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My review of the Celestron C14

Acquisition Solar System Review
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Rouz Astro avatar
Rouz Astro avatar
My review of the Celestron C14 I had some very good results with the C14, here is a review that I hope will be useful for those looking at an SCT for planetary work.  Link:
https://astrogeartoday.com/the-celestron-c14-the-ultimate-planet-killer/


Eddie Bagwell avatar
Eddie Bagwell avatar
I like the grab handle you mounted on the top rail. I imagine the C14 to be quite heavy!
Well Written
kuechlew avatar
kuechlew avatar
I like the grab handle you mounted on the top rail. I imagine the C14 to be quite heavy!

46 lbs or 21 kg according to manufacturer site for the plain OTA: C14 Optical Tube Assembly (CGE Dovetail) | Celestron

Price per kg is actually quite reasonable .

Clear skies
Wolfgang
Rouz Astro avatar
Rouz Astro avatar
I like the grab handle you mounted on the top rail. I imagine the C14 to be quite heavy!



Its not light, but the compact size helps a lot.
That handle is a life saver!


Rouz
Rouz Astro avatar
Rouz Astro avatar
I like the grab handle you mounted on the top rail. I imagine the C14 to be quite heavy!

46 lbs or 21 kg according to manufacturer site for the plain OTA: C14 Optical Tube Assembly (CGE Dovetail) | Celestron

Price per kg is actually quite reasonable .

Clear skies
Wolfgang


Couple of years ago when I got it, it was under $5000. Great deal, I see the prices when up now.

You get a lot of aperture. My same 14" CDK cost a lot more!


Rouz

John Hayes avatar
John Hayes avatar
I've interferometrically tested 3 C14 Edge systems in double pass and they were generally quite good. Two had a Stehl over 90% and the other was around 78% (as I recall).  In all cases, the wavefront was smooth with good performance all the way to the edge. The biggest issue (IMO) with these scopes is mechanical.  Regardless, the C14 scopes deliver a lot of bang for the buck for both DSO and planetary imaging.  I personally give them a "highly recommended" rating.

- John
Well Written Helpful Insightful Concise
Rouz Astro avatar
Rouz Astro avatar
John Hayes:
I've interferometrically tested 3 C14 Edge systems in double pass and they were generally quite good. Two had a Stehl over 90% and the other was around 78% (as I recall).  In all cases, the wavefront was smooth with good performance all the way to the edge. The biggest issue (IMO) with these scopes is mechanical.  Regardless, the C14 scopes deliver a lot of bang for the buck for both DSO and planetary imaging.  I personally give them a "highly recommended" rating.

- John

Thank you for the feedback John.

I remember seeing a writeup, quite the test. Also, seen your very good results with the Edge14. 
Yes, they are not quite a mechanically sound as the carbon/truss CNC machine CDKs. 
I found those custom mirror locks helped and most important was the external focuser.

Specially for the Edge series, I feel Celestron would be better off fixing that primary (as with the CDKs) and users can just add whatever focuser they want (as they do anyway).

CS

Rouz
cyberblitz avatar
cyberblitz avatar
Nice write up and nice images too

The C14 is a dream scope i hope to own one day. However, they are extremely expensive in Australia, unfortunately, in excess of $18,000 AUD ($11,500 USD). It would be cheaper for me to fly to the US, spend a few days in a hotel there, purchase one and bring it back. Even with customs TAX bringing it back would still make it cheaper than buying it in OZ. One day.
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