Any C8 Users ...

[Davekyn]

I can't find many user reviews, or in depth ones that give first light or Obs.

I have however heard people wine about the mount and the lack of 2" back visual...

Is it worth the 2000+ for what you get ...

Interested to here from users ... both that sold it not long after receiving it and those that still use it.

Why did you choose it?

[Huey]

HI Dave,
I own a Celestron C8 for many years (and still use it). It's a good telescope which can give you years of fun. However, it depends on what you want to do. The optics are excellent but the mount is basic. If you want to do astrophotography invest in a good mount /wedge. If you want to do occassional photography especialy of planets with a webcam it's also suitable. Beware of aperture feaver though :D. It happened to me and I also own a 14" LX200 for a while now. Still, the C8 is a good telescope to start of with and will give you a lot of observing pleasure and may be all you want. It is also still small enough to transport in the back of a car to a dark observing site. There are heaps of accessories available to expand observing further.

Just my view, clear skies

Huey

[MikeyB]

Which mount are you talking about, David? $2K+ could be anything.

[traveller]

Telescopes are built to a price. So for 2k you either get a basic EQ mount (CG5) or a single arm mount like the Nexstar, or the double arm CPC series.
C8 is great for visuals, as mentioned below, esp the latter ones with Starbright XLT coating. A good mount is a must for AP work. Their OTA is lighter than Meades of the same aperture and there are heaps of accessories you can get (most interchangeable with Meades).
HTH, Bo

[Davekyn]

Yes of course Michael (MikeyB)... I am referring to the:
C8-SGT 8" Go-To XLT
200mm x 2000mm package
New low price!
$2199.00 AUD
http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm

Thanks Guys ... almost made my mind up...

[MikeyB]

I'm no expert on equatorial mounts, but my understanding is that the CG-5 in this package is a bit lightweight - OK for observational use but probably lacking in strength and rigidity for any astrophotography that you might want to do.

[traveller]

The 1.25" visual back can be upgraded with a Bintel 10:1 Crayford micro focusser, they are $99 at the moment.
I am about to embark on the steep and expensive curve of astro photography, and just bought a f6.3 reducer to help me easing in. And a second hand EQ6 Pro.
Bo

[netwolf]

Why not consider getting a used C8 and a used Eq6 or g11. You can get some good deals on older C8's. At a minimum get one with starbright coatings. I got my used C8 from the us, u can get some nice bargains over there.