Celestron Advanced VX 8-inch Computerised Cassegrain Telescope
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The Advanced VX (AVX) sets a new standard in mid-level telescopes, providing many of the features found on Celestron’s most sophisticated German equatorial mounts at an extremely affordable price. The Advanced VX (AVX) 8” Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope is one of the most affordable and portable 11” telescopes; perfect for astrophotographers and visual observers alike. The 8” optical tube offers 84% more light gathering ability than a 6” telescope, and its Schmidt-Cassegrain design eliminates chromatic aberration, thus making it a great choice for entry-level astroimaging!
The AVX mount is designed to provide solid superior performance while featuring Celestron’s array of innovative technologies: All-Star Polar Alignment, Celestron PWI telescope control software, SkyAlign, and permanently programmable periodic error correction (PPEC).
If you’re an experienced astronomer, you’ll love taking this portable mount to dark sky sites for your adventures. If you're new to imaging, this AVX telescope has much potential to be your long term buddy (for years to come) in this hobby!
Computerised German Equatorial Mount:
The Advanced VX is the smallest of Celestron’s German EQ mounts. The computerized GoTo capability automatically tracks objects as they move across the night sky. The functional mount includes ports for a hand control, an autoguider, and 2 AUX ports for optional accessories. The NexStar+ hand control gives you instant access to all the features your mount has to offer. With automatic slewing and menu descriptions, any level of astronomer can master this mount in just a few observing sessions. The Advanced VX also has an impressive tripod for its class with a 2” diameter steel tripod legs providing an extra-wide stance for improved stability.
Payload capacity:
The payload capacity for the Advanced VX is 13.6kg (not including the counterweights). It offers a sturdy platform for any of the Advanced VX optical tubes, even when paired with optional accessories like the StarSense AutoAlign, focus motor, astroimaging cameras, or finderscopes.
Dual saddle plate:
Revised early this year, AVX mounts now include a new dual saddle plate that accommodates both CG-5 and CGE-style dovetail. Switching between the two saddle plates is as simple as moving the hand knobs into a separate set of holes. You can now use an Advanced VX mount with virtually any optical tube within its weight limit.
- Compatible with Vixen format dovetails 100mm or longer
- NOT compatible with Losmandy D format plates (regardless of plate manufacturer)
Software:
1. Celestron PWI Telescope Control Software | Your Ultimate Astronomy Software Suite:
All current Celestron computerized telescopes include Celestron PWI (CPWI), the most advanced astronomy software suite provided with any consumer-grade telescope. Celestron’s experts co-developed CPWI with the engineers at PlaneWave Instruments. The result is an all-in-one solution offering you many of the same features used on PlaneWave’s observatory-class telescopes.
- Graphical planetarium interface with PointXP advanced mount modelling allows you to add 100+ points to your alignment model for the most accurate pointing and tracking possible
- Ideal for remote observatory setups: save and re-load your alignment and park your scope
- Provides a complete ASCOM telescope interface to allow control of the telescope from third party software applications
2. Starry Night Software:
Included with your purchase is a free download of Celestron’s Starry Night Special Edition Software. This advanced software by Simulation Curriculum offers detailed information about celestial objects and helps you plan your next observing or imaging session. The Special Edition software also allows you to control your telescope via computer.
Compatible with:
Optical Tube Info:
Optical Design |
Schmidt-Cassegrain |
Aperture |
203.2mm (8") |
Focal Length |
2032mm (80") |
Focal Ratio |
f/10 |
Focal Length of Eyepiece 1 |
25mm (.98") |
Magnification of Eyepiece 1 |
102x |
Finderscope |
6x30 |
Star Diagonal |
1.25" |
Optical Tube |
Aluminium |
Highest Useful Magnification |
480x |
Lowest Useful Magnification |
29x |
Limiting Stellar Magnitude |
14 |
Resolution (Rayleigh) |
0.69 arc seconds |
Resolution (Dawes) |
0.57 arc seconds |
Secondary Mirror Obstruction |
64mm (2.5") |
Optical Coatings |
StarBright XLT |
Optical Tube Length |
432mm (17") |
Optical Tube Diameter |
238mm (9.37") |
Optical Tube Weight |
5.67kg |
Dovetail |
CG-5 Dovetail Bar |
Mount Info:
Mount Type |
Computerised Equatorial |
Instrument Load Capacity |
13.6kg |
Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod) |
1118mm - 1626mm |
Tripod Leg Diameter |
50.8mm |
Latitude adjustment range |
7° - 77° |
Mount Head Weight |
7.71kg |
Accessory Tray |
Yes |
Tripod Weight |
8.16kg |
Weight of Counterweights |
1 x 12lbs (5.5kg) |
Slew Speeds |
9 slew speeds - max speed 4°/second |
Tracking Rates |
Sidereal, Solar, and Lunar |
Tracking Modes |
EQ North & EQ South |
GPS |
N/A |
Dovetail Compatibility |
Dual saddle plates (CG-5 and CGE saddle) |
Auxiliary ports |
3 Aux ports (1 Hand Control and 2 Aux ports for optional accessories) |
Autoguide port |
Yes |
USB Port |
Yes, input on Hand Control |
Power Requirements |
12V DC 3.5A (tip positive) |
Motor Drive |
DC servo motors |
Alignment Procedures |
|
Periodic Error Correction |
Yes |
Computerized Hand Control |
|
NexStar+ Database |
|
Software |
|
Included Items |
|
About Celestron
Celestron was founded by Tom Johnson whose first telescope design was a simple 6-inch reflector, built for his young son. He gradually progressed to making larger scopes in more sophisticated designs. Today, the Celestron company is an industry leader in designing and manufacturing optical equipment including telescopes (computerised and non-computerised), binoculars, spotting scopes and its accompanying accessories. Celestron's legacy spans 50 years, and has grown to enjoy recognition from amateurs to serious astronomers globally. The company seeks to remain innovative by growing its product offerings, while supporting science education around the world.
Optical Design | Schmidt Cassegrain (XLT) |
---|---|
Aperture | 203.2mm |
Focal Length | 2032mm |
Focal Ratio | 10.0 |
Highest Magnification | 480x |
Faintest Stellar Magnitude | 14 |
Mount Type | German Equatorial Advanced VX |
Dovetail Type | Celestron CG5 Mount |
Eyepiece 1 | Plossl 25mm |
Finderscope Make | 6x30 |
Tube Length | 432mm x 238mm |
Electronic Hand Control | Yes |
Motor Drive | Yes |
Warranty Information | 2 Years |
Item | Qty |
Celestron 8" XLT Optical Tube | 1 |
Celestron Advanced VX Equatorial Mount and Tripod | 1 |
Celestron Accessory Tray | 1 |
1 x 12lb Counterweight | 1 |
Nexstar+ Hand Controller | 1 |
DC Power Cable | 1 |
Hand Controller Holster | 1 |
25mm Eyepiece | 1 |
6x30 Finderscope | 1 |