Celestron CPC 9.25-Inch
June 9, 2008
Celestron CPC 9.25-Inch Telescope Review
General Info
Class: CPC GPS Schmidt Cassegrain
Best Uses: Planets, stars, galaxies & excellent for Astrophotography!
Recommended Experience: Experienced - Professional
Overall Rating: 8.8/10
Official Review: If you’re looking for a new scope that’s great all-around, has excellent range, and is perfect for detailed Astrophotography, the Celestron CPC 9.25 Inch is a great pick! Typically sold at around $2,500-$3,000, this scope is best for experienced stargazers.
However, it’s high-tech feature set justifies the price, and the CPC 9.25 inch was made with perfect balance between bells & whistles and functionality in mind, and in my opinion: Celestron hit the mark.
Pros: Great GPS system, amazing for Astrophotography, 40,000 programmed objects & has SkyAlign
Cons: Somewhat heavy, complicated features for beginners & fairly expensive for just a hobby
Click here to check out the Celestron CPC 9.25-Inch on Telescopes.com!
Important Details
Usability: 8.9/10 - Very easy to use for experienced stargazers
Comfortability: 9.1/10 - Comfortable eyepiece, ergonomic design
Durability: 8.7/10 - Heavy-Duty steel construction
Battery Life: 8.1/10 - Standard Celestron battery life (Comes w/ car battery adapter)
Backlash: 9.5/10 - Virtually none
Warranty: 9.1/10 - 2-year limited through Celestron
Storage: 7.5/10 - Fairly heavy at 77lb total weight; Small ergonomic design
Accuracy: 8.6/10 - SkyAlign, 555x Magnification & sturdy mount
Setup: 8.5/10 - Easy for experienced users; Could be tough for beginners
Check out more customer reviews of the 9.25-Inch CPC!
Tech Specs
Aperture: 235mm
Magnification (Lowest Useful - Highest Useful): 3x - 555x
Focal Length: 2,350mm
Focal Ratio: f/10
Resolution: 0.59 Arc Seconds
Angular Field of View: 0.7°
Tracking: Altazimuth, EQ North & EQ South
Click here to learn more about the 9.25-Inch Celestron CPC!
Telescope Construction
Optical Design: Schmidt Cassegrain
Viewfinder: 50mm w/quick release bracket
Eyepiece: 40mm
Tube: Aluminum
Mount Design: Dual Fork Arm Altazimuth
Weight: 58lb (77lb total)
Tripod: Heavy-Duty Steel Adjustable
Power Supply: 12VDC 1.5A
Lens Coating: Starbright Coating
Other Equipment: Celestron Remote control
Recommended Accessories: 925 Solar Filter, AC Adapter & 1.25in Eyepiece/Filter Kit
Extra Features
GoTo: Yes
GPS: Yes
Computerized: Yes
Alignment: SkyAlign, Auto Two-Star Alignment, Two-star Align, SolarSystem Align, EQ North Align, EQ South Align, One-Star Align
Remote: Yes
Object Database: 40,000+ pre-programmed objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects.
Programming Options: 400 user-defined programmable objects.
Summary: If you’re into Astrophotography, and you’re fairly experienced with telescopes, this might be just what you’re looking for. A fantastic pre-programmed 40,000-object database, SkyAlign technology, a well-built machine, and an ergonomic design makes this scope tough to beat in its price range.
That said, I would recommend the CPC 8-Inch if you’re not a professional and/or the 9.25 inch is out of your price range, as this will save you about $500 with very little loss of quality.
Click here to order the Celestron CPC 9.25-Inch from Telescopes.com!
Celestron NexStar 5 SE
May 12, 2008
Celestron NexStar 5 SE Review
General Info
Class: NexStar SE (Special Edition); Schmidt-Cassegrain
Best Uses: General Astronomy (Astrophotography , Viewing Galaxies/Star Clusters , Viewing Nebulae , Viewing the Moon , Viewing the Planets)
Recommended Experience: As with the 8SE, the Celestron NexStar 5 SE model details say it is made for the ‘Professional’ astronomer, but it is very possible to use it as an avid or recreational stargazer due to its ease of use and wide array of features.
Overall Rating: 8.65/10
Official Review: The 5SE is listed at about $1,500 and is typically sold for around $800. Because it has the majority of the features of the 8SE and costs about $600 less, I recommend the NexStar 5SE over the 8SE for any casual-recreational astronomers out there.
Though it does lack somewhat in the aperture/eyepiece department, it is quite easy to upgrade if necessary for your purposes, and if you do you will have an incredible deal with regards to investment.
Pros: Easy to setup, comfortable, strong construction, nice lenses, portable, great features & under $1,000
Cons: Somewhat complex for the average stargazer, needs upgrades on aperture, eyepieces & GPS (still under $1,000)
Click here to check out the Celestron NexStar 5 SE on Telescopes.com!
Important Details
Usability: 8.8/10 - Simple to setup and get used to (especially for a “Pro” telescope)
Comfortability: 9.1/10 - Most users say it’s comfortable
Durability: 9.2/10 - Strong Celestron build
Battery Life: 6.7/10 - Computerized models running on 8-AA’s always have trouble with this
Backlash: 7.0/10 - Minor issues, but manual covers this for beginners
Warranty: 9/10 - Standard Celestron 2-year limited
Storage: 8.7/10 - Light, portable & easy to store
Accuracy: 8.0/10 - Accurate SkyAlign feature (some complain about ease of use for alignment)
Setup: 9.3/10 - Easy to assemble & excellent manual
Check out more customer reviews of the NexStar 5 SE!
Tech Specs
Aperture: 125mm (4.92in)
Magnification (Lowest Useful, Standard, Highest Useful): 18x, 50x & 300x
Focal Length: 1250mm (49.21in)
Focal Ratio: 10
Resolution: 1.1 arc seconds
Angular Field of View: 1°
Slew Speed: Nine slew speeds: 4°/sec, 2°/sec, 1°/sec, 64x, 16x, 8x, 4x, 1x, .5x
Tracking: Alt-Az, EQ North & EQ South
Click here to learn more about the Celestron 5 SE!
Telescope Construction
Optical Design: Schmidt-Cassegrain
Viewfinder: StarPointer
Eyepiece: 25mm (0.98in)
Tube: Aluminum
Mount Design: Single Fork Arm Altazimuth
Weight: 27.6lbs (12.52kg)
Tripod: Steel w/ built-in wedge
Power Supply: 8-AA batteries (not included)
Lens Coating: StarBright XLT (Fantastic!)
Other Equipment: Hand control
Recommended Accessories: Filter/Eyepiece set, CN16 GPS add-on, and possibly an aperture upgrade
Extra Features
GoTo: Yes
GPS: Yes
Computerized: Yes
Alignment: SkyAlign, Auto 2-Star Align, 1-Star Align, 2-Star Align, SolarSystem Align
Remote: Yes
Object Database: 38,181 accessible objects
Programming Options: 200 user-definable objects
Summary: If you’re looking for a high-powered scope that won’t require too much upgrading in the near future, but you don’t want to pay more than $1,000 for it, the Celestron NexStar 5SE is a better bet than its popular cousin the 8SE.
That said, be leery of its fairly complex feature set and the necessity to upgrade the aperture & eyepiece. Ready to get the NexStar 5SE? Want to read more reviews? Check it out on my favorite telescope site: Telescopes.com!
Click here to order the Celestron NexStar 5 SE from Telescopes.com!
Celestron NexStar 114SLT
April 28, 2008
Celestron NexStar 114SLT Telescope Review
General Info
Class: NexStar SLT Reflector
Best Uses: General (Planets, moon, stars, galaxies & Astrophotography)
Recommended Experience: Beginner - Enthusiast
Overall Rating: 8.1/10
Official Review: The 114SLT by Celestron is a great beginner-intermediate scope for someone who wants the cool features, without the high price! If you’re looking for a computerized telescope that can take pictures of what you find, aligns itself, syncs up to your computer, tells you about the objects you’re looking at, and is accurate enough to view the vast majority of stuff people care about, check out the NexStar 114SLT!
That said, I would highly recommend the 130SLT (since it’s only $40 more), because it gives much more “bang for the buck”, as they say…
Pros: SkyAlign, GoTo, GPS, object database, accurate, cool design, great price, Astrophotography, durable, lightweight, all-around scope
Cons: More expensive SLT models are more accurate, small comparative object database (4,000)
Click here to check out the Celestron NexStar 114SLT on Telescopes.com!
Important Details
Usability: 8.6/10 - Very easy to use & setup for any experience level
Comfortability: 8.4/10 - comfortable eyepiece & adjustable tripod
Durability: 8.2/10 - Sturdy, stainless steel tripod; Durable optics tube
Battery Life: 6.9/10 - Not the best due to computer-features (Solution: Power Tank)
Backlash: 7.6/10 - Not much, but not as good as higher-level SLT models
Warranty: 8.7/10 - Standard Celestron limited warranty (Telescopes.com has an awesome policy!)
Storage: 9.2/10 - Easy to store, lightweight
Accuracy: 7.9/10 - Very accurate for its price; Upgrade to the 130SLT for more accuracy
Setup: 8.1/10 - Easy to setup, but not as easy as non-computerized models
Click here to read more reviews on the Celestron NexStar 114SLT!
Tech Specs
Aperture: 114mm
Magnification (Highest Useful): 269x
Focal Length: 1,000mm (1M)
Focal Ratio: f/9
Resolution: 1.21 Arc Seconds
Angular Field of View: 1.1º
Slew Speed: 4°/sec, 2°/sec, 1°/sec, .5°/sec, 32x, 16x, 8x, 4x, 2x
Tracking: Alt-Az, EQ North & EQ South
Click here to learn more about the NexStar 114SLT!
Telescope Construction
Optical Design: Reflector
Viewfinder: StarPointer
Eyepiece: 25mm & 9mm (40x & 111.11x)
Tube: Excellent design
Mount Design: Quick-release fork-arm
Weight: 15lbs (Lightweight, very portable!)
Tripod: Sturdy, stainless steel w/ accessory tray
Power Supply: 8-AA batteries (Optional: AC Adapter, Car-Battery Adapter or Power Tank)
Lens Coating: Standard
Other Equipment: Remote, “The Sky” planetarium software & auxiliary port for accessories
Recommended Accessories: Power Tank & Eyepiece/Filter Set (Optional)
Extra Features
GoTo: Yes!
GPS: Optional add-on w/ auxiliary port
Computerized: Yes
Alignment: SkyAlign (Pick 3 bright objects, it aligns itself!)
Remote: Yes
Object Database: 4,000 pre-programmed objects
Programming Options: Can view object info, city/location info & more!
Summary: In conclusion, the Celestron NexStar 114SLT is an awesome all-around beginner-intermediate telescope for anyone looking for a computerized, feature-packed reflector. BUT, don’t buy it! I would highly recommend you get the Nexstar 130SLT instead, because it’s only $40 more and has more going for it…Either way, though, you’re getting a great deal!
Click here to order the Celestron NexStar 114SLT from Telescopes.com!
Celestron CPC 8-Inch
April 8, 2008
Celestron CPC 8-Inch Telescope Review
General Info
Class: CPC Schmidt Cassegrain
Best Uses: Planets, moon, galaxies, nebulae, & Astrophotography (Everything!)
Recommended Experience: Advanced - Professional
Overall Rating: 8.4/10
Official Review: Compared to other 8″ Schmidt-Cassegrain scopes, the Celestron CPC is my #1 choice. It has every feature you’ll want, it is well-built and sturdy, it’s easy to use, takes crystal clear photos, syncs up with your PC, is an all-purpose scope for anything you enjoy observing, it’s priced well at about $2,000 for its specs, and it has wonderful optics.
Also, my favorite aspect of the CPC 800 is that when you find something you enjoy, you can program it into the scope so it’s easy find again…up to 400 times!
Pros: Wide-array of features, GPS, GoTo & SkyAlign, sturdy, 400 user-defined objects and comfortable
Cons: A bit on the heavy side…
Click here to check out the Celestron CPC 8-Inch on Telescopes.com!
Important Details
Usability: 8.8/10 - Fantastically easy to use for advanced astronomers
Comfortability: 9.2/10 - Ergonomically-designed for easy portability, comfortable eyepiece
Durability: 8.6/10 - Heavy-duty steel construction, sturdy tripod & mount
Battery Life: 8.0/10 - Standard Celestron life + car-battery adapter
Backlash: 9.4/10 - Very little to speak of…
Warranty: 9.1/10 - 2-year limited
Storage & Portability: 7.6/10 - Celestron made up for its weight with its ergonomic design; Easy to store
Accuracy: 8.2/10 - Great Altazimuth mount, SkyAlign & 8×50 finderscope
Setup: 8.4/10 - Standard/easy for advanced users (high-tech features could be tough for less-experienced)
Click here to read more reviews on the Celestron 8-Inch CPC telescope!
Tech Specs
Aperture: 203.2mm
Magnification (Lowest Useful, Standard, Highest Useful): 29x, 50.8x, 480x
Focal Length: 2,032mm
Focal Ratio: f/10
Resolution: 0.68 Arc seconds
Angular Field of View: 0.8º
Star Diagonal: 1.25 inch
Tracking: Altazimuth, EQ North & EQ South
Click here to learn more about the 8-Inch CPC!
Telescope Construction
Optical Design: Schmidt-Cassegrain
Viewfinder: 50mm w/ quick release bracket
Eyepiece: 40mm
Tube: Aluminum
Mount Design: Dual Fork arm
Weight: 42lbs total
Tripod: Heavy-duty steel, adjustable (2″ steel legs) & accessory tray
Power Supply: 12VDC 1.5A & Car-battery adapter
Lens Coating: StarBright XLT
Other Equipment: NexRemote & software control
Recommended Accessories: JMI 8-Inch CPC case, 12V Power supply & 1.25in eyepiece and filter set
Extra Features
GoTo: Yes
GPS: Yes
Computerized: Yes
Alignment: SkyAlign, Auto Two-Star Alignment, Two-star Align, SolarSystem Align, EQ North Align, EQ South Align, One-Star Align
Remote: Yes (NexRemote)
Object Database: 40,000 object database
Programming Options: 400 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objects
Summary: If you’re at least semi-experienced with telescopes, and you’re willing to spend some extra cash (around $2,000), the Celestron CPC 8″ is a fabulous choice! A little more high-tech than a beginner would need, it has all the bells & whistles you’ll want for a more enjoyable stargazing experience. With a 40,000 object database, SkyAlign, NexRemote, PC-syncing, GoTo, GPS, and a built-to-last body, the CPC 800 is one awesome telescope!
Click here to order the Celestron CPC 8-Inch from Telescopes.com!
Celestron NexStar 130SLT
March 24, 2008
Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Telescope Review
General Info
Class: GoTo Reflector
Best Uses: General (Planets, moon, stars, nebulae & Astrophotography)
Recommended Experience: Casual/recreational
Overall Rating: 8.28/10
Official Review: The Celestron NexStar 130 SLT is a perfect telescope for anyone wanting something to use with their family or on camping trips: it’s lightweight & durable, it’s comfortable, easy to align, has wonderful contrast, and has plenty of pre-programmed objects to find with the built-in computer.
If you want the joys of seeing stunning cosmic objects, without the hassle and cost of a “professional-grade” telescope, the Celestron NexStar 130 SLT is a great choice!
Pros: Accurate alignment, comfortable, well-built, great price for beginners & casual/recreational astronomers
Cons: Sticky focus knobs, fairly unstable tripod, low-quality lenses for professionals use
Click here to check out the Celestron NexStar 130 SLT on Telescopes.com!
Important Details
Usability: 8.4/10 - This scope is made for the beginner, but it has some advanced features that make it a bit more difficult to get used to. However, this is nice once you break the learning curve, because you won’t need to upgrade!
Comfortability: 9.1/10 - Very comfortable eyepiece; Tripod is a bit unstable (Use a small weight or sandbag to stabilize)
Durability: 8.2/10 - Stainless steel construction and durable tube design
Battery Life: 7.6/10 - Uses 8-AA batteries. 12V Power Supply recommended
Backlash: 7.9/10 - Very little to speak of for this price range
Warranty: 8.0/10 - 2-year limited
Storage: 8.7/10 - Light, easy to store & portable
Accuracy: 8.6/10 - Very accurate and easy to align
Setup: 8.1/10 - Pretty easy to use; Instruction manual makes it easier
Click here to read more reviews on the Celestron NexStar 130 SLT!
Tech Specs
Aperture: 130mm
Magnification (Highest Useful): 300x
Focal Length: 650mm
Focal Ratio: f/5
Resolution: 1.06 Arc seconds
Angular field of view: 1.7º
Slew: Automatic, but computer can slew to objects if “Enter” is pushed unintentionally
Slew Speeds: Nine slew speeds: 4°/sec, 2°/sec, 1°/sec, .5°/sec, 32x, 16x, 8x, 4x, 2x
Tracking: GoTo & SkyAlign (Awesome!)
Click here to learn more about the Celestron NexStar 130 SLT!
Telescope Construction
Optical Design: Reflector
Viewfinder: StarPointer (Highly recommended)
Eyepiece: 25mm (26x) & 9mm (72x) - Both very comfortable to use
Tube: Well-designed, standard Celestron tube
Mount Design: Motorized Altazimuth (GoTo)
Weight: 18lbs
Tripod: Stainless steel; sturdy; comes with an accessory tray to conveniently store filters & lenses
Power Supply: 8-AA batteries; internal to avoid cord; No complaints on battery life
Lens: Decent quality overall; Great for the price considering all the added features
Recommended Accessories: 12V Power Supply or AC Adapter; 1.25 inch format Celestron eyepiece & filter kit helps
Extra Features
GoTo: Yes. Fantastic technology
GPS: No (Can purchase GPS accessory to use in extra auxiliary port)
Computerized: Yes. Excellent motorized capability.
Alignment: Very simple SkyAlign technology (Pick 3 bright objects & it aligns itself!)
Remote: Yes
Object Database: Yes (4,000 pre-programmed objects to find automatically)
Programming Options: Cannot add much to the pre-programmed list, but works well with computer
CD-ROM: The Sky Level 1 & NexStar Observers List (v2.6.4c) - great software program!
Summary: For its price, the Celestron NexStar 130 SLT is VERY tough to beat! It’s jam-packed with features so you won’t have to upgrade any time soon, it’s easy to align, it’s durable, and it’s perfect for backyard stargazing or taking on camping trips. If you’re looking for something that will give you “more bang for your buck”, then the NexStar 130 SLT might be just what you’ve been looking for…
Click here to order the Celestron NexStar 130 SLT from Telescopes.com!
Celestron NexStar 8 SE
March 15, 2008
Celestron NexStar 8 SE Review
General Info
Class: NexStar SE (Special Edition); Schmidt-Cassegrain
Best Uses: All-around Astronomy (Viewing planets, nebulae, the moon and star clusters; Astrophotography)
Recommended Experience: Though the Celestron NexStar 8 SE model details say it is made for the Professional astronomer, the vast majority of its users are in the Casual & Recreational category due to its ease of use and wide array of features.
Overall Rating: 9.41/10
Official Review: Listed at $2,600 (typically sold for $1,400), this powerful telescope is well worth the money overall. The only three things I found to be the slightest bit lacking are the battery-life (about 1.5 hours without the Power Tank upgrade), the single eyepiece and the occasional backlash (slight “lag” when GoTo alignment causes gears to move the scope to your desired object).
However, these minor drawbacks are more than made up for by its wonderful optics, its nearly flawless alignment and its ease of use. It’s easy to setup, has a fantastic instruction manual, and while they say it’s made for the pros, anyone can use it within a couple hours of learning to harness the power of its high-tech features. For the price, this is an amazing telescope, and I think you’ll spend many happy nights with it!
Pros: Light, durable, affordable for its robust feature set, easy to use, GoTo & SkyAlign technology, portable & amazing optics!
Cons: Fairly short battery-life & poorly-crafted eyepiece (Celestron Power Tank & accessory kit easily fix this)
Click here to check out the Celestron NexStar 8 SE and start observing!
Important Details
Usability: 9/10 - Very easy to use for what is considered a “Professional” scope
Comfortability: 8.5/10 - Some users complain about the supplied eyepiece & replace (others say it is comfortable)
Durability: 9.5/10 - Very durable; built to last, steady tripod & solid construction
Battery Life: 6.5/10 - Due to the power of this scope, its battery life is lacking compared to other less-advanced models
Backlash: 7.1/10 - Minor backlash issues, but instruction manual covers tips to reduce negative effects for beginners
Warranty: 9/10 Standard 2-year limited (Covers common issues, and isn’t used often due to its durable design)
Storage: 8.5/10 - Light, portable & easy to store
Accuracy: 8.2/10 - Very accurate GoTo function & SkyAlign
Setup: 9.1/10 - Easy to assemble; excellent manual
Click here to read more reviews on the Celestron NexStar 8SE!
Tech Specs
Aperture: 203mm
Magnification (Lowest Useful, Standard, Highest Useful): 29x, 81.28x, 480x
Focal Length: 2,032mm
Focal Ratio: f/10
Resolution: 0.68 Arc seconds
Angular Field of View: 0.63 degree
Slew Speed: 9 speeds: 5º/sec, 3º/sec, 1º/sec, 64x, 16x, 8x, 4x, 1x & 1/2x
Tracking: EQ North & Altazimuth
If you’re looking for professional quality with a reasonable price tag, the Celestron NexStar 8SE is right up your alley!
Telescope Construction
Optical Design: Schmidt-Cassegrain
Finderscope: StarPointer
Eyepiece: 25mm (Celestron Eyepiece & Filter Kit recommended)
Tube Length: 17in
Mount Design: Single Fork Arm-Altazimuth (quick-release)
Weight: 24lbs + Tripod (9lbs) = 33lbs total weight
Tripod: Durable steel design w/ accessory tray
Power Supply: 8-AA Batteries (1.5 hrs full observing time; some recommend the Celestron Power Tank)
Lens Coating: StarBright XLT (Awesome coatings!)
Other Equipment: None
Recommended Accessories: Celestron Power Tank, Celestron Eyepiece & Filter Set (available with purchase of Celestron NexStar 8SE)
Built to last, the Celestron NexStar 8SE will give you hundreds (or thousands) of perfect nights of stargazing!
Extra Features
GoTo: Yes (Excellent)
GPS: No (CN16 GPS accessory optional)
Computerized: Yes (Easily syncs for sending & storing Astrophotography pictures!)
SkyAlign: Yes
Remote: Yes
Object Database: 40,000 pre-programmed, 400 user-defined, and 200 objects w/ enhanced information
Programming Options: User-defined “memorized” objects, easy to use SkyAlign feature
CD-ROM: NexRemote v1.6.14 & The Sky L1
Summary: Whether you are a backyard stargazer or an avid astronomer, the Celestron NexStar 8SE will give you the power to view what you want with ease. While its batter-life is lacking at approximately 1.5 hours, it is greatly extended with the addition of the Celestron Power Tank. This scope is easy to use, has incredible SkyAlign object alignment and accuracy, and can easily be upgraded as new innovations arise. If you want to view the Universe the way only professional astronomers have until now (without shelling out $5,000+), get the Celestron NexStar 8SE. You’ll be glad you did…
Click here to order the Celestron NexStar 8SE from Telescopes.com!
