Thinking about a telescope that can handle both casual stargazing and more serious astrophotography? The CPC Deluxe 800 HD jumps out as a flexible pick, working for beginners but also giving experienced astronomers plenty to love.
This 8-inch telescope mixes EdgeHD optics with StarBright XLT coatings, so you get sharp, bright images from edge to edge. Its computerized mount can automatically find more than 40,000 celestial objects using the SkyAlign system.
Most users talk up the telescope’s excellent optics and how quickly they can get it up and running. On the flip side, that 100-pound weight? It’s a beast to lug around. A handful of buyers have run into focusing issues and ended up calling customer support for help.
Overview: Celestron CPC Deluxe 800 HD 8-Inch SCT Telescope
This telescope packs a punch for both new and seasoned stargazers. Celestron built the CPC Deluxe 800 HD with EdgeHD optics to fix common image flaws like coma and field curvature. You’ll notice sharp, clear views, no matter where you look in the eyepiece.
Key Features:
- 8-inch aperture, EdgeHD optical system
- StarBright XLT coatings for brighter images
- 40,000+ object database with SkyAlign tech
- Dual fork arm mount for stable tracking
- FASTAR compatible for fast imaging
Finding objects feels simple with the computerized mount. Just center three bright objects to start, and the telescope takes over from there. At 43 pounds, it’s portable enough to move around, but it still feels sturdy for serious use.
You can use this telescope for both visual observation and astrophotography. Without a wedge, you’ll get 30-second exposures. If you add the optional HD Pro Wedge, you’ll get longer imaging sessions.
Some folks say the initial setup takes patience. The telescope needs a power source, so you can’t just use it anywhere.
Ready to explore the night sky? Check out the CPC Deluxe 800 HD on Amazon to see current pricing and availability.
EdgeHD Optical Performance
The optics are where the CPC Deluxe 800 HD really shines. Celestron’s EdgeHD design tackles issues that annoy a lot of telescope owners.
Key Optical Benefits:
- Coma correction keeps stars sharp across the whole field
- Field curvature elimination means crisp images from center to edge
- StarBright XLT coatings boost light transmission for brighter views
The 8-inch aperture gathers plenty of light, so you’ll spot fine details on planets and faint deep-sky objects. With a focal ratio of f/10, you get a nice balance of light gathering and image quality.
Fastar compatibility stands out here. If you remove the secondary mirror and add a special lens, you can shoot at ultra-fast f/2 imaging speeds.
Some users mention focus issues right out of the box. The heavy optical tube can make fine focusing tough, especially if it’s windy.
Advanced Alignment and Tracking
Pointing a telescope at the right spot in the sky can get frustrating. The CPC Deluxe 800 HD makes this way easier with built-in GPS and several alignment options.
Celestron put a 16-channel GPS system in here, so it automatically knows your location. That speeds up setup since you don’t have to enter coordinates. The SkyAlign feature guides you through centering three bright objects, and then the telescope can find over 40,000 celestial objects on its own.
Key alignment features:
- Built-in GPS for automatic location
- SkyAlign for easy setup
- Multiple alignment options for different needs
- 40,000+ object database
The tracking system uses a heavy-duty drive train with brass and steel parts. This setup tracks objects accurately for up to 30 seconds without extra gear. Some users rave about the tracking, but others say the alignment process takes some practice.
If you want longer photography sessions, add the HD Pro Wedge accessory. That gives you polar alignment for more serious imaging.
Versatility for Observing and Imaging
This telescope really does double duty for visual observation and astrophotography. The CPC Deluxe handles casual backyard stargazing and serious imaging at dark sky sites.
Visual Observation Strengths:
- Built-in GPS and SkyAlign can locate over 40,000 objects
- 8-inch aperture grabs plenty of light for deep-sky viewing
- EdgeHD optics keep stars sharp across wide eyepieces
Imaging Capabilities:
- Tracks accurately for 30-second exposures right out of the box
- Works with HD Pro Wedge for longer astrophotography
- Fastar system lets you shoot at f/2 when you remove the secondary mirror
People like how easily they can switch between observing and imaging. Others point out the 100-pound weight makes it less portable than smaller scopes. The computerized mount handles both tracking and imaging, but setup time goes up if you’re shooting photos.
Build Quality and Setup
Setting up this 8-inch telescope takes some forethought since the whole thing weighs almost 100 pounds. The dual fork arm mount gives you solid stability for tracking, but you’ll want to be careful with the 43-pound mount during setup.
The die-cast aluminum construction gives it a sturdy, premium feel that can take regular use. The tripod’s carrying handles help when you need to move this heavy gear to a new spot.
Setup Process:
- SkyAlign guides you through initial alignment
- Built-in GPS helps with location setup
- Flash upgradeable hand control with backlit buttons
- Takes about 10-15 minutes to get everything ready
You get a 50mm finderscope and a 40mm eyepiece included, so you’re ready to go. Most users say the computer system works well once you get the hang of it, though beginners might hit a learning curve.
The weight really does make this telescope less portable than smaller models. You’ll need some patience, especially when learning the alignment steps at first.
User-Friendly Navigation System
Navigating the night sky gets a lot easier with the CPC Deluxe 800’s computerized system. NexStar helps you find objects, even if you don’t know where to look.
Celestron’s SkyAlign technology makes setup simple. Just point at three bright stars, and the telescope figures out its position. After that, you can pick from over 40,000 objects in the database.
What works well:
- Built-in GPS for quick setup
- Huge object database to explore
- Auto-tracking keeps things in view as Earth turns
What could be better:
- New users need some time to learn the system
- You’ll need a power source for setup
Some people find the go-to features fast and accurate once they get used to the controls. Others mention the computerized parts can feel a bit overwhelming at first.
Accessory Compatibility
The CPC Deluxe 800 HD plays nice with lots of standard telescope accessories. You can swap in eyepieces with different focal lengths to change magnification. Celestron includes a Barlow lens eyepiece that doubles any eyepiece’s magnification.
The reflex finderscope makes it easier to spot objects in the sky. You can upgrade to other finderscopes if you want. The telescope accepts standard 1.25-inch eyepieces, so you’ve got plenty of options.
Power Options:
- DC power supply (included)
- Battery pack for portable use
- Car adapter for field work
The altazimuth mount holds extra accessories like cameras for astrophotography. But with the 99-pound weight, you’ll need a sturdy tripod or mount.
Some users say finding compatible accessories gets tricky because of the telescope’s specific design. The optical tube works best with Celestron accessories, but you can use plenty of third-party options too.
Pros and Cons
When you look at what makes this telescope stand out—or where it might fall short—a few key points come up from user experiences and hands-on testing.
Pros
The CPC Deluxe 800 HD delivers impressive optics with its Edge HD optics and StarBright XLT coatings. You’ll see sharp, clear views that a lot of users call superb for the price.
Setup and Navigation Benefits:
- Built-in GPS makes alignment quick
- NexStar computerized system finds targets fast
- 40,000 object database gives you tons to explore
- SkyAlign technology simplifies the setup process
The go-to system wins over even people who usually avoid automated telescopes. You spend more time observing and less time searching.
You get a 50mm finder scope and 40mm eyepiece in the box. Celestron’s customer support gets good marks for being helpful and responsive.
Cons
Weight and Portability Issues:
- Heavy design makes daily setup tough
- Not great if you want a truly portable telescope
- Tripod can be awkward to adjust
Some users run into focusing problems that make even bright objects like the moon look blurry, even after trying different eyepieces.
The tripod legs have frustrated some buyers, with reports of legs not shortening right. That makes storage and setup less convenient.
The size and weight mean you really need a dedicated spot for it, or a lot of motivation to move it around. Plenty of users wish they had room for a permanent setup.
Quality control feels hit or miss, with some units arriving with missing parts or mechanical issues right out of the box.
Ready to see if the CPC Deluxe 800 HD is your next stargazing companion? Check current pricing and availability on Amazon.
Customer Reviews
Real users have pretty mixed feelings about this telescope. A lot of people call the CPC Deluxe 800 HD a great deal for anyone looking at Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes.
What Users Love:
- You can set it up quickly, thanks to the built-in GPS tracking
- The optical quality stands out
- Finding targets doesn’t take long
- Customer support actually responds and helps out
Common Concerns:
- The thing is heavy, so dragging it out every night isn’t fun
- Some folks get units that won’t focus right
- Adjusting the tripod can get frustrating
- It’s not exactly easy to pack up and take traveling
Experienced astronomers seem to really appreciate the optical performance. Still, some buyers run into focus problems that make even the moon look kind of blurry. Most people say the go-to system feels user-friendly after you spend a little time with it.
The weight comes up again and again. Unless you’ve got a spot to keep it set up or don’t mind a workout, moving this telescope gets old fast.
Check out the Celestron CPC Deluxe 800 HD on Amazon to read more detailed customer feedback.
Final Conclusion
After digging through what people actually say about this telescope, I’ve gotta admit—the CPC Deluxe 800 HD really stands out for serious stargazers. That 4.4-star rating? It tells you most folks end up pretty satisfied.
What do people like most? The optics are sharp, and the GPS alignment feels surprisingly easy to use. Users often mention how quickly it locks onto targets in the sky. Plus, the build just feels solid.
But, yeah, there are some drawbacks. This thing is heavy, and lugging it around isn’t fun. Some people ran into focus issues or had gripes about the tripod. A few struggled with getting it set up the first time.
Key Points:
- Good: Sharp optics, quick GPS alignment, sturdy build
- Bad: Heavy, some focus quirks, setup can be tricky
The CPC Deluxe 800 HD really suits astronomers who plan to leave it in one spot. If you’re after a portable telescope, honestly, you might want to keep looking.
Curious to see more? Check out the current price and availability on Amazon.