Celestron Advanced VX 8" EdgeHD

 The Advanced VX (AVX) is a game-changer in mid-tier telescopes, packing many of the high-end features you'll find in Celestron's top-of-the-line German equatorial mounts, but at a cost that won't break the bank. Teaming up with Celestron’s cutting-edge EdgeHD optical system, this 8” telescope offers astroimagers unparalleled versatility with up to three different f-stop settings. You can either shoot at f/10 directly from the telescope’s rear or switch to f/7 using the 8" EdgeHD focal reducer. And if you're feeling adventurous, the Fastar/Hyperstar compatibility lets you capture images at a blazing fast f/2. The EdgeHD optics ensure that stars stay pin-sharp, right to the edge of your CCD sensor. If you’re already seasoned in astroimaging, this compact mount is perfect for hauling to dark-sky locations while offering all the amenities of a full-fledged observatory mount. For those just dipping their toes into astroimaging, the Advanced VX has the versatility to grow with you, meeting your needs for years to come. German Equatorial Mount with Computerized Tracking The Advanced VX is the most compact of Celestron's German equatorial mounts, but it still offers computerized GoTo capabilities that automatically follow celestial objects across the sky. With ports for hand control, an autoguider, and two additional AUX ports for add-ons, the Advanced VX is feature-rich. Its NexStar+ hand control delivers easy access to all of the mount's functionalities, and its intuitive menus make it a breeze to use, regardless of your skill level. Plus, the mount sits atop sturdy 2" diameter steel tripod legs, ensuring exceptional stability. Payload Capacity This mount can comfortably handle up to 30 pounds, making it robust enough to support any of the Advanced VX optical tubes along with additional accessories, such as the StarSense AutoAlign, Focus Motor, a finderscope, or a camera. Keep in mind, this payload rating doesn't account for counterweights. Dual Saddle Plate Starting from early 2019, Advanced VX mounts come with a dual saddle plate compatible with both CG-5 and CGE-style dovetails. Transitioning between the two types is as straightforward as relocating the hand knobs. This feature enables the mount to accommodate virtually any optical tube that falls within its weight limit. However, it doesn’t work with Losmandy D format plates, regardless of who makes them. EdgeHD Optical System The EdgeHD optics deliver unprecedented image quality, virtually eliminating both field curvature and coma. This results in astrograph-level performance, with sharp stars from edge to edge. Software Suite Your purchase includes Celestron PWI (CPWI), arguably the most advanced consumer-level astronomy software on the market, co-developed with PlaneWave Instruments. It features a graphical planetarium interface, PointXP advanced mount modeling, and a complete ASCOM telescope interface for third-party software integration. It's also perfect for remote observatory use, allowing you to save and reload alignments and even park your scope. Starry Night Software Included free with your purchase, the Starry Night Special Edition software from Simulation Curriculum helps you plan observing or imaging sessions and also lets you control your telescope right from your computer. Specifications Optical Design: EdgeHD Aperture: 203.2mm (8") Focal Length: 2032mm (80") Focal Ratio: f/10 Focal Length of Eyepiece 1: 40mm (1.57") Magnification of Eyepiece 1: 51x Finderscope: 9x50 Star Diagonal: 1.25" Star Diagonal Optical Tube: Aluminum Highest Useful Magnification: 480x Lowest Useful Magnification: 29x Limiting Stellar Magnitude: 14 Resolution (Rayleigh): .69 arc seconds Resolution (Dawes): .57 arc seconds Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye): 843x Secondary Mirror Obstruction: 64mm (2.5") Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Diameter: 31% Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Area: 9.77% Optical Coatings: StarBright XLT Optical Tube Length: 432mm (17") Optical Tube Diameter: 238mm (9.37") Optical Tube Weight: 14 lbs (6.35 kg) Dovetail: CG-5 Dovetail bar MOUNT INFO: Mount Type: Computerized Equatorial Instrument load capacity: 30 lbs (13.6 kg) Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod): 1118mm - 1626mm (44" – 64") Tripod Leg Diameter: 50.8mm (2") Stainless Steel Latitude adjustment range: 7° - 77° Mount Head Weight: 17 lbs (7.71 kg) Accessory Tray: Yes Tripod Weight: 18 lbs (8.16 kg) Weight of Counterweights: 1 x 12 lbs Slew Speeds: 9 slew speeds - max speed 4°/second Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Solar and Lunar Tracking Modes: EQ North and EQ South GPS: N/A Dovetail Compatibility: Dual saddle plates (CG-5 and CGE saddle) Number of Auxiliary Ports: 3 AUX Ports (1 hand control and 2 AUX Ports for optional accessories Autoguide Port: Yes USB Port: Yes, input on Hand Control Power Requirements: 12V DC 3.5A (tip positive) Motor Drive: DC servo motors Alignment Procedures: 2-Star Align, 1-Star Align, Solar System Align, Last Alignment, Quick Align Periodic Error Correction: Yes Computerized Hand Control: 2 line x 18 character backlit Liquid Crystal Display, 19 LED backlit buttons, USB 2.0 Port for PC connection NexStar+ Database: 40,000+ objects, 100 user defined programmable objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects Software: Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software and SkyPortal App Total Kit Weight: 61 lbs (27.67 kg) Included Items: Advanced VX Equatorial Head and tripodAccessory Tray1 x 12 lbs counterweightNexStar+ Hand ControlDC Power Cable (item# 18769)Hand Control Holster Solar Warning Never look directly at the Sun with the naked eye or with an optic (unless you have the proper solar filter). Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result. Never use your optic to project an image of the Sun onto any surface. Internal heat build-up can damage the optic and any accessories attached to it. Never leave your optic unsupervised. Make sure an adult who is familiar with the correct operating procedures is with your optic at all times, especially when children are present. California Residents WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.   Software and Documentation Advanced VX Manual EdgeHD Optics Manual Whitepaper EdgeHD Optics NexStar Plus Hand Control Manual CPWI Software Celestron Firmware Manager (CFM) Software NexRemote Telescope Control Software Periodic Error Correction Tool (PECTool)