Celestron Advanced C8-SGT 11026 (480 x 203mm) Telescope

Pros: Lowest cost scope of its kind, Sturdy tripod, Quality optics
Cons: Celestron has severe quality control problems with mount, poor quality manufacturing

I picked the C8SGT because it had a sturdier mount than Celestron's Cxi series. This in combination with an equatorial mount and a sturdy tripod would make it better for astrophotography than say a Cxi or a Meade LXD55. In addition, it was around $750 c ...

Pros: 8 inch superior mirror. Quality, Reflector light collection superb.
Cons: none

This is a wonderful scope. Compact enough to transport and take to dark places. This is not a cheap or inexpensive scope by any means. It is expensive but you get what you pay for. You can spend a lot less, you can spend a ton more. But.. For the money, ...

Pros: Great views, workable mount, fairly easy to transport and set up.
Cons: Display on controller could be better, cables are somewhat cheaply made

People who run out and buy these scopes when first released show little experience with the market. ALWAYS wait a year or more to buy. I even apply this rule to digital cameras with a 6 month rule. Wait until bugs are worked out!
This 8 inch entry from Celestron works very well. On our first night out we had the GOTO working with ease, but we're expereinced users of EQ mounts. Some folks may need a few nights to get it right.
Images in the C8 are very good. There's only so much I can add to what's already been written about the classic C8. It's a perfect size for a transportable scope that can also do some nice deep space viewing under dark skies. The EQ mount is stable enough for astrophotography but it's not a pro mount. It requires some finess to get the most out of it and works best when it's tripod legs are retracted.

Pros: Slewing is excellent, views are terrific. Price is right.
Cons: You will need dark skies for very faint deep space objects.

This is a real nice scope that gives nice clean views. I'd prefer a bit more aperature (who wouldn't) but for the price you will get some very nice viewing. Even in my backyard with the five street lights bleaching things out I can still get good detail on some of the brighter deep space objects. Under dark skies they come through beautifully.

The tracking is spot on if you take the time to correctly align the mount. I recommend using as many alignment stars as you can. I use five and it will slew cleanly to the objects and track well.

This is a great first scope for people who are looking for their first "true telescope" (not a bargain basement special) as it offers a good balance of price, functionality, and quality.

Pros: Excellent tracking. Pleasant to look at. Easy setup.
Cons: No AC adapter included. Included manuals that don't apply to this scope.

I pre-ordered this scope in June, and received it in August. I am very awed at this scope due to it's quality and good looks. It came in three boxes and was fairly easy to setup. I have viewed through this scope on a few nights and find the views breathtaking. I love the ease of the 40,000 object "GoTo" system and the many types of alignment options. The 2" legs of the mount is very sturdy. Tracking is very excellent with no movement of the object in the eyepiece.

I also purchased the Celestron $99 eyepiece/filter kit, which is a very excellent value, as well as an f6.3 reduced/corrector, AC adapter, Light Pollution Adapter, and the Celestron Power Tank.

Overall I feel I made a very good purchase and am extremely happy with this scope.

Pros: Near perfect tracking, go-to, and tripod. Best optics around.
Cons: Hmmm. Can't think of any right now!!!

This scope is wonderful...I truly recommend it. Tracking and Go-To are 99% perfect. Tripod is more than stable enough for the scope. Optics are jaw-dropping... One of the best around.