Telescopes from Celestron: Detailed Reviews, Ratings, and Models Examined
Gazing into the Future of Telescope Dominance
Let's cut to the chase – we’re betting big on Celestron/Synta ruling the amateur telescope market for another half century, or at least being a significant force in it.
From Garage Workshop to Global Powerhouse
In 1964, electrical engineer Tom Johnson took a leap by founding Celestron. After experimenting with amateur telescope making, he revolutionized the Schmidt-Cassegrain design into a more compact form, introducing the "master block" method for mass-producing Schmidt corrector plates.
Beginning with blue-and-white Schmidt-Cassegrains for universities and wealthy amateurs, Celestron shifted gears in the early '70s with their iconic, orange-tube C8, a telescope still popular today. Other classics like the C5, C11, C14, C90 Maksutov-Cassegrain, C9.25, and C6 followed suit.
Celestron's ownership has undergone numerous changes, with Tom Johnson selling the company in 1980. Multiple owners later, it was Chinese company Synta Technology Corp who took charge in 2005, also manufacturing for Sky-Watcher and third parties.
Quality Telescopes and Controversial Reputation
Celestron's extensive lineup includes Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, GoTo equatorial mounts, and other accessories like eyepieces, binoculars, and CCD cameras. Their superfast f/2 Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt astrographs are a standout. However, some argue that the company relies too heavily on brand reputation to sell low-quality products.
Their mounts have come under criticism for subpar tracking and mechanical quality, and none integrate with EQMod, an frustrating quirk compared to sister company Sky-Watcher's high-quality mounts with EQMod capability. The "PowerSeeker," "AstroMaster," "LCM," and "ExploraScope" lines are also viewed as cheap, toy-like instruments best avoided.
On the flip side, Celestron's customer service is top-notch. Even for old instruments, they go the extra mile to find spare parts, and they repair or upgrade post-1970 Celestron SCTs at reasonable rates.
Our Take on Celestron's Offerings
We've reviewed several Celestron telescopes such as the Powerseeker 114AZ, NexStar 6SE, and Astro-Fi 130. For the full rundown, check out our reviews section. But, to put it simply, Celestron’s products straddle the line between decent for entry-level setups but not always the most cost-effective or practical choice for more advanced uses.
Looking Ahead
In the US, the best places to buy Celestron telescopes online include Amazon, HighPointScientific, AgenaAstro, and Astronomics.
Currently, the company is maintaining its presence with innovative products like the Celestron Origin and NexStar Evolution series, but future plans remain undisclosed. However, as a leading manufacturer in the astronomy industry, Celestron is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the years to come.
- Celestron's advanced offerings in optics, such as their superfast f/2 Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt astrographs, are a testament to their technological prowess.
- Despite criticism regarding the quality of their mounts and certain low-end telescope lines, Celestron's customer service is highly commendable, offering excellent support for old instruments and reasonable repair rates.
- Astrophotographers and more advanced users may find Celestron's products straddling the line between being decent for entry-level setups but less cost-effective or practical for more advanced uses.
- The future looks promising for Celestron, with innovative products like the Celestron Origin and NexStar Evolution series already in the market.
- For those in the US, purchasing Celestron telescopes online can be done through various gadget-friendly platforms such as Amazon, HighPointScientific, AgenaAstro, and Astronomics.
