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Celestron C80-ED OTA

4.2 (5 Reviews) Read Reviews Write Review
Brand Celestron
Part Number
Availability available

Product Info

Overview

3.1" (80mm) f/7.5 refractor optical tube

Reviews

4.2 (Based on 5 Reviews) 100% of reviewers recommended this product.
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    1. astroram

      astroram New Member

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      User Notes:
      1251944640
      Sep 2, 2009

      4.0 Celestron ED 80 F7.5

      Pros:

      Grab and Go with awesome "APO" optics

      Cons:

      Focuser needs to be replaced if interested in imaging

      Comments:

      It has been over 6 months since I obtained the C80ED and CG5 mount combo. The excitement of first light has passed, and now that my emotions are back to normal I feel that I am more able to evaluate this scope then after the initial hoopla when I first received it. Being a seasoned observer for many years, and reviewing what I have observed with this scope, I have to state that I am very much impressed with its optics, both astronomically and terrestrially. The optics have exceeded any expectation I had for a small aperture ED ("APO") refractor. The images of the moon, Saturn and Jupiter snap into focus using a 4mm TMB/Burgess planetary eyepiece. Seeing the moon pure white against a dark background gives you almost a three dimensional perspective.

      Yesterday I had a chance to compare it to my friends most excellent Orion ED 80 in the daytime. Though the Orion's scope has a bigger OTA body, the Celestron seems more aesthetically pleasing in appearance. We were fortunate to be able to observe the reflection of the sun on a telephone pole insulator over 500 feet away. The star test in my scope using that reflected light showed nearly identical diffraction rings of almost identical intensity inside and outside focus. The Orion showed a very similar pattern, but I did see slightly less intensity of the rings outside focus ( I am sure that this is just variability from one instrument to another instrument as the Chinese QA is really starting to get a lot better). The one thing that was noticeable was the focuser for the Orion scope was smoother in operation, but I did not get the feeling that it would warrant a change in a focuser (unless of course I was using this for imaging), especially after I had degreased the Celestron and used lithium grease in its place.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No
    2. Stargazer

      Stargazer New Member

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      User Notes:
      1209289380
      Apr 27, 2008

      5.0 Celestron C80ED

      Pros:

      Lightweight; Virtually color free; Excellent price

      Cons:

      None; The clamshell is doable as is the focuser...especially for the price!

      Comments:

      I was lucky enough to get this Celestron doublet at a clearance price. I had no intention of purchasing another scope, as I already had a 110mm doublet. Why go for less aperture? Well, for the cost, why not give it a whirl? A lightweight grab-n-go with FPL-53 glass...what's to lose?

      What a gem! The in-focus images are sharp and CA free (at least, to my eyes). Imaging with the C80ED is a pleasure. I have used it with my DSLR camera, for both daytime imaging (birds) and astrophotography as well. Single image lunar shots are absolutely color-free and sharp.

      I have thought about replacing the rack-and-pinion focuser with a crayford-style but, for now, I have degreased it and the new Super-Lube has improved the movement considerably.

      I'm not crazy about the clamshell that is supplied with the scope. One has to be careful that the dovetail is flat on the mount when tightening the dovetail holding screws. (I use my Orion SVP). Otherwise, especially in the dark, you could have this great little performer lying at your feet. OUCH!

      This is a fun, lightweight scope that is sure to please anyone that takes pleasure in viewing the heavens!

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No
    3. kevinbozard

      kevinbozard New Member

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      User Notes:
      1205621400
      Mar 15, 2008

      4.0 Celestron C80ED

      Pros:

      ED glass - crisp clear views

      Cons:

      None

      Comments:

      The C80 is a fine instrument and at around $400 it is a great value. The optics are crisp, clear, virtually color free, and well collimated. I use this little scope piggyback on a 6" refractor, and it is awesome. This telescope is well worth the price it's sold for and makes a good guide scope or imaging scope.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No
    4. cosmic109

      cosmic109 New Member

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      User Notes:
      1186774680
      Aug 10, 2007

      4.0 Celestron's 80mm ED Doublet

      Pros:

      Great optics; Small size; Great price

      Cons:

      Cheap lens cover; No handle on clamshell; Non Crayford focuser

      Comments:

      Impeccable manners and good looks set this scope apart from other bargain scopes. It has the same innards as the Orion 80ED, but minus the bloat and the Crayford focuser. This results in a slim sexy package with optics that perform with clear contrasty views minus any color whatsoever when pushed to the limits.

      When used with my Burgess binoviewer and a pair of Orion 17mm Sirius plossls, views of the moonscape are absolutely stunning! The scope is f/7.5...which is a nice compromise between wide field of views for most deep space objects and high power planetary viewing. No detectable color on the moon or planets......just sharp contrasty views.

      This is a wonderful little scope and a great value. Throw in a lifetime, no questions asked warranty, low price.....the C80ED is a no brainer.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No
    5. Thaley

      Thaley New Member

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      User Notes:
      1185099000
      Jul 22, 2007

      4.0 Celestron 80mm ED Refractor

      Pros:

      Crisp, clear, virtually color free optics, and sleek look!

      Cons:

      R&P focuser, should be a fine Crayford

      Comments:

      The C80 is a fine instrument and at around $400 it is a great value. The optics are crisp, clear, virtually color free, and well collimated. The tube has a sleek look and a nice finish. The clamshell mount adds to the look, but can cause some slight marring of the finish if you are not careful. Its 1/4-20 adapter is okay for a travel option but is not hefty enough for normal use. I have mine mounted on an Orion SkyView Pro mount and it's rock solid. As an imaging scope it is awesome! I have taken many a great image through this little gem of a scope. The only downfall is its rack and pinion focuser (it should be a Crayford), however with a change of the lubricant I found it to be acceptable. All and all, it is a fine instrument and a great value at $400.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No
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