Celestron C8 SCT 8-Inch Schmidt-Cassegrain Optical Tube

The classic 8-inch SCT: big aperture in a grab-and-go tube

The Celestron C8 SCT (C8-A XLT) is the telescope that made the Schmidt-Cassegrain famous, and it remains one of the most popular telescopes in the world. Its 8-inch (203mm) aperture gathers over 800 times more light than the unaided eye, while the folded optical design packs a 2032mm focal length into a tube just 17 inches long and 12.5 lbs. It's an easy scope to carry out for a quick session, yet capable enough for detailed planetary views, deep-sky observing and astrophotography.

This listing is the optical tube assembly (OTA) only, so you can pair it with the mount that suits the way you observe.

Planetary detail and deep-sky reach

At its native f/10, the C8 delivers sharp, high-magnification views of Jupiter's cloud belts, Saturn's rings and lunar craters, with a theoretical resolution of 0.57 arcseconds. Its 8-inch aperture also shows globular clusters resolved into stars, bright galaxies and nebulae. Celestron's StarBright XLT coatings maximize light transmission through the optical system for brighter, higher-contrast images.

Built for imaging: Fastar and HyperStar compatible

The C8 SCT is Fastar compatible. The secondary mirror can be removed and replaced with a HyperStar lens, turning it into a fast f/2 imaging system for wide-field deep-sky astrophotography with short exposures. You can also add Celestron's f/6.3 reducer/corrector for a wider field and faster focal ratio, or image at native f/10 for planets and the Moon.

Pair it with a modern mount

At 12.5 lbs, the C8 is light enough for compact strain-wave (harmonic drive) mounts that you can carry out in one trip, with capacity to spare for cameras and accessories.

• Sky-Watcher Wave 100i: a compact, lightweight mount that handles the C8 comfortably, in equatorial or alt-az mode. Add the Wave counterweight kit for best balance.
• ZWO AM5N: a popular imaging mount with plenty of margin for the C8 and a full camera train. Add the AM5N counterweight bar and a counterweight.

Plan on using a counterweight. Strain-wave mounts can carry a lot of weight without one, but an SCT puts its center of mass well out from the mount. A counterweight balances the load, reduces strain on the mount and gives smoother tracking. The included Losmandy-style dovetail fits all of these mounts.

What's included

• Celestron C8 8" f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube with StarBright XLT coatings
• Losmandy-style (CGE) dovetail bar
• 25mm eyepiece (81x)
• 1.25" star diagonal
• 1.25" visual back
• 6x30 finderscope

Celestron C8 SCT FAQ

What mount do I need for the C8?

The tube weighs 12.5 lbs before accessories, so compact strain-wave mounts like the Sky-Watcher Wave 100i or ZWO AM5N are excellent matches. Whichever mount you choose, use a counterweight for best balance and tracking. The included Losmandy-style dovetail fits most mid-size and larger mounts.

C8, C9.25 or C11?

The C8 is the most portable: light enough for a small mount and quick setups. The C9.25 adds aperture and a slightly flatter field at 20 lbs, and the C11 offers the most light gathering at 27.5 lbs, needing a larger mount. Choose the C8 if portability and quick setup matter most.

Can I use 2" eyepieces?

Yes. Replace the included 1.25" visual back and diagonal with a 2" SCT visual back and 2" diagonal for wider fields of view with 2" eyepieces.

Specifications