Celestron - the Golden Years

[matt]

Optically speaking, which are the years considered the best when it comes to Celestron (SCT) scopes?

I can't remember where I've seen it, but I have read on a number of occasions there is a period when Celestron was considered to be at the very top of its game when it comes to the optics in its Schmidt-Cassegrains.

Thanks

[snowyskiesau]

I bought my Celestron SPC 8 in 1991 and at that time, Meade was considered second class quality (at least according to the various suppliers I spoke with)
The general feeling was that if you were going to buy a quality SCT, you bought a Celeston.
[Of course I may have just fallen for the salesmans spiel ..]

[matt]

So... you're saying the early 90s is regarded generally as an era when Celestron optics were at their peak?

[ballaratdragons]

I can remember back in the 80's when Celestron was the Bees Knees!!!

They dominated the market in advertising, and the name 'Celestron' was recognised as 'Class Equipment'. Meade was a second thought.

This could have all come about purely by the amount of advertising too. Celestron ads were in every Astro mag on at least 10 different pages, whereas Meade had 1 or 2 ads (or none in some issues).

As to quality, I don't know who had the better scopes back then, but Celestron was 'in ya face' so to speak.

[Neilzstar]

My C8 deluxe is vintage 1995, just prior to manufacture being shifted from California. A Bintel purchase as they were then Celestron agents. Has not yet required collimation and ronchi test on star has perfectly straight parallel lines except for the very edges of the mirror. Only one comment - re stability - would be better on a mount other than a fork, but it settles quickly anyway. All in all, I don't plan to change. Regards, Neilzstar

[Merlin66]

The wheels fell off for both Celestron aand Meade when they tried to cash in on the consumer rush for Comet Halley... so quality dived in the mid 80's by early 90's they were both back on track. The perception has always been that the Celestron OPTICS were great, their mounting etc let them down especially when Meade kick started the electronic revolution.
My 2c.

[dugnsuz]

I had an early 90's C8 which was a beautiful scope - wish I'd kept it:mad2:
Optically - very nice, and I recall that the hardware on the scope was a cut above the Meade accessories available at that time too.
I think Meade have lifted their game a lot since those days though.
The 9.25" has always had an above average QC reputation as well.
Try this link, it's a 3mb powerpoint presentation but worth a look.
http://www.celestron-nexstar.de/download/history_of_sc.ppt
Cheers
Doug:thumbsup:

[casstony]

Even the 9.25 has lost some prestige in recent posts on the cloudynights forums. One guy reported astigmatism in 3 out of 5 scopes he'd tested. Its a scary prospect buying a new SCT these days, with both companies trying to cut each others throats and maybe letting their QC slip too far. Maybe one of those fancy GSO newtonians is the go?

Tony