Celestron Advanced VX 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope with Deluxe Accessory Kit

Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope for imagers

The 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube uses StarBright XLT coatings to deliver high resolution and contrast. Its design eliminates chromatic aberration, making it suitable for astroimaging as well as visual observing. The package includes the Advanced VX German Equatorial mount, NexStar+ hand control, tripod, 6x30 finderscope, 25 mm eyepiece and 90° mirror diagonal. A deluxe accessory kit adds five Plossl eyepieces, a 1.25" Barlow lens, a 1.25" filter set and a carry case.

Light gathering and magnification limits

The 8-inch aperture provides 84% more light gathering ability than a 6-inch telescope, producing brighter, clearer views of deep-sky objects. Highest useful magnification reaches 480x for detailed planetary and lunar observation. The NexStar+ database contains 40,000+ objects for GoTo pointing and tracking. Buyers who require greater aperture for fainter targets or higher resolution than 480x permits will need a larger instrument.

Mount integration and portability

The Advanced VX mount supports All-Star Polar Alignment, PWI telescope control software, SkyAlign and permanently programmable periodic error correction. These features serve experienced imagers seeking a portable platform for dark-sky sites and beginners entering astroimaging. The Schmidt-Cassegrain design offers a more portable alternative to traditional reflectors or refractors. Builders who need a mount with higher payload capacity or a different equatorial format will have to look elsewhere.