Celestron C8-N Advanced Series

[FeynGuy]

Ok, I'm looking at possibly purchasing a Celestron C8-N Advanced Series newtonian reflector. I originally anticipated purchasing a new Skywatcher Explorer 200p until funds tightened slightly! This will be my first scope and entrance into the hobby, so i have a few questions....

1. Is the Celestron C8n a good starter scope? Also what price should i be paying for a used version?

2. Would this scope be suitable for astrophotography in the future?

3. Any extra advice for a newb would be much appreciated!

Thanks in advance..

FG

[NGC 1502]

Hi FG, welcome to SGL.

An 8" Newtonian is a great starter scope, but is also a long term scope, capable of providing many years of good service. Very few of us (me included) have exhausted the possibilities of a scope before upgrading.

A fair second hand price ?  I'd say about 65 - 70% of new price as a max, assuming top condition. Any more than that I'd personally get a new one, with guarantee.  If any extras are included, that would be a factor.

If it's on an equatorial mount, then maybe ok for astrophotography, but I don't know what the mount is, that is crucial for success, perhaps others could comment on that.

For starters, I'd be doing visual only at first, have some sessions, see how it goes, before maybe going into AP.

Joining a local club is usually a good move, lots of hands on advice from established members can't be beat, although lots can be learned here on SGL.

Good luck !   Ed.

[Cornelius Varley]

Hello and welcome to SGL. Optically the C8N and SW200P should be identical, they are both made by the same company and use the same optics. The CG5 and EQ5 are very similar mounts (the CG5 supposedly has better bearings)