Celestron CPC 800 XLT 8″ Computerized Telescope
The Celestron CPC 800 XLT comes with revolutionary SkyAlign Alignment Technology that redefines everything that amateur astronomers are looking for – quick and simple alignment, unsurpassed optical quality, ease of set-up and use, ergonomics, enhanced computerization and, most important, affordability. Learn more about the Celestron CPC 800 XLT and it’s impressive features in the video below.
Celestron CPC 800 XLT Features:
- Available with Starbright XLT High Performance Optical System – Celestron’s finest optical coatings provide sharp, bright clear views.
- SkyAlign Alignment Technology – Fast, easy alignment. Simply choose three bright stars. The telescope does the rest.
- Built in GPS
- Convenient remote hand control holder – Allows you to view information hands-free while using the Celestron CPC 800 XLT. 40,000+ object database.
- Ergonomic design – Comfortably lift and move the telescope from location to location.
- Re-designed drive base and drive mechanics – Quiet operation; large drive gears, quick release clutch; Auxiliary ports for AutoGuider, PC; easily mounts to tripod.
- Mount is NexRemote compatible, Includes Permanent PEC
- Newly – designed heavy-duty tripod.
Technical Specifications:
- 8″ Schmidt-Cassegrain Design
- Focal Length – 2032 mm, F/10
- 50 mm Finderscope w/quick release bracket
- Dual Fork Arm Mount
- Aluminum Optical Tube
- 40 mm Plossl (51x) Eyepiece
- 1.25″ Star Diagonal
- Accessory tray Leg Brace/ Eyepiece holder
- Heavy Duty Steel Adjustable Tripod
- Car battery power adapter
- NexStar Computer Control System
- Hand Control, Auxiliary, and Autoguide Ports
Optical Specifications:
- Highest Useful Magnification – 480x
- Lowest Useful Magnification – 29x
- Limiting Stellar Magnitude – 14
- Resolution – Rayleigh 0.68 arcsec
- Dawes Limit – 0.57 arcsec
- Photographic Resolution – 200 line/mm
- Light Gathering Power – 843x unaided eye
- Field of View – standard eyepiece 0.8°
- Linear FOV (@1000 yds) – 42 ft
- Starbright XLT Coatings
- Secondary Mirror Obstruction – 2.7″
- by Area – 11%
- by Diameter – 34%
- Optical tube length – 17″
Software Specifications:
- DC Servo motors with encoders, both axes
- Resolution 0.1406 arcsec
- Nine slew speeds – 3°/sec, 2°/sec, 0.5°/sec, 64x, 16x, 8x, 4x, 1x, 0.5x
- Software Precision 24bit, 0.08 arcsec calculations
- Sidereal, Solar, and Lunar tracking rates
- 40,000 Object Database
- Altazimuth, Equatorial North and South tracking modes
- SkyAlign, Auto Two-Star Align, One-Star Align, EQ Align, Solar System Align
- Periodic Error Correction Permanently Programmable
Mechanical Specifications:
- Dual fork arm, cast aluminum w/ detachable HC cradle
- 5.625″ hard anodized gear in both axes, 180 tooth, brass worm
- 9.8″ azimuth bearing
- Telescope Weight – 42 lb
- Tripod/Mount Weight – 19 lb
Electronic Specifications:
- Power Requirements – 12VDC at 1.5A
- Cord Management – Software Managed
Mark D. Verified Buyer –
I had a 16” Meade DOB for years. I was always intrigued with the Go To scopes that I’d see at viewing events. After doing some research I decided on buying the Celestron 8”CPC as a retirement gift to myself. Since I was new to the SCT , Dave from High Point walked me through the whole ordering process. He’s a wealth of knowledge. There were upgrad
es that I wanted to do such as a 2” diagonal and Dave made excellent suggestions for me. I’m extremely happy with my purchase. It’s not a heavy scope to me for setting up. The handles are well placed and make the setup effortless. The tripod is heavy duty with a nice aluminum tray in the center (not plastic) . It comes with a nice finder scope . I may change out to a Telrad since I’m more used to that. Everything else on the scope seems to be well built. No potential problem areas that I see. The focuser seems good to me right now. I know you can upgrade them if need be , something I may look into in the future, but it definitely works just fine .
I did have alittle trouble the first few nights out on getting alignment. I tried the 3 star “sky align” and a few times it would fail to align . It got to be frustrating. I decided to buy the illuminated centering eyepiece and that has helped me a lot. The last few times I tried the 2 star alignment and everything went perfectly. I did the “sky tour” on the hand piece and all the objects came in centered in the eyepiece! YES! That is just what I was hoping for with this scope. I’ve had the scope out 5 times now and haven’t had any issues. Alignment is going just fine . Tracking is spot on . Another feature I really wanted . I purchased the Apertura power pack to run the scope and it performs like a champ . I’m really enjoying the views through this scope. It’s a real pleasure to use . My plan is to have this scope for a long time. Maybe in the future even add its big brother the 11” CPC to the fold. Maybe lol
I’m glad I went with High Point for this purchase. They are very knowledgeable and a pleasure to deal with.