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.

8" (203mm) Schmidt-Cassegrain OTA    2032mm Focal Length, f/10 Focal Ratio    Motorized Computer-Controlled EQ Mount    Filter Blocks 99.999% of Intense Light

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. I have just taken delivery of this telescope. The 'Celestron' logo on the side of the fork mount arm (above the WIFI symbol indicator) does not light up under any circumstances. (The WIFI connection symbol light and tray accessory light work fine. ) On the regular 'Evolution' models (IE not this limited edition model) this 'Celestron' logo serves as a battery indicator light and power light. It pulses when the battery is charging and it is illuminated when the mount power is switched on. The regular 'Evolution' user manual refers to this light as the 'Celestron Power Logo'. To be clear - I am not talking about the WIFI symbol light, which is working fine. So my question is - does this Limited Edition model actually have a working 'Celestron Power Logo' light? The design of the Celestron logo on the fork arm on this limited Edition model is different from the regular Evolution models and I am wondering if it is actually meant to light up on my model?? Otherwise, how am I meant to be able to see if the battery is charging, etc??? (See "Appendix C: L.E.D. Status" of the regular Evolution manual where it confirms about the Power Logo lighting up during charging, etc) So, right now, I don't know if my Celestron Power Logo light is broken or if this precise model does not have one?? Please only respond if you are SURE of the answer to this question. I don't mean to sound rude, I just want to know if I have a defective mount or not :) I dont have a smart phone to check battery status, so it's very important for me to have a working battery status light. Celestron agree with me, because they designed the regular Evolution model with this light ;) Thanks for any help you can give me in solving this mystery.

A: Your mount is not defective. The plastic in the fork arm in front of the Power Logo is opaque on the Limited 60th Anniversary NexStar Evolution 8 #12098, so the battery light is not visible. Customers will need to download the SkyPortal App to see what the battery level on the mount is and verify that the battery is charging. We apologize for the confusion and will be making an official statement regarding this for our website shortly.

Q: 2. Does the telescope come already in the Hard Case in this kit or do the come separately packed?

A: This question is a double of the prior question.

Q: 3. What is needed to mount a Sony a77 mark 2 DSLR camera to the celestron 6se tripod? Thanks!

A: The A77 Mark II is an A Mount Lens. Here is the Vello T Mount Lens to Sony A-Mount Camera Adapter, BH #VELASAT. https://bhpho.to/311LRJn

Q: 4. Can you not use Starsense camera, with a Starsense HC, or do you need standard HC?

A: Good morning, If the StarSense autoalign system is used, it is mandatory that the dedicated StarSense hand controller be used for the autoalignment process. However, If the StarSense camera and the autoalign system is not used, the StarSense hand controller can be used to "manually" control the telescope in place of the standard Nexstar Plus hand controller.

Q: 5. Is this scope and EQ mount compatible with Starsense and SkyPortal?

A: Yes this Scope will be compatible with both Models.

Q: 6. What is the minimum and maximum height of the tripod with the legs spread out, and how tall is the alt-az mount?Thank you for answering my question.

A: It is 22 -40 .

Q: 7. What are the dimensions of the package?

A: Hi Manuel, The telescope box dimensions are: (LxWxH) 32.0" x 26.0" x 13.0" Sincerely, Garrett at Celestron

Q: 8. Can I use this with canon 7D mark II to take photos of the moon? Are there better choices?

A: A Cassegrain type of scope is the ideal scope for astrophotography. In addition to the scope you will need the Celestron f/6.3 Reducer/Corrector BH #CERC • MFR #94175 and the Celestron T-Ring for Canon EF-Mount Cameras BH #CETRCAF • MFR #93419. To mount the Canon EOS 7D to the scope.

Q: 9. What is needed to mount a Sony a77 Mark II DSLR camera to the Celestron 6SE telescope? Thanks.

A: Celestron does not offer a camera adapter for the Sony a77 Mark II DSLR. Please contact https://www.telescopeadapters.com/ for the proper specialized adapter.

Q: 10. Can you plug a computer laptop into the 6SE to view and record images?

A: You can attach a camera or planetary imaging camera such as NexImage or Skyris to your telescope and have it attached to your laptop for live recording or viewing.