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Celestron C8-A-XLT CGE 8" f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope (OTA Only)

BH #CEC8AXLT • MFR #91024-XLT
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Celestron C8-A-XLT CGE 8" f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope (OTA Only)
Key Features
  • 8" (203mm) Schmidt-Cassegrain OTA
  • 2032mm Focal Length, f/10 Focal Ratio
  • StarBright XLT Optical Coating System
  • 25mm Eyepiece and 90° Star Diagonal
Striking a comfortable balance between power and portability, the Celestron C8-A-XLT CGE 8" f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope is an ideal choice for observing objects within or beyond our solar system. It features a Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system consisting of a corrector plate, a spherical primary mirror, and a secondary mirror that work together to reduce spherical and chromatic aberrations. These corrections result in crisp and clear high-resolution images with accurate color representation, without distortion—especially at the edges. Complementing the optical system is the proprietary StarBright XLT optical coating system, which improves light transmission and reflectivity across the entire visual spectrum.
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Celestron C8-A-XLT Overview

Striking a comfortable balance between power and portability, the Celestron C8-A-XLT CGE 8" f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope is an ideal choice for observing objects within or beyond our solar system. It features a Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system consisting of a corrector plate, a spherical primary mirror, and a secondary mirror that work together to reduce spherical and chromatic aberrations. These corrections result in crisp and clear high-resolution images with accurate color representation, without distortion—especially at the edges. Complementing the optical system is the proprietary StarBright XLT optical coating system, which improves light transmission and reflectivity across the entire visual spectrum.

The optical tube is outfitted with a standard 1.25" visual back to make it easier to find eyepieces, accessories, and imaging gear. For visual observations, a 1.25" star diagonal is included along with a 25mm eyepiece that yields 81x magnification. The C8-A-XLT is offered here without a mount or tripod for users who already have a reliable support system and are looking to upgrade or add to their existing gear, but comes with a larger CGE dovetail plate that is compatible with Losmandy-style saddles.

Optical Tube
  • 8" (203mm) aperture
  • f/10 focal ratio
  • 2032mm effective focal length
  • Schmidt-Cassegrain catadioptric optical design
  • StarBright XLT optical coatings
  • Resolution: 0.69 arcsec (Rayleigh); 0.57 arcsec (Dawes)
  • Secondary mirror obstruction: 2.5" (69mm); 31% by diameter; 9.77% by area
StarBright XLT System
  • Maximizes light transmission through optical path
  • Improves color rendition, contrast, sharpness, resolution, and brightness
  • Broadband system provides flat wavelength transmission across the entire visual spectrum
  • Multi-layer mirror coatings with layers of aluminum, SiO2 (quartz), and TiO2 (titanium dioxide)
  • Multi-layer anti-reflective corrector plate coatings with layers of MgF2 (magnesium fluoride) and HfO2 (hafnium dioxide); hafnium has a wider band-pass than the commonly used titanium
  • High-transmission water white glass corrector plate limits light loss due to internal absorption
Mounting
  • optical tube assembly (OTA) only; mount and tripod required for proper use
  • CGE (Losmandy-style) dovetail plate for compatible saddles
  • OTA weight: 12.5 pounds
Included Accessories
  • Visual back:
  • Standard Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope threads
  • 1.25" eyepiece/accessory holder
  • Use for prime focus or projection astrophotography with optional adapters
  • Eyepiece:
  • 1.25"-diameter barrel
  • Accepts most 1.25" eyepiece filters
  • 25mm focal length yields 81x power
  • Diagonal:
  • 90° angle puts head in comfortable viewing position
  • Threaded for direct connection to OTA without the need for the visual back
  • 1.25" snout and eyepiece/accessory holder
  • Star diagonal corrects image horizontally, but not vertically
  • Finderscope:
  • Low 6x magnification preserves wide field of view to more easily find alignment or guide stars
  • 30mm aperture helps to see dimmer objects and stars for easier alignment and star-hopping navigation
UPC: 050234102490

Celestron C8-A-XLT Specs

Optical Design
Schmidt-Cassegrain
Aperture
8.0" / 203.2mm
Focal Length
2032mm
Focal Ratio
f/10
Eyepiece Barrel Diameter
1.25"
Diagonal
90° star
1.25" snout and eyepiece holder
Finderscope
6x30 mm
Tripod
None
Mount Type
CGE dovetail plate
Compatible with Losmandy-style saddles
Power Source
None
Optical Tube Length
17.0" / 43.2 cm
Weight
12.5 lb / 5.7 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
20 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
23 x 15.4 x 13.9"

Celestron C8-A-XLT Reviews

See any errors on this page? Let us know

What mount is suitable for C8-A-XLT?

What mount is suitable for C8-A-XLT?
Asked by: arkady
With an instrument load capacity of 30 lbs, the Advanced VX Mount and Tripod Item #: 91519 is a perfect match for the C8-A-XLT CGE Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube.
Answered by: Telescope
Date published: 2020-09-01

Is the mount compatible with NexStar SE mount?

Is the mount compatible with NexStar SE mount?
Asked by: arkady
The Celestron C8-A-XLT CGE 8" f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope (OTA Only) uses a larger CGE plate and will not fit in the smaller Vixen style plate that the Nexstar uses.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2023-09-15

What is the primary mirror wavefront error?

What is the primary mirror wavefront error?
Asked by: Heleno
The Celestron C8-A-XLT CGE 8" f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope (OTA Only) has a 1/4 wavefront error.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2024-03-28

Does this scope have fastar capability? Thank ...

Does this scope have fastar capability? Thank you.
Asked by: David
If the secondary is secured with a knurled ring that can be unscrewed to lift out the secondary mirror, that particular model telescope is Fastar capable.
Answered by: Telescope
Date published: 2024-05-20

What is the primary mirror wavefront error value?

What is the primary mirror wavefront error value?
Asked by: Heleno
The Celestron C8-A-XLT CGE 8" f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope (OTA Only) has a 1/4 wavefront error.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2024-03-28

question

what is the difference between a C8-A and a C8?
Asked by: Anonymous
The optical tubes are identical. The only difference is the finish and the mounting bars attached to the tubes. A = Advance GT ( for the Advance GT equatorial mt) which uses a 1-3/4 mounting bar.
Answered by: Alex S.
Date published: 2018-08-27
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