description Celestron Advanced VX 80ED Overview
The Celestron Advanced VX 80ED is a popular choice for beginner to intermediate astrophotographers. Its 80mm apochromatic refractor delivers sharp, low-chromatic aberration images, ideal for capturing planetary details and brighter deep-sky objects. The included AVX mount offers computerized GoTo functionality and accurate tracking, though heavier payloads may require upgrades. It's a relatively compact and portable setup, making it suitable for travel.
The price point balances performance and accessibility, making it a strong starting point for those new to astrophotography.
info Celestron Advanced VX 80ED Specifications
| Focuser | 2-inch dual-speed rack-and-pinion |
| Aperture | 80mm (3.1 inches) |
| Mount Type | Celestron Advanced VX (German Equatorial) |
| Ota Weight | Approximately 16 lbs (7.3 kg) |
| Resolution | 1.45 arcseconds |
| Finderscope | 6x30 |
| Focal Ratio | f/6.75 |
| Focal Length | 540mm |
| Star Diagonal | 1.25-inch 90-degree erect image |
| Optical Design | Apochromatic Refractor |
| Hand Controller | NexStar+ with 40,000+ object database |
| Eyepieces Included | 20mm (27x) and 10mm (54x) |
| Limiting Magnitude | Approximately 12 |
balance Celestron Advanced VX 80ED Pros & Cons
- 80mm apochromatic refractor delivers sharp, color-accurate images with minimal chromatic aberration
- Fast f/6.75 focal ratio allows shorter exposure times for deep-sky astrophotography
- Included AVX computerized mount features GoTo alignment with 40,000+ object database
- Compact and portable design weighing under 20 lbs for the OTA
- Versatile for both planetary observation and brighter deep-sky objects like nebulae and star clusters
- Dual-speed 2-inch rack-and-pinion focuser enables precise focusing for imaging
- 80mm aperture limits light-gathering for faint deep-sky objects requiring long exposures
- AVX mount has limited payload capacity restricting future optical upgrades
- No autoguider port means additional equipment needed for guided long-exposure imaging
- Stellafane reports focuser can exhibit some shift during imaging sessions
- No dedicated coma corrector included for wide-field imaging with the fast f-ratio
help Celestron Advanced VX 80ED FAQ
What is the aperture and focal length of the Celestron Advanced VX 80ED?
The 80ED features an 80mm (3.1-inch) aperture with a 540mm focal length, resulting in a fast f/6.75 focal ratio. This combination makes it well-suited for astrophotography of brighter deep-sky objects and provides good planetary detail.
Is the Celestron 80ED good for astrophotography beginners?
Yes, the f/6.75 focal ratio and apochromatic optics provide an excellent entry point for astrophotography. However, beginners should budget for additional accessories like a coma corrector and potentially an autoguider for the best long-exposure results.
What accessories come included with the AVX 80ED package?
The package includes the 80ED telescope tube, AVX computerized mount, 20mm and 10mm eyepieces, 6x30 finderscope, 1.25-inch star diagonal, and NexStar+ hand controller with illuminated polar scope.
Can this telescope be used for planetary observation?
Absolutely, the apochromatic optics deliver sharp, high-contrast views of planets, the Moon, and double stars. The included eyepieces provide 27x and 54x magnifications, though additional eyepieces will enhance planetary detail observation.
How does the AVX mount compare to the CGX or CGX-L for astrophotography?
The AVX mount is the most affordable computerized option but has lower payload capacity and less robust tracking than the CGX series. For serious deep-sky imaging requiring long exposures, the heavier CGX mount provides significantly better performance.
What is Celestron Advanced VX 80ED?
How good is Celestron Advanced VX 80ED?
How much does Celestron Advanced VX 80ED cost?
What are the best alternatives to Celestron Advanced VX 80ED?
What is Celestron Advanced VX 80ED best for?
Beginner to intermediate astrophotographers and visual observers seeking a portable, computerized telescope for capturing planetary details and bright deep-sky objects without a large budget.
How does Celestron Advanced VX 80ED compare to Celestron NexStar 8SE?
Is Celestron Advanced VX 80ED worth it in 2026?
What are the key specifications of Celestron Advanced VX 80ED?
- Focuser: 2-inch dual-speed rack-and-pinion
- Aperture: 80mm (3.1 inches)
- Mount Type: Celestron Advanced VX (German Equatorial)
- OTA Weight: Approximately 16 lbs (7.3 kg)
- Resolution: 1.45 arcseconds
- Finderscope: 6x30
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