Engineered to deliver sharp and clear distortion-free views, the Celestron EdgeHD CGE Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope with Solar Filteris an ideal choice for observation, astrophotography, and imaging objects within or beyond our solar system. It features an aplanatic Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system consisting of a corrector plate, a spherical primary mirror, and a secondary mirror along with a set of field-flattening lenses integrated into the baffle tube. Complementing the EdgeHD system is the proprietary StarBright XLT optical coating system, which improves light transmission and reflectivity across the entire visual spectrum. The combination of EdgeHD and StarBright XLT produces bright and clear high-resolution images with true color rendition across the entire field of view without distortion, aberrations, or off-axis comas.

Optimized for imaging, the internal focusing system features mirror support clutches to ensure proper alignment and mirror locks to avoid accidental defocusing during long-exposure astrophotography. 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 40mm Plössl eyepiece that yields 51x magnification. The EdgeHD 8" 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 large 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    EclipSmart White-Light Solar Filter

• 8" (203.2mm) aperture
• f/10 focal ratio
• 2032mm effective focal length
• Aplanatic Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design
• EdgeHD field-flattener aplanatic design eliminates spherical aberration, field curvature, and off-axis star coma to improve resolution, sharpness, and clarity across the entire field of view, especially at the edges
• Diffraction-limited SCHOTT glass reduces internal light loss to improve color, clarity, and sharpness
• StarBright XLT optical coatings
• Flexible tension clutches hold the primary mirror in place to reduce image shift without putting any force or pressure on the mirror assembly, keeping subjects centered
• Internal mirror locks prevent accidental adjustment to focus—important during long-exposure astrophotography
• Integrated 95-micron mesh filter allows hot air to be released from behind the primary mirror without dust getting in, to prevent mirror distortion due to uneven surface temperatures
• Resolution: 0.69 arcsec (Rayleigh); 0.57 arcsec (Dawes)
• Secondary mirror obstruction: 2.7" (69mm); 34% by diameter; 11% 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

• OTA only; mount and tripod required for proper use
• Large CGE (Losmandy-style) dovetail plate

Visual Back:

• Standard Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope (SCT) threads
• 1.25" eyepiece/accessory holder
• Use for prime focus or projection astrophotography with optional adapters

Eyepiece:

• Plössl lens configuration
• 1.25"-diameter barrel
• Accepts most 1.25" eyepiece filters
• 40mm focal length yields 51x 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" eyepiece/accessory holder
• Star diagonal corrects image horizontally, but not vertically

Finderscope:

• Low 9x magnification preserves wide field of view to more easily find alignment or guide stars
• Large 50mm aperture helps to see dimmer objects and stars for easier star-hopping navigation

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. What is the primary mirror wavefront error value?

A: The Celestron C8-A-XLT CGE 8" f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope (OTA Only) has a 1/4 wavefront error.

Q: 2. Hi! With the November and December holidays coming relatively soon; historically how typical would this telescope go on sale? Is it worth the chance and wait? Thanks!!

A: So we do have Sales all year around. Usually during the Holiday Season that is when the Manufacturer's have better offers though.

Q: 3. What mount is suitable for C8-A-XLT?

A: 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.

Q: 4. 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: 5. Would this set up be capable of nebulas/galaxies as well as some planets for astrophotograhpy?

A: Yes the Celestron EdgeHD CGE 8" f/10 Aplanatic Schmidt-Cassegrain GoTo EQ Telescope is capable of viewing planets, nebulae and galaxies. It is also suitable for use in astrophotography when used with a camera.

Q: 6. 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: 7. Can I attach a Nikon Z9 with appropriate adapters or is it too heavy?

A: The Celestron CGEM II 800 8" f/10 EdgeHD Aplanatic SCT GoTo Telescope can be used with a Nikon Z9 camera with this Neewer adapter: https://bhpho.to/48kjNBq

Q: 8. 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.

Q: 9. I currently have an Orion Spaceprobe 130 ST which I am just learning to use. I am taking an astronomy class which uses Celestron NexStar 5 SE scopes, which I really like. I am sure that I will be buying a NexStar in the next year. I really like the idea of the computer finding objects for me while I am learning the sky. Right now, I am trying to decide between a NexStar 6 or NexStar 8. My major interests are deep sky objects and binary stars. I am not interested in astrophotography. I know the major tradeoffs are aperture and portability. Any suggestions for me in guiding my choice?

A: Honestly I would go with the bigger aperture. Especially since you are going to be shooting some Astrophotography. Personally I would do the 8 Model. It's the better option hands down.

Q: 10. Can you use a 2" visual back and 2" eyepieces?

A: The iOptron Photron 150mm f/9 Ritchey-Chrétien Catadioptric Telescope (OTA Only) BH #IO6111 • MFR #6111optical 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 40mm Plössl eyepiece that yields 51x magnification. You would need to reoutfit it with a 2" diagonal and eyepiece