Celestron 8 Inch EdgeHD OTA Optical Tube

Comments about Celestron 8 Inch EdgeHD OTA Optical Tube:

The views through this scope exceeded my expectations. Easily the sharpest, most contrasty views I have seen through an 8" or smaller SCT, particularly in the outer portion of the field of view. No coma or field curvature keeps the view sharp to the edge in wide-field eyepieces, and this makes it much nicer to use on a manual alt-az mount as I like to use it since objects stay crisp and in focus as they drift across the field of view. Views of Saturn easily bested 4" and smaller apo refractors I have owned. Light weight enough to be grab and go portable on a manual alt-az mount, yet still provides good light grasp. The focuser, while adequate, doesn't have a fine focus adjustment, and so I will probably be upgrading that to a two speed focuser at some point. The view finder isn't great, though I never had any intention of using it. Haven't used the included diagonal and eyepiece so I can't comment on those items.

Comments about Celestron 8 Inch EdgeHD OTA Optical Tube:

Surprisingly sharp view for an SCT all the way to the edge of the FOV. Provided stunning views of Saturn that easily bested the medium sized APO refractors I have owned of 4" and smaller (haven't compared to a 5" or larger APO). A real joy to use with my Denk II binoviewers with powerswitch. Only complaint is that I would like a finer focus adjustment and will probably upgrade that at some point.

Comments about Celestron 8 Inch EdgeHD OTA Optical Tube:

The first impressions when opening the box was the fine fit and finish of the OTA especially the paint job. The online photos didn't show this very well so I was indeed surprised. The second thing noticed was how light in weight the OTA was. This could easily be mounted on lighter rated mounts. The locking lens cap, mirror lock grips, rear carrying handle and large dovetail mounting plate add to the quality pluses of the product. I purchased this OTA primarily for imaging galaxies and so far have not been disappointed. It was perfectly collimated from the start and the advertised crisp, round stars to the edge of the field is absolutely true. My only suggestion would be that as this is sold as an OTA to be mounted on a possible variety of mounts, a more standard Vixen or Losmandy mounting plate would be more appropriate than the oversized dovetail it's supplied with. Otherwise, I'm very satisfied with the product.