Celestron X-CEL 8mm


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Brand and Model:Celestron X-CEL 8mm
Price ($USD):$64.95
Type:Plossl
Focal Length:8 mm
Barrel Size:1.25
Apparent FOV:55.0 degrees
Field Stop Dia.:0.0 mm
Eye Relief:20 mm
Elements:6
Weight (lbs):
Description:This short focal length (but physically long) parfocal Celestron X-Cel eyepiece is an economical choice for high quality high magnification observing with long focal length refractors, reflectors, or catadioptric scopes under good to somewhat better than average seeing conditions. Long eye relief makes it a good choice for those who must wear eyeglasses while observing. A low price makes it a fiscally sound choice for all observers.
Its five-layer fully multicoated six-element ED (extra-low dispersion) glass optical design is also quite good for medium power viewing with short focal length refractors and fast focal ratio Dobsonian reflectors. Good contrast makes it a sensible choice for resolving detail in planets and planetary nebulas, while its edge-to-edge sharpness makes smaller globular clusters vivid and nearly three-dimensional.

It is more or less regularly useful with long focal length scopes, but below average seeing conditions may limit its performance. If so-so seeing is the norm where you observe, its 8mm focal length may represent the maximum practical with a long focal length telescope.

A soft rubber eyecup shields the eye from ambient light and rolls down for more comfortable eyeglass use. A knurled rubber ring on the barrel provides a secure grip when changing eyepieces in cold weather.

Vote Highlights Vote
Celestron X-CEL 8mm
I picked up the 8mm X-cel gently used at a local dealer.

I didn't know much about the ep design, but that big piece of glass and long eye relief sold me on it.

I bought this EP with my skywatcher 150mm F8 Dob in mind. The 8mm and x2 barlow get me up to 300x which is pretty much as far as I want to push the dob. I also bought the ep with digicaming in mind. I've been using a skywatcher 15mm wide angle and it's been OK, but this 8mm X-cel is far superior as far as contrast and clarity goes.

This lens is a good deal if you're looking to pick up a relatively inexpensive long relief ep and so far it has been quite good for digicam use. So if you hate tiny peep holes, need an 8mm or want to replace the junk that may have come with your low priced medium to long f/l scope, and don't want to spend $300 on an ep, this could be a good choice for you.

The only negative is the massive ep barrel - make sure your digiscope adapter fits! (At least you feel like you're getting your moneys worth!)

Update 12/2006
The ep does suffer from blackouts and doesn't seem to barlow very well (black-outs get worse). If used as a straight 8mm it does a fine job.

Overall Rating: 8
Optics:7 Value:8
Weight: 10 (Trustworthy Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=494287


Celestron X-CEL 8mm
Very good optics ,excellent value,Great eye relief.The only negative is its large size.

Overall Rating: 8
Optics:7 Value:8
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=404593


Celestron X-CEL 8mm
A non-expensive high power eyepiece. Since it has quite a few elements in design, it is not very bright in nature. Long eye relieve is a plus for the eyeglasese wearer.

Overall Rating: 7
Optics:7 Value:8
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=372040


Celestron X-CEL 8mm
Very nice eyepiece for the money. Very good coatings and has excellent light transmission. Edge sharpness drops at the outer 5-10%. Chromatic characteristics are good and on par with Radians. Contrast is very good but not excellent like the Radian. There is also a little ghosting, but not at all objectionable. Overall a great eyepeice at 1/4 the price of a Radian. Recommended for general purpose use and those not on a Radian budget.

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:8 Value:10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=306537

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