WD-Project]

Nice find.

[@skygazerII]

@@edting I keep watching the advertisements, hoping to find one.

[@chasemcniss2466]

Ed, thanks for the Celestron history lesson. Well done and enjoyed immensely. Chase

[@martynh5410]

Great informative video Ed! I enjoy your unbiased and honest opinions on Astro gear.

[@synchrome62]

Thank you for this Celestron showcase! I find the Ultima 8 with PEC deserves a mention! As a teenager in the mid 70s, viewing through an original orange tube C-8 at the local observatory is what got me hooked on the (compact) SCT design. It took me decades to finally buy the one I had always wanted: an Ultima 8 with PEC (late production). I’ve “modernized” it as much as possible by adding The Lumicon Sky Vector NGC (digital setting circles, the same Tangent product branded as Celestron’s Advanced Astro Master), the full line of Ultima (Japan) eyepieces, a few TeleVue Naglers, motofocus and motodec, upgraded heavy duty mount, Kendrick dew control and about any accessory Celestron made for the Ultima line in the 90s, including camera T-adapters and extenders. At the time it was the top-of-the-line 8 inch SCT. I still use it and have never regretted it, despite the weight! People at star parties are still impressed with the wonderful vistas it produces. I still don’t feel the need to upgrade to a more modern, and possibly better scope….

[@ciarancopas2590]

Thanks for your videos and knowledge Ed. I just upgraded from my C6 advanced to my new c8 HD AVX and love it with a couple of nice 2 inch baader eye pieces and diagonal because I seen a review where you had converted your SCT's to 2 inch. I spent from 1 am to 3 am hopping from Jupiter to Saturn and was amazed how much the extra 2 inches of scope delivered. I can't wait for the dark evenings for longer viewing time's. Keep up the great work and thanks so much Ed.

[@edting]

Good to hear, thanks for the report!

[@chrisshelton3504]

Back in the early ‘90’s, I ran the public viewing program at Law’s Observatory for the Physics Department at the University of Missouri-Columbia. In the main observatory, we had one of the original blue and white 16” Celestrons, along with 2 or 3 of the blue and white 10” Celestrons. I THINK the 16” was a donation from Kit Peak or from an individual that worked there. All of those telescopes are noted by the members of the Central Missouri Astronomical Association, the local astronomy club, as being really fine instruments. I have a special place in my heart for those blue and white Celestrons!

[@danzarlenga3542]

I went there in the early 80s and still remember those white Celetrons at Laws observatory!

[@David-hm9ic]

That was really interesting, Ed. Your comments on larger Dobs are spot on. My 12" weighs about 90 pounds; 55 lbs of which is the optical tube. I'm just past retirement age and as much as I hate to admit it, that much weight is not as easy to handle as it once was before beating my body up. I put the whole thing on a wheelbarrow handles style set of wheels that make moving it outside very easy but transporting it to a darker site than my front yard is still harder. Several years ago I ran across a Celestron 80ED refractor on clearance through Astronomers Without Borders. I was looking for a spotting scope for long range shooting at the time but didn't like the prices of spotting scopes marketed in the shooting industry at $800-$2000 for a good one. I think the 80ED was only $350. A friend that had a Swarovski spotting scope liked the Celestron better. It has a 2" focuser with 1.25" adapter and a 1.25" 45° diagonal for correct image viewing so it's great for birding and other daytime terrestrial viewing as well as astronomy. The focuser is just OK. It's tight and smooth but there's no low speed fine focus. The FL is 600mm; f/7.5. The views are razor sharp and it makes a great grab-and-go instrument. I have no doubt it would be a good astrophotography scope on a good mount. It has a clamp-around mount intended for a 1/4"x20 tripod thread and is currently on a Gitzo tripod. At a reasonable price it would be a great addition to a seasoned observer's collection and would immediately spoil a new observer.

[@james9789]

I've just bought a celestron C5 today nice to know you've given it the thumbs up love your knowledge and enthusiasm for scopes.

[@davidaaaa4611]

I have a C5 also. I would suggest you watch some videos on how to set up the go to. It is great when set up right.

[@james9789]

@@davidaaaa4611 hi David don't have the goto looks like I'm going to sell the C5 hope enjoy yours .

[@ACL84Fla]

Love your videos Ed. I have not had a telescope for several years and I am currently back in the market. Your videos have been a fantastic resource. It has been very frustrating trying to find new telescopes because pretty much everywhere I look is out of stock or on backorder. I would love to get an 8" dobsonian but am looking at other options as well. Please keep the videos coming. Psalm 19:1.

[@jasongrosser9910]

Thanks so much for taking the time to make these very informative videos!!!

[@gardnergerry1182]

Hi Ed, I just picked up a Celestron 8" dob from a club member $0. It's about 8-10 years old and the primary is dirty but it's a functional 8" which I have missed after giving away my Orion. This video series of yours is great! Really enjoying it!

[@edting]

$0, Gardner, excellent!

[@monsyschuller3561]

Hey Ed, doing Astrophotography since late 2018 and am now curious to look at optical astronomy. Just discovered your channel and videos and really like them and your calm and funny way to present, looking almost 1.5 hours to different of your videos now and we habe 2am in the morning here in Germany 😎 new subscriber earned, keep on going 😬

[@Ezekiel333]

Great video! Very thorough reviews and great knowledge on these products... Well done!

[@paulsmith1981]

I made a plywood base sitting on inflated trolly wheels with 3 motor bike jacks bolted to the underneath to move my hd 14 in and out of my garage. Since its is already balanced with the accessories already attached it takes me about 10 minutes to wheel it out and level it up using the jacks ready for use.. It takes me a lot longer setting up my 4 inch refractor. If you have a garage with level access to were you want to observe from larger telescopes can be easier to set up and put away than smaller ones.

[@davidstanden480]

The first Celestron telescope I ever saw in person was a blue and white tube C10 The year was 1976. It was located at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. It was proudly sitting in its blue fork mount atop a steel pier with 3 cast legs on Castors so it could be rolled outside. Wanted one ever since.

[@MikeLikesChannel]

Love my 6SE :) It's a great, portable size for trips to dark sites and sets up super quick.

[@BlueTrane2028]

Bought an EQ2 mounted f/11 black tube C90 yesterday. The focusing is greatly improved by cleaning out the original grease and putting in some white Lithium grease. Don't "need" it, but it struck me as interesting and the price was right for me. $150, came with some Japan marked Ortho eyepieces that seem to sell for about $40 each by themselves. I'll give it a shot for short planetary sessions and go from there. The ideal opposite to the 12" LX200 I've been using a lot lately. ScopeStuff sells an adapter (intended for Meade) that is supposed to let you attach standard SCT accessories. Going to try one to get away from the .965 setup.

[@xxxburke]

Wow, the history of all these telescope companies reminds me of the telephone companies. Have you ever done a video where you briefly explain the major companies? I see seemingly identical telescopes on the market and am curious which are clones and which are the same manufacturer as the main brands.

[@gabedenis3111]

Hi Ed thanks for all the info on celestron telescopes I always enjoy your videos I live in Ontario Canada Gabe

[@mxms533]

I have an original orange tube C90 that I got for a grand sum of $0. Got a .965 to 1.25 diagonal on the way. I also used a Baader Hyperion Mark IV Zoom screwed onto it straight through while waiting for the diagonal and was pleasantly surprised.

[@avt_astro206]

Great Series Ed!! Enjoyed The Video!

[@skygazerII]

My older brother gave me his Celestron NexStar 8", it has been a treat! I've taken some Moon photos with it on the original mount. I deforked it, someone on Cloudy Nights fabs and sells Vixen saddles for the Nexstar 8, so now the OTA is on my Orion Atlas mount. (and can go back on the original mount, too!) I'm finishing up a roll off roof observatory, and hope to have it all back in operation soon.

[@edting]

Nice setup!

[@HelenoPaiva]

This guy has very decent content! Thanks a lot!!!

[@smevox7490]

This channel needs many more subscribers!!

[@chadr2604]

The slow motion controls and setting circles on the mount for the newtonian were very good. For visual use you didn't need electronics and motor drives.

[@jimpoop]

I just got a vixen Celestron Premium 80 f11.4 refractor for 25$ at a yard sale. the optics are phenomenal. I just ordered a vixen Polaris to replace the alt az

[@davidaylsworth8964]

In the “Buy This” category I’d put the C6R, Celestrons 150mm f6 achromatic refractor. I got mine for $250 Canadian and spent the money on a Moonlite focuser and some nicer rings. The optics are crisp and with a minus violet filter are really nice when used for photography. This is one telescope that’s worth a look-see. I’d also put the CGEM-DX mount in the “Buy This” category. It’s 50 lb payload capacity and reliability put it high on my list. My 10 year old CGEM-DX is the workhorse in my observatory. Interesting video Ed! Thanks!

[@edting]

I like those 6" achromats too. Cheap, unpretentious, gets the job done.

[@ericemanuelson5128]

Great Video! I would add my first telescope I bought four years ago to the not this side. The Powerseeker 127 that one gave night after night of grief. Enough so that I purchased a skyline 10inch Dob and other none Celestron telescopes. I did give Celestron another try with the 8se I liked it enough to buy a 4se ota then a few months ago bought the 102SLT all of which I really like. Someday I hope to add a 14sct that would probably be the last scope I buy. I do have an Orion Skyview Pro 8" on the way late week. I think I own most of the Orion telescopes you would put on the not this list. LOL I would put the BX90 on that side as much as I really wanted to like it. Gave it away but not before I gave away the powerseeker that I modified to work just ok. So to make a long story longer stay away from bird jones newts = short tube with high f/.

[@bopapa_1979]

I would really appreciate a video review of the Celestron Omni XLT 120.

[@TimK-1971]

For the runaway mount, I wouldn't have thought that the legs can move fast enough to get away from you. Maybe put a leash on it.

[@Gofr5]

Bought my mid 2000's grey tube C9.25 few years ago on the used market for just $700 (CAD). What a steal that was. Unfortunately the mount I use it on has consistently had motor issues, of which I have been very slow to get fixed (though it's finally in the works), and so have not been able to enjoy it as much as I would have liked the past few years. That being said, the few times I have gone out with it, WOW! Sure the images are a little softer than I like and finding focus can sometimes be a pain because of that, but the details seen on both deep sky and planets/moon are something else. Considering the only other scopes I own are 90mm and 127mm, it's quite the difference. Can't wait to get my mount sorted out so I can finally get it out more.

[@cajunsushi]

I’ve been watching you more and more, trying to figure out what to buy.

[@JustinSteereMusic]

Hello Ed, I recently bought Celstron 8SE and I'm in New Jersey. I'm having trouble aligning it with the auto align camera. I don't think I'm starting the scope pointing in the right position. I heard the hand controller should be facing north and I heard that the face of the telescope should be facing north, so If you can give me some tips for a starting point so I can try again I would greatly appreciate it.

[@michaelcoburn655]

Hi Ed. Really enjoying your videos. Do you or anyone else reading have any thoughts on Celestron's Advanced VX 6" refractor? I'm considering this scope but not sure how good its optics would be. Thanks in advance.

[@CONDUCTORE77]

Spot on with the CGE Mount. Great and sturdy Mount but the electronics have a mind of their own.

[@victorialadybug1]

My parents bought me one of those orange telescopes back in the 80's. Oh, the nostalgia.

[@dw6528]

Wonderful! Thank you Ed!

[@Beanerds]

I picked up the black C90 with focus via turning the whole body , average optics for sure but !! ,, It makes an awesome long distance ' Microscope ' , looking at wild life and insects at 50x from 6 feet is amazing ,, very good at that .

[@BobGeogeo]

I'd add as a "buy" the Onyx 80 ED from 2005ish. It's a very well color corrected f/6.3 and super compact. Under 50x it's fine on a good photo tripod. Agena sometimes has a ~$65 dual speed add on for the focuser that helps a lot in the 150x range the scope delivers cleanly. There's field curvature from it being a short doublet. 24mm 82 degree eyepieces work for me, wider doesn't.

[@johnnyhotpants100]

Great video. I would love to know what you think of Saxson.

[@nanocreations7630]

I received a Celestron Cometron 60 as a gift back around the time of the Halley's Comet circus. Plastic Tube + Sunlight = Warped Tube. Enough said. The warping was so bad I wonder if any of these things even survive today that work.

[@Big.Ron1]

Here in Phoenix there arent many decent scopes that come up for sale and those that do, wow their owners are proud of them. Even the kids/entry level scopes. I have been tempted but I know as soon as I buy one my new CPC 800 Edge will finally get here. I ordered it in April and last I was told by OPT is it should ship from Celestron in July so I will hopefully get it in August. Its too hot and too cloudy this time of year to spend time observing in the back yard anyway. Oh well. Thank you and be safe!

[@edting]

Phoenix is a great place to observe, Ron!

[@tjzambonischwartz]

There were three lines of Starhoppers over the years. The initial sonotube and black mount Star Hoppers (6" and 8" only) were made in-house by Celestron using weird conical mirrors made using similar manufacturing process to SCT primaries. The second line that had sonotubes and white mounts (sizes up to 17.5") were manufactured for Celestron by Discovery Telescopes in California (Discovery was also the OEM for Orion's Deep Space Explorer dobs which they outfitted a bit differently). These all had mirrors figured by Terry Ostahowski and are universally excellent optically if occasionally a bit crude and quirky mechanically. Discovery-sourced optics from this era are superb hand I have something of a soft spot for them. I have a 6" Orion Deep Space Explorer from this era with the Ostahowski optics and it's the sharpest scope I own. It was also my first "serious" telescope, having had my first job at the age of 14 to be able to afford it in 1998. It's been HEAVILY hot-rodded in the years since, and It's making my current attempt at the A.L. double star program a cakewalk. The tight and difficult pairs are no match for it. The metal-tubed starhoppers were made in Taiwan by GSO, but GSO's quality control at the time wasn't as good as it is now. I don't think they're as good as the sonotube versions from Discovery.

[@edting]

Hey thanks for that!

[@joebass5163]

Awesome info. I picked up an 8" sonotube with white base on 1/3/23. It's great to know it should have good optics. The mirror was very dusty and I cleaned it with running water and dish soap. It looks like new again. The rest of the scope appears in good condition.

[@MarkGuinn59]

Hi Ed, I really enjoy your video's you are very thorough in your equipment reviews. I am not sure if this is the place to ask but have you had any experience with the VX Newts from OOUK? I am looking for a new telescope for some planetary and small galaxies. I was also looking at the Celestron 9.25 EDGE. Any thoughts?

[@edting]

Those newts appear to be the same (or similar) models sold under the Astro Tech, GSO, etc names in the US. They are good values for the money. Just be sure you have a nice sturdy mount for it!

[@glenndryfoos1826]

I have a Celestron Onyx 80EDF, and it’s a great GnG scope for visual when paired with a Vixen Porta II mount. I don’t do serious astrophotography, but have gotten some great shots of the moon with a DSLR attached.

[@edting]

I had one of those Onyx scopes too. I shouldn't have sold it!

[@robertromanelli9425]

Agree on the Onyx being great grab-n-go. Such a useful scope. I'm glad I still have mine.

[@chinzynator]

I have the Onyx too! Its my 3rd scope and my first proper, mid-tier telescope after the astromaster 130 and i love it to bits!

[@jukeboxheros7021]

I do a lot of pawnshop trolling for vintage guitars and come across a lot of telescopes. lately I've(beginner) been getting the itch to buy one. my concern is laying down good guitar money on an old scope with who knows what problems. so I've been watching your channel lately to get ideas. I've always been fascinated with the night sky just never taken the plunge. I do have a big set of binoculars that are super heavy to hold up for extended periods and I think their not calibrated cuz I always see a double image, hence my itch for a scope. anyho, I'm enjoying your vids and thanks for putting them out.

[@grigorykorolev2902]

Ed, thanks for the video. I think you haven’t mentioned Celestron Nexstar 4 SE, a four inch Maksutov. What would you comment on it? Quite compact, mobile one. I,ve recently seen deep-sky Messier objects with it and it’s quite fine. Is it too dark in your opinion? Would there be a a big difference with nexstar 5se Sh.-K.?

[@Tony67032]

Hi , have you ever use the Ioptron az pro mount, would like to know your opinion on it. thank you

[@m.sabir21]

Thanks for sharing excellent info. I am beginner, just got interested in astronomy and looking at planetary objects, i am located in united Arab Emirates. Please guide how is this Celestron NexStar 4SE Maksutov Telescope? Can you recommend some thing else, if it is not a suitable pick. The 8 inch that you recommended unfortunately is not available or being shipped to uae. Thanks

[@ChrisMarshall2024.]

awesome channel new guy here i just bought a celestron ExploraScope 114AZ newtonian reflecter scope what are peoples thoughts i have used a telescope as a kid but not for a long time now 20 or so years i am struggling with the thing is it actually any good and will it provide me with views of moon planets etc i cant get it to work with anything yet probably my fault....but any tips on getting it set up properly would be appreciated

[@thomashynes4042]

I still have my C-90 Spotting Scope From 1979

[@kyriakosmak]

Great video 👍🏻

[@brodymk45]

i bought a celestron 129eq powerseeker for 200$ at a hobby shop but now the gears kind of work

[@milllworks]

i dunno, i really loved learning with my 4SE back in 2014. i bought a couple televues, 32mm & 20mm, and that thing brought in some amazing views. worked perfectly on its mount, tho learning to use the goto function was quite interesting with the cumbersome hand controller. but all the alignment skills i developed on the 4SE transferred directly to my Evo 8” and I never had to collimate it either. IMHO it is just a nice, solid, reliable scope.

[@jonathankoons8721]

There is a 4SE near me. I want to see saturns rings, how well are you able to see saturn with it? Trying to find my first telescope but dont want to end up only being able to see a tiny fuzzy saturn

[@oiyou9170]

Just bought my first telescope modeled 80500 though the package hasn't arrived I'm still not sure whether it's worth the price 😅

[@DirkDirk1983]

Kinda disagree about the CGE mount. If you just replace the cables with a good quality Cat6a cables there is no issue what so ever. Best to put also an extra dew cap over the connectors cause that is the problem. There is a signal going over the shielded part of the cable, and that signal controls the speed 🤦... It's a very nice and sturdy mount 👍🏼

[@86turbot]

I just bought a super c8 plus for my son…best decision ever!

[@markihde4381]

One Celestron scope that's a bit of a sleeper is the 6" Advanced VX 6, f/8 achromat. I bought the package mainly to get the mount. The optics on the scope are decent for an inexpensive f/8 achromatic refractor but the focuser that comes with it is a Piece O' Junk. I replaced the stock focuser with a Moonlite Crayford focuser, which corrected the focuser sloppiness problems and also added some weight to the rear of the tube to mitigate the front-heavy balance point of the stock OTA. Now, it's a scope that I actually like to use.

[@christopherthomas3403]

👍 I've also got the nice black 6" f8 achromat. Picked it up quite cheap a few years back. It needed a bit of TLC and I also replaced the focuser. It's great for some visual sessions and I don't seem to get too much chromatic aberration. Maybe that's just my eyesight! So at present, it's a keeper.

[@edting]

I like those too. The main issue is people not being aware of how big those things are and they try to put them on undersized mounts.

[@markihde4381]

@@edting Yup! The Celestron mount it came with is pushed close to the limit, even for just visual use. It's not so much the OTA weight as the long moment lever of the tube that is the issue. That's why my Celestron 6" achromat rides on a Losmandy G11 mount and the Celestron mount is dedicated to my 80mm and 110mm APO refractors. Thanks, Ed, for putting out these professional quality telescope videos!

[@mitrovarr]

I used a 6" refractor (Skywatcher 150 ED) on an AVX. It's an lot of scope for the mount. It does work, but I think if I didn't already have the AVX I would go for something larger like an EQ-6R or something.

[@bowrudder899]

You didn't cover my telescope: the Celestron Omni XLT 150 Newtonian. Love the dual speed focus.

[@mariop135]

Hi Ed, great videos. I recently purchase my first regractor. I bought it used, it only came with one eye piece. I was wondering if you would recommend me a barlow for it. It's a Celestron C102-HD 1000 F/L.

[@edting]

Good job on the C102HD. I like those. Resist the urge to buy more stuff. There's plenty here to keep you busy for a long time. If you feel like spending money, get yourself some books, including a star atlas.

[@stijnvercamer9834]

"If you’re fortunate enough to have a permanent observatory, i’m jealous." -Ed Ting

[@JoeJaguar]

yes alot nice scopes back then,

[@ronaldriggs9163]

I purchased a Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ-MD before this video came out. It is the biggest piece of garbage I have ever owned. I just sent an email to Celestron to see if I can get my money back! You are spot on regarding your opinion of this scope.

[@edting]

Hi, sorry to hear that. The AstroMasters are not good. Be glad you did not get a PowerSeeker!

[@Astro_Ash_Jeremy]

⁠@@edting Powerseeker 😂😂😂 If he would’ve bought that one, I can guarantee you, he would have set it on fire on his backyard

[@dewey66904]

Hello Ed, Ive been binging on your videos over the last month. Great information and videos, Thanks. I have a question if you or some of your watchers have the time. Ive been looking for a new telescope and purchased a new Celestron 9.25 Edge HD. Now you said this is one of your favorites (REGULAR VERSION). I had to take what I could get. LOL. Question is, What is a good Eyepiece upgrade for this scope. A brand or a Kit will be fine. I thought of the Luminos Pieces but I thought I would get some input. Thanks again

[@edting]

Hey good job on the 9.25. I'll give the usual advice not to buy anything at this time. There's plenty to keep you busy for a long time, and in the beginning eyepieces are usually not your bottleneck. Also eyepieces are a highly personal decision; what I like may not match what you like. If you must know, on these SCTs my favorite eyepieces are the TeleVue 27mm and 35mm Panoptics. Hope this helps.

[@dewey66904]

@@edting Thanks Ed. It does come with a 2" 23mm Which is close to that. I was thinking of doing the Luminos barlow and a .7 reducer. Holy cow (lol) I just googled those eye pieces. I need to sit down. Thanks for your time and have a great day

[@RazorChrist]

Loving your videos! I'm just getting into telescopes and was wondering, what is your opinion on the Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ? I recently bought this telescope due to being on a tight budget and so far, I'm enjoying it. The phone app that goes with it doesn't like to align like 95% of the time, so I just use the red dot sight to align. When I've got the budget to upgrade, it will most likely be the Orion XT8 Dobsonian, as I've heard raving reviews and recommendations on that one from many sources.

[@edting]

Sadly, those inexpensive StarSense models aren't very good...

[@RazorChrist]

@@edting I normally do alot of research before purchases like this, but I didn't this time and absolutely wish I had. But that's okay...beginner mistakes. At least it gives me a the chance to get used to this type of telescope and it's maintenance. The Moon looks great in it, but sadly not much else. I was able to catch Jupiter and 4 moons with city lights all around...but it was a bit fuzzy. That's about it.

[@RazorChrist]

@@edting I was actually very impressed tonight. I live a mile from a large international airport, alot of light pollution. But I was able to see a pretty clear Jupiter + 4 moons, a decent but small Saturn, and lovely shots of Vega and Cyngus/Deneb. Sadly my mount couldn't get a decent recording of Saturn, but I was happy I could see it at all, given my conditions.

[@BlueTrane2028]

Also, I regret selling my 8" sonotube Starhopper. That was a great telescope. The newer ones are basically modern Skywatchers.

[@BlueTrane2028]

Came back to report, I have found a replacement for my old 8" Sonotube Starhopper! My old one had the white base, this one has the black base. I don't notice a particular difference in altitude operation. The sonotube is much more comfortable to handle in the cold than a steel tube, so I've found my winter observing companion when not going with an electronic mount. Data points on price, the first one was $100, this one was $200 but came with a Telrad, which the old didn't have. I didn't "need" a fourth Telrad, but here we are. Both scopes were filthy and required thorough cleaning, the new one I think has the nicer mirror, so lucky me.

[@emilgeorgiev1074]

you could write a list in the video or in the description because I couldn't follow and forgot what you said

[@tichwykes]

I have an 11" RASA & CGE pro that were given to me last year both had issues but the RASA is fixed although it may need collimating, not an easy scope to use by all accounts as it's only used for imaging & not viewing. The mount is well toast would it be worth fixing up? Parts are getting impossible to find & the ones I do find a ridiculously high priced so I think it may end up getting passed on for parts. Pity they are such a bad mount as it would have been a great edition to the observatory.

[@edting]

Wow, those are nice "gifts". If there's a local astro club near you, hit them up - they may be able to help.

[@CarpeNoctem42]

Would have loved to see the AstroFi range in this video...

[@gautambiswas7338]

Excellent review and recommendations. Can you please do a similar one on the Vixen range? Thanks

[@edting]

Thanks. I'm not sure I know enough about all the Vixen models to do a good job. Vixen has quirky products and you really need long term experience with them to do a good evaluation.

[@gautambiswas7338]

@@edting I understand. Thanks

[@BobSmith-pv2kr]

Ya bud i want to know if the celestron i think they are infinity 90az refractor scopes or any of the az refractor like the 100az or the 80az they are bout 200 bucks are they any good

[@ericfrizzell2450]

What about the omni series telescopes?

[@MountainFisher]

In the 1960s I was really looking forward to Halley's Comet. All the way through the 70s I thought about it from time to time. Then in 1986 the beggar was on the other side of the sun and when it came back around it wasn't very visible in the Northern Hemisphere.

[@MikeLikesChannel]

By all accounts, major let down. The 2061 pass is forecast to be much better, I’d be 77 years old… no guarantees I make it.

[@MountainFisher]

@@MikeLikesChannel I'd be over 100 and all things considered I am sure I won't make it.

[@joshharris3040]

Any thoughts on the Celestron Schmidt Camera?

[@ma2ty47]

Hey Ed. I would love your opinion. So I am brand new into the hobby and just purchased my first scope after debating on it for 3 days. I had 250 to 350 to spend and ended up purchasing the Celestron Powerseeker 114EQ. It literally just arrived today. I see you recommend skipping these models, but I wanted your opinion on if I should return it and go for something else or of this will suffice as a beginner scope? What are the negatives with this scope?

[@edting]

No debate on this one - return it. The AstroMasters and PowerSeekers are dept store grade junk.

[@JejetRC]

I found an 8” dobsonian for $130, should I go for it?

[@jktz122]

modern sct meaning the orange colored tube?

[@chadr2604]

I had a bad experience with the schmidt design. I was using a newtonian made to an extremely high level of precision. It has a very small secondary obstruction, zerodur mirrors, baffles all down the tube, on a very heavy manual equatorial mount. The SCT had shit for contrast and appeared dimmer even though it had a primary mirror 1" larger. The focuser had slop in it and the mount was not nearly as rigid. I reckon the C11 was built to a cost the 10" newtonian tube assembly alone costed twice as much as the whole C11

[@LucaTurnerStudios]

Hi Ed, I'm looking to add to my lenses. I got the inspire 100AZ for Christmas. I'm mainly wanting to use it to see planets as close and focused as possible (Saturn ect). I'm looking at the 4mm lens and the Barlow x2. I'm not clued up on all the numbers and wording etc but told these would be good to have. Would these two pieces be a good addition to the collection? 🤔 Would greatly appreciated any advice 😁👍🏻

[@edting]

Ouch. That telescope is not very good. As you've no doubt noticed by now, the mount doesn't work well. It shakes and wobbles. A 4mm eyepiece is worthless in your situation, as is the barlow. Keep it at the lowest possible magnification to give yourself the best chance to see something. Once you've outgrown the scope, you can decide if you want to upgrade. Don't buy anything else for now!

[@ainttakenanyshit]

Mr. Ed, I have a question concerning the Celestron SkyAlign - 1, 2, 3 star alignment process. Without tracking enabled, space objects will quickly move out of a medium to high power eyepiece FOV - one that would normally be used for slignment. For the current Celestron CPC 800 XLT telescope SkyAlign alignment process, does the computer take into account the delay, even though a time of a few minutes, that the alignment stars move slewing from one alignment star to the next ??? The motion of the stars will seemingly introduce alignment errors if each star that is centered NOW, will have moved until you get centered on the next star. In a very extreme example, if the time between centering each alignment star was say 10 minutes, without the computer compensating for that movement, the entire SkyAlign process would be void.... Your comments welcome.... Thanks for your expert advise on this hobby.... Hank (a very technical question from a retired KSC Engineer ;-) P.S.One more question please - I have found that with my "now returning" an 8SE, the single arm mount was very shaky when trying to focus using an ASI224MM camera. I just ordered a Celestron CPC 800 XLT with the dual-arm mount and from your experience, how much less shake will there be in focusing my soon to be delivered CPC 800 XLT? IF needed I am thinking about the Celestron Electric Focuser, but, will wait until I have hands on experience with new scope.... Thank you again....

[@edting]

The NexStar mount is not strong enough to hold a C8 OTA. Add in the enormous crop factor due to the small sensors on those ASI cameras and you get a whole lot of jiggling and shaking. The CPC should be better. Also I find that despite its known issues, I still prefer the equatorial AVX over the CPC.

[@klttrll]

Are there any manual alt az mounts that can withstand an 8se OTA?

[@chadr2604]

I reckon the SCTs really shine on portability and price vs performance. The best telescope is one you will use.

[@hanswiriya]

Hi Ed. Would u recommend Celestron StarSense LT 114AZ for beginner? or could you suggest other type that prices range between $200-300?

[@edting]

Please stick with the standard recommendations - the Orion Starblast or Short Tube 80, or the AWB OneSky. A lot of stuff is out of stock right now, so you may have to wait a bit.

[@tmrdarkstar85]

I own a newer C8 non-edge it had some issues brand new. yes celestron took care of it but honestly I feel these issues could have been avoided if they under went the same QA that the edge models do. So in my honest opinion buy an edge HD.

[@brucegelman5582]

Whats your opinion on Celestron vs Meade

[@gabedenis3111]

Do you have opinion on a 8inch nexstarse celestron thank you

[@TheAngryAstronomer]

Quite surprised to see none of the Powerseekers in the not to buy category. Also Do you own any Sky-Watchers or William Optics scopes? I've never seen any in your collection.

[@edting]

It's in the description. I had to edit for time...

[@davidborger1808]

I'd like to get Ed's review of the 6" refractor that come with the VX mount.

[@edting]

If it's the CR150 6" f/8 achromat, I did a review on Scopereviews a while back.

[@davidborger1808]

@@edting Yes, I just found that. Thanks!

[@nyali2]

Can you use the celestron nexstar manually, or only the go2 function?

[@CD3WD-Project]

I have seen the 6 and 8 go for more then MSRP sometimes way over. I guess I will lucky to get my SE6 at MSRP as Amazon sold out of there stock in 10 hours.

[@stevenemert837]

Over MSRP and selling out fast appear to be a result of the 2020 and 2021 "I need a hobby during COVID lockdown" phenomenon. Hopefully things will return to normal soon.

[@CD3WD-Project]

@@stevenemert837 that or maybe some really nice stuff come up for sell on the cheap.

[@xeon_one]

Is it possible to make an update to this video and links ? Try to buy my first telescopes. Thank you

[@jimconnoy6133]

I'd like to have a Schmidt-Cassegrain but they're out of my price range

[@bababoey3315]

Celestron for appartement is very good 👍👍

[@bababoey3315]

Schmidt-Cassegrain

[@paddyproo]

If you have any recommendations for beginner telescopes for £300 or less, i would like it to be reflector and preferably it should look at the planets and some deep space objects

[@edting]

I have several buyer's guides on this channel. Check them out. The best beginner's scope is still a 6" or 8" Dobsonian. Do not buy a cheap scope, that is the biggest mistake beginner's make.

[@devpatel1140]

Hey please answer this, I want a telescope to understand the sky first and then start astrophotography so many people in my circle, group and youtube videos recommended me an 8 inch Dobsonian but I am confused to choose between an 8 and 10 and I really care about weight and portability because in my city which comes in 8 or 7 light pollution and there are no nearby dark skies, at least in 500 km so could you recommend with your experience which to buy and any pollution filter probably and some equipment with it too but for basic understanding, like lens cap, etc and would it be a big task to collimation of it. And what about the deep sky? Also, I have heard you could see much more than you can capture in detail? true? Also, can you do a comparison of all 8 and 10-inch telescope-like which glass it uses in the telescope, the mount is how, any filters I need with and etc

[@rsramanujam]

Ed has an exclusive video on all solid tube dobsonians …

[@goldni4429]

Any thoughts on the CG-4 Mount? I bought a Celestron Omni 102 Acromat f/9.8 on one and so far love it!

[@edting]

It's a decent mid sized mount.

[@goldni4429]

@@edting Thanks for your input and for all the amazing videos,I've seen every single one!

[@jonathancunningham1903]

I'm looking into buying an 8" edge hd telescope is there anything you would recommend about it?

[@iuliani1663]

@Ed Ting - for a rookie, what would you recommend on pure performance out of these two? Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ or celestron trailseeker 80-45? or an alternative at the same price range?

[@edting]

Don't buy those. Watch my other videos for beginner recommendations!

[@iuliani1663]

@@edting i did watch those some time ago, following your channel for a while now. I could use a black on white answer, like pick this because it's the best at your budget. Too many aspects to be considered and i cannot make a decision on my own. Budget is of ~ 500 usd I

[@jeff-hd9og]

@@iuliani1663 just buy a 8 inch dob

[@JuanHV2000]

i have decided to buy a Dobsonian ..so i want to ask you : 8 inch or 10 inch ? is worth the upgrade ? the 2 extra inchs give a big difference ? is there much difference in weight? thanks

[@edting]

I've said this here a lot, but here it is again - you won't go wrong either way but for most people the 8 is the sweet spot. There are a couple of minor issues with the 10. First, because it's bigger, you will use it less. Also, the extra weight of the optical tube starts to exert pressure on the azimuth bearing, making the axis a bit stiff.

[@TreePruner150]

Hi Ed: Great series! Thank you very much. I love watching your videos. Do you think the Orion SkyView Pro Eq GoTo is comparable to the Celestron AVX? What do you think about Orion buying Meade? Thanks, Duane

[@edting]

Yes, I like all the Orion SkyView xxxxx series mounts. Get the one that suits your needs, and don't overload it!