Celestron Advanced VX 8" Newtonian with 94286 12lb Counterweight - 32062

Celestron Advanced VX 8" Newtonian – 32062 telescope.

After many years of observational astronomy using 6” Shmidth Cassegrain with A-Z mount , I wanted to step-in into astrophotography. Carefully considering the requirements for a successful deep space photography as well as my budgetary constraints, I have opted for equatorial Celestron Advanced VX 8" Newtonian – 32062 telescope. This package consists of fast, f5 Newtonian optical tube with 2” rack and pinion focuser, and the advanced series GT computerized Go-To mount with very sturdy, well-built tripod. This mount line has been for many years a “workhorse” of many amateur and professional astronomers. It is well documented in a number of reviews and videos on the web. Being relatively light, the mount is easily transportable to observation sites of interest. For that purpose, I would strongly recommend the optional polar scope accessory, it cuts significantly the preparation time. Regarding the installation of optical tube to the mount, I wish for locking screw tips to have soft pivoting caps to prevent scratch marks on the dove tail railing when readjusting the telescope balance. Also, I noticed the proximity of steel optical tube substantially affects the compass magnetic needle and probably would affect the GPS as well. I was impressed with clearly written and illustrated manual, over 70 large format pages printed on a quality paper. It covers the topics such as assembly, computerized controller, maintenance, and basics of astronomy, observations and astrophotography. Unlike the A-Z mount, an equatorial mount is counterintuitive and requires some time to get used to it. Due to consistently unfavourable skies in past few weeks, I did not have opportunity to put all capabilities of computerized mount through its paces, nor to test the optical aspects of Newtonian tube. Perhaps in near future I will include these topics in my review. So far, I am very happy with this telescope. I am certain it will last until I run out of observational targets :). My thanks to support team in Telescopes Canada, they have been very responsive to my inquiries.