Amazon.com Product Description

Perfect for the budding biologist, the Celestron 4050 biological microscope gives you the power and control to study samples with depth and clarity. This monocular unit is inclined at 45 degrees. A 360-degree rotatable head and positive-click nosepiece with three objectives (4x, 10x, 40x) round out the optical portion of the scope. Electrical illumination and a metal 110mm by 120mm stage with a five-aperture diaphragm complete the package. ... Read more

Features

• Fully coated optics
• Mechanical tube length of 160mm
• The unit has a monocular 45-degree inclined and a 360-degree rotatable head
• Powers are 40x, 100x and 400x using the 10x eyepiece
• Coarse and fine focus with electrical illumination with a tungsten 20w bulb and .65 single lens condenser

Reviews (1)

Great specs.
This scope has nearly the identical specifications to the one I bought for medical school 20 years ago. The optics are just wonderful. What amuses me is the fact that this scope costs 1/4 of what we all paid back then! For the high school, college or med student (not for anatomy though), this should do the trick nicely. For the anatomist, anatomy scopes should be available in the dissecting lab for that purpose. ... Read more

Features

• Celestron’s premium model astro flashlight for astronomy
• Uses two red LEDs to preserve night vision better than red filters or other devices
• Brightness adjustable
• Operates on a single 9 volt battery (included)

Amazon.com Review

Combining the powerful optics of Celestron's legendary 8 inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope with the solid computerized tracking system developed for its popular Nexstar 5, Celestron's Nexstar 8i is simply a remarkable telescope value. Compared to theNexstar 5i, the eight inch version is only six pounds heavier and only a little more expensive, yet it delivers more than two and a half times the N5's light gathering power. The Nexstar 8i's excellent optics easily bring out wonderful detail on the moon, the planets, and on star clusters and galaxies.

What can I see with the Nexstar 8i? I love the sharp, high contrast images of the planets. Cassini's division in Saturn's rings is a thin black line even when the view isn't perfect. On rare nights when the air is perfectly still and clear I've pushed the magnification past 400x; Saturn's rings and moons were still sharply etched against a black sky. Jupiter and Mars also show wonderful detail.While a smaller scope may reveal Jupiter's two major cloud belts and its famous great red spot, the Nexstar 8i is capable of showing multiple cloud bands and even some small white ovals on a good night. During its last close approach to Earth, I watched as Mars' South polar cap receded and dust storms swelled in a matter of weeks; no wonder early astronomers visualized Mars as a living planet. Deep space also takes on wonderful detail with a Nexstar 8i. Although globular cluster M13 in the constellation Hercules may be more famous, I enjoy looking at the lesser-known globulars M15 and M92 because I can begin to see the characteristic yellow color of red giant stars sprinkled among their countless pinpoints of light.

The computer-driven handset makes it easy to find celestial objects.

The real genius of the Nexstar 8i is its computerized object location and tracking system. I find the Nexstar system much easier to use than earlier computerized telescopes. You can choose from several different alignment modes, from the traditional two star alignment to the latest GPS-aided automatic setup using the optionalCN-16 GPS module. I especially like the flexibility of the new "quick align" feature. Starting with "quick align" at a recent public viewing session, I was able to use Venus and the quarter Moon to synchronize my telescope alignment half an hour before sunset. The Nexstar didn't miss a target the rest of the evening. Meanwhile other computerized telescopes were sitting more than an hour, waiting for their alignment stars to appear in the twilight.

You'll want some good eyepieces to take full advantage of Celestron's excellent optics.I'd suggest starting with a set of three, Celestron's10mm,18mm, and30mm Ultima eyepieces would be a good choice. These three would be ideal for viewing the planets at about 200x, galaxies at about 100x, and open star clusters at about 65x magnification. My only disappointment with the eight inch Schmidt-Cassegrain design is its limited field of view; some of my favorite objects like the Double Cluster in Perseus don't quite fit, even with a low-power eyepiece. Also be aware that you'll want an external power supply; the computer may crash after only a few hours when the on board AA batteries start to run down. The Nexstar 8i is a delightful telescope for visual observing or even web-cam images of the planets; for deep space photography, however, you'll want the greater stability of theNexstar 8"GPS .–Jeff Phillips

Pros:

• Excellent optics
• Light andportable
• Easy, computerized finding and tracking
• GPS upgrade option

• Short battery life
• Limited field of view
• Not optimized for photography

Features

• Includes a special kit for adding a computerized hand control and a sturdy Celestron tripod
• 203mm (8-inch) diameter Schmidt-Cassegrain refractor
• Focal length of 2,032mm and focal ratio of f10
• Fully enclosed high-speed motors on both axes
• Auxiliary port for adding optional accessories

Reviews (1)

Great Buy And Super Fast Delivery
I don't need to say much about this wonderful device, the documentation goes in depth all over the place. In the city I have gotten great views of the planets, their moons(Jupiter is outstanding), and our moon. I can't wait to get out of the city to see some really impressive galaxy and nebulae views!! A great buy with all thats included (Even the Nexremote) which I didn't expect!! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

I love bargains, so I was eager to try out Celestron's new Powerseeker 114 Newtonian reflector telescope. With its 4.5-inch mirror, Celestron's Powerseeker 114 gathers three times more starlight than popular 60mm refractors. The Powerseeker package includes two eyepieces (K20 and SR4), a plastic 3x barlow, and a lightweight equatorial mount.

Optically, the Powerseeker 114 holds its own when compared with my Celestron Firstscope 114EQ. Using the K20 eyepiece included as standard equipment, about 45x magnification, it's easy to see the Andromeda Galaxy and its smaller satellite galaxy M32. When compared to 60mm refractors, the Powerseeker 114 brings out much more detail in the Orion Nebula, reveals many more stars in Perseus' Double Cluster and even brings out a few individual stars in globular clusters like M13. Saturn looks quite small at 45x with the K20 eyepiece, but using my own 7.5mm eyepiece (120x) I can easily detect the shadow cast by the planet on the rings, and even glimpse the ring's Cassini Division. When the mirrors are properly lined up or "collimated," the images are reasonably sharp up to magnifications of 225x. I find a collimation tool helps get this fine tuning just right.

As good as the optics are, however, the effect of cost-cutting shows up in the mechanical components. The focuser is plastic, the finder scope is plastic, the rings that attach the telescope to the tripod are plastic. Even when the tripod legs are clamped at their shortest setting, the telescope wobbles when I try to focus at higher magnifications. Celestron's instruction manual correctly recommends that most viewing be done in the range of 40x to 130x. So what about that 675x magnification proclaimed on the box? I'd say it's not worth the trouble.

Overall, the Celestron Powerseeker 114 is a budget priced telescope with good optical performance, especially when using the low power K20 eyepiece. If you're willing to spend a little more money, either Orion's SkyQuest XT4.5 or Celestron's Firstscope 114EQ will give you a sturdier mount, an improved finder scope, and better eyepieces. Also, for about the price of the Powerseeker 114, I like the dependable refractor design of Celestron's Firstscope 70EQ. --Jeff Phillips

Pros:

• Low cost
• Good optics
• Serviceable K20 eyepiece

• Wobbly mount
• Difficult to collimate
• Plastic finder and focuser

Features

• Affordable telescope for beginning astronomer; portable yet powerful
• All-glass optical components with high transmission coatings for enhanced image brighness and clarity
• Newtonian optical design with a 114mm aperture and 900mm focal length
• Equatorial mount for tracking the sky
• Includes 3x Barlow Lens (1.25"), 20mm eyepiece, 4mm eyepiece, aluminum tripod with accessory tray

Amazon.com Review

Looking for an advanced telescope that combines great optics with equally good electronics and computerized control? If so, the Celestron NexStar 9.25 GPS is for you. It marries the proven NexStar GPS computer-driven telescope mount to the highly regarded Celestron 9.25-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope to create one of the finest backyard telescopes in years.

The NexStar handset is your user-friendly, GPS-powered guide to more than 40,000 celestial objects.

The NexStar 9.25 GPS proves to be a real winner optically. The tell-all star test, where a star's image is examined and compared on both sides of focus, showed the test instrument's optics to be very good. There was little evidence of spherical aberration or other optical flaws that would hinder performance. This made for crisp and clear views of the planets and the Moon. Jupiter's belts were dazzling, with subtle colors and tenuous detail seen steadily, and the Great Red Spot was easy to make out. Saturn's rings were also very impressive. Deep-sky objects were no less appealing. For instance, M42, the Orion Nebula, was simply wonderful, with gossamer clouds curving in all sorts of intricate complexities. Open star clusters, such as M35 in Gemini and M41 in Canis Major, as well as globular clusters like M13 in Hercules and M22 in Sagittarius, were beautiful sights. Distant galaxies also showed a good amount of subtle detail. I could even make out hints of spiral structure in the face of the Whirlpool Galaxy, M51, as well as the famous black eye of M64 in Coma Berenices and the broad sombrero rim of M104 in Virgo.

The NexStar 9.25 GPS includes Celestron's exclusive Starbright XLT extra-high-transmission optical coatings on its front corrector plate as well as its primary and secondary mirrors. These coatings are designed to maximize brightness and contrast while minimizing light scatter.

Right out of the box, it quickly became apparent that this was no ordinary Schmidt-Cassegrain. For openers, the tube is not made of metal, but rather carbon fiber. Famous for its weight-to-strength ratio, carbon fiber's real strength is its thermal properties. In order for a telescope to perform optimally, the temperature of its optics must match that of the air. An hour or more may pass before the optics in a telescope brought outdoors from a warm house reach thermal equilibrium. A traditional metal tube--a great absorber of heat--only slows the process. Carbon fiber, on the other hand, absorbs heat less readily, shortening the cool-down process. The carbon-fiber tube also lessens focus shift as the telescope cools during the night, an especially important consideration in long-exposure astrophotos and CCD imaging.

I was also very impressed with the telescope's ability to locate itself. When turned on, it automatically links to the GPS system to determine the exact time and date and its location. Once that information has been determined and stored--a process that takes about a minute--the NexStar GPS automatically moves to two alignment stars, pausing each time to ask the user to center the star in its field of view. The initial alignment to the two reference stars may be off by 15° or more because of the difference between the celestial and magnetic poles. The accuracy of the initial aiming can be greatly improved for future observation sessions by selecting the "Utilities" menu on the hand controller and choosing "Calibrate Compass" after successfully completing a GPS alignment. This will compensate for the difference between the poles, and the telescope will automatically retain that information for the future.

That done, the telescope is ready to hunt for buried treasure in the sky. The NexStar 9.25 GPS includes in its computerized database more than 40,000 objects, including those in the solar system as well as double stars, variable stars, and deep-sky objects from the Messier, NGC, IC, and many lesser-known catalogs. It will even take you on an automated tour if you prefer.

Also included are a 40mm Plössl eyepiece; a 1.25-inch star diagonal; a visual back adapter; a 9 x 50 straight-through finderscope; a sturdy, extendable steel tripod; and a hand controller; an AC adapter to power the built-in computer control; and a detailed instruction manual. All you need to add is a guidebook or two, such as my Star Watch, and a clear sky. --Phil Harrington, author of Star Ware

Pros

• Great optics
• Impressive GoTo accuracy
• Carbon-fiber tube minimizes cool-down time
• Ergonomic hand controller with convenient storage in fork arm

• 12-volt DC adapter must be purchased separately to run telescope off external battery
• Wedge must be purchased separately for guided astrophotography
• May be too heavy for some to carry and set up

Features

• Focal length of 2350mm
• 235mm (9 1/4-inch) diameter Schmidt-Cassegrain refractor
• 40,000 object database
• 16-Channel GPS
• XLT coatings

Features

• Focal length of 2032mm
• 203mm (8-inch) diameter Schmidt-Cassegrain refractor
• Automatic slewing to over 18,000 celestial objects
• 40,000 object database; XLT coatings
• Note: this package does not include a tripod

Features

• 102mm reflector
• Nexstar Computer Hand control, with 4,000 object database
• 2-1.25" eyepieces, 25mm, 10mm
• Accessory tray
• Tripod included

Amazon.com Product Description

The 127mm aperture of the G-5 has 334 percent more light-gatheringability than a traditional 60mm telescope, as well as 112 percent more resolvingpower. This scope features high reflectivity (HR) coatings on its mirrors formaximum reflectivity, as well as antireflection (AR) coatings on the correctinglens for increased light transmission. Included with the telescope is a rigidGerman equatorial mount with adjustable height, aluminum tripod, and heavy-dutyaccessory tray. The mount features high-quality worm gears for smooth motion. ... Read more

Features

• Resolving power of 0.9 arc seconds
• 1,250mm focal length
• Hand-figured, diffraction-limited optical systems
• Easy photo adaptation
• Field of view: 1.0 degree; eye relief: 14mm; near focus: 20 feet

Reviews (1)

Celestron G5 Telescope
Good optics but not very portable (has to remain mounted to tripod). Difficult to setup and use. If you are new you should probably go with a computerized scope. ... Read more

Features

• Deluxe metal tripod has fully adjustable legs with all metal clamps for positive height adjustment
• designed for Celestron’s C8, C9-1/4 and C11 telescopes
• Also makes a very stable and sturdy platform for the C5+ telescope
• New leg support has been added for additional stability
• 2-inch diameter legs provide excellent damping

Amazon.com Product Description

The Celestron G5 telescope uses a DC motor drive that continuouslytracks objects as they move across the sky. The motor drive comes equipped witha variable-rate hand controller that controls the G-5's right ascension motion.This telescope also features high reflectivity (HR) coatings on its mirrors formaximum reflectivity, as well as antireflection (AR) coatings on the correctinglens for increased light transmission. All of these features combine to give youclear, sharp images over a wide field. ... Read more

Features

• Resolving power of 0.9 arc seconds
• 1,250mm focal length
• Hand-figured, diffraction-limited optical systems
• Easy photo adaptation
• Field of view: 1.0 degree; eye relief: 14mm; near focus: 20 feet

Reviews (1)

WHAT A SCOPE!!
I initially bought the MEADE DS 114 and was displeased the way it came from the factory out of Collimation. I sent it back and bought the Celestron G5, WHAT A DIFFERENCE. SIZE - WEIGHT- CLEARITY are all better. Spend a bit more for the long term.... YOU'LL BE PLEASED! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Celestron Firstscope 70 AZ is an excellent choice for the serious beginning astronomer. The refracting lens has 100 times the magnification power of the naked eye and produces images 37 percent brighter than those from a 60mm refractor telescope, making visible Jupiter's cloud belts, Saturn's rings, and the lunar surface as well as many deep-space objects. The altazimuth mount is easy to use and has slow-motion controls on both the R.A. and DEC. axes. Controls are on flexible cables for simple and fast pointing and tracking. ... Read more

Features

• Equatorial Mount
• 17 lbs.
• 70mm Aperture
• 900mm Focal Length
• 20mm, 10mm Eyepieces

Reviews (1)

Celestron with good optics
We have wanted a telescope for a long time. The Celestron Firstscope has provided hours of viewing, opening up the universe. We have also been pleased how straight forward and easy it is to use. It is amazing for us astronomy novices. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Nexstar 60 ST is one of Celestron's most affordable telescopes. Although it's similar to the Nexstar 60 GT, this model comes with no standard computerized functions. However, it is completely upgradable; just add motors and a computerized multispeed hand controller.

The NexStar 60 offers breathtaking views of the lunar landscape. Mars appears as an orange disc, and you can chart Venus through its phases. Use the 70x and 175x lenses to view Jupiter and four of its moons, the rings of Saturn, and some brighter deep-sky objects. This telescope is also ideal for terrestrial views. ... Read more

Features

• Three 1.25-inch eyepieces included
• Star Pointer finder scope
• Can be upgraded to the GT model
• Comes with an adjustable tripod
• 700mm focal length

Reviews (1)

wets the appetite, not much else
I have been wanting a scope for some time and finally my wife just went ahead and bought this scope for me. After using it I found that you can find the planets no problem with it but they do not come in very sharp with any of the lenses. I could not make out any large features on Jupiter. I was able to find the Horsehead nebula in Orion with it but again, the level of detail left much to be desired.
The manual controls on this are horrid and there is alot of play in moving the altitude and azimuth, making centering on objects kind of hard.
If all you want to do is look at the moon, this isn't a bad telescope. Beyond that, spend a little more on a better scope. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Celestron's affordable NexStar 8i is an exciting new addition to the renowned NexStar family. Equipped with the standard electronic hand control, you can manually slew your NexStar across the sky in seconds or track a star equatorially as the Earth rotates beneath you. The electronic hand controls allows you to move the telescope at six different rates and has a "double button" feature that lets you instantly increase the slew speed without having to change rates.

Catadioptrics     This is a catadioptric telescope. Catadioptrics use an ingenious combination of mirrors and lenses to "fold" the light path into a remarkably compact tube. This type of design--which includes Schmidt-Cassegrain and Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes--offers good value even while it scores high on the techno-geek meter.     Read more about different telescope designs in our buying guide

When used with the optional computerized hand control, this model includes all of Celestron’s newest hardware and software enhancements in an affordable and expandable system. Most important, the NexStar 8i will fully align themselves when used with the CN16 GPS accessory. Put the power of our newest software features and expanded object database to work for you with Celestron's most versatile telescope.

Specifications include:

• 203mm (8") Diameter Schmidt-Cassegrain
• Focal Length of 2032mm
• Focal Ratio of f/10
• 6-degree per second slew speed
• Fully enclosed high speed motors on both axes
• Integrated hand controller built into the side of the fork arm
• Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with Starbright coating
• Designated AutoGuider port
• Auxiliary Port for optional Accessories, including CN-16 GPS module
• Battery Compartment for 8 (user supplied) AA batteries
• Weight: 34.5 lbs.
• Made in the U.S.A.

• Multicoated 25mm Plossl Eyepiece (50x)
• Star Pointer Finderscope
• Star Diagonal - 1.25"
• Visual Back - 1.25"
• Heavy Duty Base with Rubber Feet
• Electronic Hand Control

Celestron has long been recognized as a leader in Schmidt-Cassegrain technology. Our line of Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes ranges from the highly portable C5+ all the way up to the powerful CG-14, and includes several cutting edge computerized telescopes. Celestron's potent combination of superior optics, fine drive systems and well-crafted mechanics puts these telescopes in a class by themselves.

Schmidt-Cassegrain, or catadioptric, telescopes use a combination of mirrors and lenses to fold the optics and form an image. Incoming light enters through a thin aspheric Schmidt correcting lens, then strikes the spherical primary mirror and is reflected back up the tube. The light is then intercepted by a small secondary mirror which reflects the light out an opening in the rear of the instrument, where the image is formed at the eyepiece.

More advantages of the Schmidt-Cassegrain design are:

• Excellent optical systems delivering razor sharp images over a wide field.
• High performance in almost all situations; terrestrial viewing and photography; lunar, planetary and deep-sky observing; astrophotography with fast film; CCD imaging.
• Best all-around, multifunction telescope design; it combines all the optical advantages of both mirrors and lenses, while canceling their disadvantages.
• Focal ratios generally in the range of f/10, which is useful for all types of photography.
• A telescope that's compact, portable, easy to use, durable, virtually maintenance free and has a closed tube.
• The best near focus capability of any type of telescope design.
• Large apertures at quite reasonable prices.

Hand figuring of an optical system is a complex optical procedure done only on a commercial basis by Celestron. The art of hand figuring does take time but the results are easily evidenced by the superior resultant astrophotographs and viewing obtained. Celestron 's optical testing is performed on double-pass auto-collimators in a temperature controlled environment. This ensures the highest quality on a consistent basis. Our commitment to the most careful optical fabrication and most stringent testing and quality control is for one purpose: to produce the very best Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes available anywhere.

All Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes utilize the multicoated Starbright coatings group. High Reflectivity (HR) coatings are used on the mirrors for increased reflectivity and Anti-Reflection (AR) coatings are used on the correcting lens for increased light transmission. In fact, Celestron's Starbright coatings provide "the best light transmission by a large margin over the competition," according to Sky & Telescope magazine. In addition, the optical systems are optimally baffled to ensure the highest contrast levels. To provide consistent customer satisfaction and high performance, all Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain optical assemblies, at each aperture size, utilize the same superior optics, whether in a basic or full featured model.

If the 4,000 object computerized database and automatic alignment capabilities aren’t inspiring enough, add to that the easily assembled, quick-release fork arm and you have the smartest, most user-friendly telescope available today. And NexStar telescopes love to travel. Sturdy and solid, they provide rigid low-vibration performance, with quiet, high precision servo motors. Powered by 8 AA user supplied batteries or an optional AC adapter (#18770), NexStar telescopes aren’t tethered to civilization – they carry it with them. Best of all, those sophisticated electronics are designed by the highly skilled engineers of Celestron, right down to the circuit boards, for tested superior performance.

Moon viewing 101
The moon is often one of the first celestial objects a beginner will look at through his or her telescope. Here are a couple hints for you once you get your hands on your new NexStar 8i.

Often, it is tempting to look at the Moon when it is full. At this time, the face we see is fully illuminated and its light can be overpowering. In addition, little or no contrast can be seen during this phase. One of the best times to observe the Moon is during its partial phases (around the time of first or third quarter). Long shadows reveal a great amount of detail on the lunar surface. At low power you will be able to see most of the lunar disk at one time. The optional Reducer/Corrector lens allows for breath-taking views of the entire lunar disk when used with a low power eyepiece. Change to higher power (magnification) to focus in on a smaller area. Choose the lunar tracking rate from the NexStar's MENU tracking rate options to keep the moon centered in the eyepiece even at high magnifications.

Observing the Planets
Other fascinating targets include the five naked-eye planets. You can see Venus go through its lunar-like phases. Mars can reveal a host of surface detail and one, if not both, of its polar caps. You will be able to see the cloud belts of Jupiter and the great Red Spot (if it is visible at the time you are observing). In addition, you will also be able to see the moons of Jupiter as they orbit the giant planet. Saturn, with its beautiful rings, is easily visible at moderate power. Remember that atmospheric conditions are usually the limiting factor on how much planetary detail will be visible. So avoid observing the planets when they are low on the horizon or when they are directly over a source of radiating heat, such as a rooftop or chimney.

The Nuts and Bolts

Optical Tube Star Pointer Finderscope Eyepiece Star Diagonal Focuser Knob Battery Compartment ON/OFF Switch / 12v power Fork Arm Hand Control Schmidt Corrector Plate (not shown)

... Read more

Features

• 203mm (8-inch) diameter Schmidt-Cassegrain refractor
• Compass calibration, enabling you to point to true north more accurately
• Manually slew across the sky in seconds or track a star equatorially
• Electronic controls allows you to move the telescope at six different rates
• Auxiliary Port for optional accessories, including GPS module

Reviews (2)

A whole lot more then advertised
Great piece of equipment.
Comes with tripod, and computer control hand set with 40,000
item library.
Good Buy.

Easy to use!
I just recently bought my first "real" telescope (the Nexstar 8i) after doing much research and calling several astronomers. The Nexstar 8i is simple to use especially with the updated handcontroller and optional GPS. The Nexstar 8i is light weight, portable, and easy to take out to the field. I would recommend this telescope for any serious student of astronomy. ... Read more

Features

• Night Vision Flashlight
• Moon Filter
• 2x Barlow Lens
• Nexstar Car Battery adapters for use outdoors, carrying case