Excelsis - Display Vote

Celestron Nexstar 8i

I decided for this new icomp model because of some comments I read about its better tracking/backlash in comparison with the old Nexstar 8.
What a deception !
The backlash of this telescope is a real nightmare, I noticed severe "jumps" in altitude movements , it is even more jerky than the Nexstar 8.
The tracking is still terrible, you can't track an object in the FOV with the standard 25mm eyepiece for more than 5 minutes.
Even with the new autoguided port I have serious doubts about imaging with this kind of telescope.
Also the price is not that good because I had to spend more U$ 149,00 for the upgraded HC and U$ 169,00 for the tripod.
I'm very disapointed with this "new" model from Celestron and I will try to replace it for an LX90 with my dealer.

Overall Rating: 6
Optics:7 Mount:5 Ease of Use:7 Value:5
Weight: 5 (Veritable Vote)
Date: 08/30/2002 06:06:15 pm PST
By: RobertFos
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=130192

>I decided for this new icomp model because of some comments I read about its better tracking/backlash in comparison with the old Nexstar 8.
>What a deception !
>The backlash of this telescope is a real nightmare, I noticed severe "jumps" in altitude movements , it is even more jerky than the Nexstar 8.
>The tracking is still terrible, you can't track an object in the FOV  with the standard 25mm eyepiece for more than 5 minutes.
>Even with the new autoguided port I have serious doubts about imaging with this kind of telescope. 
>Also the price is not that good because I had to spend more U$ 149,00 for the upgraded HC and  U$ 169,00 for the tripod.
>I'm very disapointed with this "new" model from Celestron and I will try to replace it for an LX90 with my dealer.

Reply:  Spend more time with the set up (i.e. leveling, proper time and insuring that the 2 guide stars don't drift and you may see a difference.  My 8i is great. I upgraded to the heavy duty mount.  Don't be too hasty switching to Meade.  Mine ties a CG11 I once looked through as the best optics in a SCT that I've ever seen.  Meade can't match it optically.

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