Celestron Advanced Series Telescopes

• CELESTRON 21020

If you want a six-inch refractor with computer control on a sturdy equatorial mount then the C6-RGT is one to consider. Planetary observers usually prefer refractors for their high-contrast images so if this is your main area of interests the C6-RGT is a good choice. Its aperture is also large enough to give excellent views of deep-sky objects as well.

Our package includes:

• CELESTRON 31054

If you want a general-purpose telescope, equally suited to planets and deep-sky objects then the C6-NGT may be the right telescope for you. It is aimed at intermediate-level astronomers and beginners who want an investment that will serve them for many years.

A sturdy equatorial mount that will give steady images, even at high magnification, and a simple but powerful computer control system combine to give a serious telescope at an affordable price.

The computer control system is self-contained and can work in stand-alone mode but can alsoo be connected to a PC via a serial link.

Our package includes:

• 1-1/4" 20mm Eyepiece (38x)
• 6x30 Finderscope and Mounting Bracket
• CG-5 Equatorial Mount and Tripod
• Rack and Pinion Focuser – 1-1/4"
• The Sky Level I CD-ROM
• Accessory Tray
• Proven NexStar® computer control technology
• RS-232 communication port on hand control to control the telescope via a personal computer
• Autoguider port for long exposure astrophotography
• 40,000+ object database with 400 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objects
• Custom database lists of all the most famous deep-sky objects by name and catalog number; the most beautiful double, triple and quadruple stars; variable star; solar systems; objects and asterisms
• Double line, 16-character Liquid Crystal Display Hand Control with 19 fiber optic backlit LED buttons
• DC Servo motors with encoders on both axes

The mount is also compatible with Celestron's CN16 GPS module.

• CELESTRON 31062

The C8-NGT is similar to the C6-NGT but its 8-inch aperture collects 77% more light to show more detail and take you deeper into outer space. If your budget will stretch to the higher price the gain is much greater than the increase in price.

Our package includes all the same features as the C6-NGT but with the larger optical tube.

• CELESTRON 11048

With a massive 10-inch aperture the C10-NGT will show you levels of detail that smaller telescopes just can't. It is especially suitable for visual observation of planets and deep-sky objects. Patient observers will enjoy the exquisite detail that can be seen on the surface of Jupiter when our atmosphere steadies.

A leader in its class, the C10-NGT came first in Sky at Night magazine's group test. Highly recommended.

Our package includes all the features listed for the C6-NGT but with the larger optical tube.

• CELESTRON 11079-XLT

Celestron's 6-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain optics are excellent and combine well with the advanced series mount to provide a very capable telescope suitable for visual observation and astrophotography.

The basic telescope operates at f/10 but other focal ratios can be exploited by using optional accessories. An f/6.3 focal reducer is available from Celestron and the telescope is also compatible with Starizona's Hyperstar which allows prime focus photography at f/2.

The C6-SGT is a very good choice for anyone getting started in astrophotography. The aperture is large enough to produce excellent results but small enough to keep complications to a minimum. The alternative focal ratios provide wider fields of view and shorter exposures, both of which simplify astrophotography.

• CELESTRON 11026-XLT

For those wanting extra aperture but with all the same features as the C6-SGT, the C8 version offers Celestron's most popular Schmidt-Cassegrain optics on the computer-controlled CG-5 equatorial mount.

The mount and optical tube are well matched and offer an affordable high-performance option for visual and photographic use.

• CELESTRON 11046-XLT

Clelestron's 9.25-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube is a unique size designed to be a significant step-up from an 8-inch telescope whilst still being easy to handle. When combined with the advanced series CG-5 mount it offers stunning visual performance and can be used very effectively for short-exposure astrophotography.

This is a good telescope to choose if you want the large aperture and computer control but are constrained by your budget from buying a more substantial mount. You can replace the mount when and if you want to move on to serious long-exposure astrophotography.

The 9.25-inch optrics are not compatible with Starizona's Hyperstar but Celestron's f/6.3 focal reducer can be used.

Price: £1,599.00 (Including VAT at 20%)

• CELESTRON 11067-XLT

The largest aperture in the advanced range, the 11-inch version is an extremely powerful telescope mounted on a computer-controlled CG-5 mount to provide stunning visual performance at a very competitive price.

As with the 9.25-inch model we don't recommend it if you want to get started immediately in serious astrophotography in its native f/10 mode. However, it is compatible with Starizona's Hyperstar which converts it to f/2, considerably reducing exposure tiems and tracking requirements.

So, if you want a massive aperture, excellent optics, manageable weight and the option of astrophotography at f/2 this package represents outstanding value.

(We have been supplying the Hyperstar for several years and can offer advice and training in fitting and using it as well.)