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Pages: 1 tobility journeyman Reged: 02/26/13 Loc: Woodinville, WA Celestron Nexstar 11 vs Celestron VX 8" SCT       #5702781 - 02/27/13 12:38 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   This is my first post here, so go easy on me. I recently ordered a Celestron VX 8" SCT. My primary focus is astrophotography, but to be clear, I'm very much a beginner. Secondary, of course, if viewing (myself, my children, and the occasional sidewalk astronomy outing). The VX 8" is on backorder, and while browsing my local craigslist board, I came across a Celestron Nexstar 11 that is up for sale. Asking price is $1600.00, which is the same price as the VX 8". Now, obviously, the 11 is the larger of the two scopes, and my understanding is, it's pretty amazing in the imaging department. That being said, I'm a bit concerned about the GoTo mount. I know that I can either, a) purchase a GEM, or b) purchase a wedge Nexstar 11. So really, at this point, I'm looking for some friendly advice, thoughts, suggestions, etc. Original Nexstar C11 GPS Excellent optics Carbon Fiber OTA FASTAR compatible HC & MC upgraded Heavy duty tripod with vibration dampers Always stored covered in the living room 40mm, 26mm, 9.7mm, 2X Barlow Excellent GOTO accuracy Original shipping boxes and manual Post Extras:       Thanatos78621 member Reged: 05/09/12 Loc: Elgin, TX Re: Celestron Nexstar 11 vs Celestron VX 8" SCT [Re: tobility]       #5702849 - 02/27/13 02:44 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   A smaller scope is easier to setup and also makes learning much easier (just my opinion). I'd hate to see someone get a telescope that's too large, get discouraged and box it back up or sell it. The NS11GPS is a great scope for visual and can take some amazing photos with a short exposure imaging on the standard mount, though a wedge or a GEM will help considerably for long exposure. Its a big and heavy telescope thanks to the OTA being pretty much always attached to the forks. I can move it myself but its recommended to have a spotter when putting it on the tripod. With that said, I had no qualms about buying my NS11GPS and selling my 8SE right after. Either way, here's wishing you lots of clear nights. Post Extras:       MikeBOKC Post Laureate Reged: 05/10/10 Loc: Oklahoma City, OK Re: Celestron Nexstar 11 vs Celestron VX 8" SCT [Re: tobility]       #5703060 - 02/27/13 08:42 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The extra aperture matters considerably for visual, but not so much for AP. For AP a big percentage of the advantage is in the mount, adn the VX is probably the minimum you would need for exposures beyond 30 seconds. Lots of people do excellent AP work with mid-sized or even small refractors. The 11 would br a great visual scope. For AP you could do just fine with the VX mount and a refractor. Just remember that AP is a cash sink . . . cameras, adaptors, processing software, ad infinitum. Post Extras:       Bob Griffiths Getting Grouchy Reged: 10/10/05 Loc: Frederick Maryland Re: Celestron Nexstar 11 vs Celestron VX 8" SCT [Re: MikeBOKC]       #5705302 - 02/28/13 12:53 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I already answered your question and the one about the CR6 on another forum...both yesterday... But I wanted to welcome you over here also because while the other forum is darn good especially for beginner...Cloudy nights is the best place to get the right answers...period... Bob G. Post Extras:       Escher scholastic sledgehammer Reged: 08/30/07 Loc: Fenton, MI Re: Celestron Nexstar 11 vs Celestron VX 8" SCT [Re: Bob Griffiths]       #5705387 - 02/28/13 01:47 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   If your end goal is AP, and assuming you have factored in all that that entails in regard to expense as previously mentioned - then the 11 is the way to go for one reason... Hyperstar. If you get serious about AP - the Hyperstar is amazing and will allow you to image with much shorter subs - like under 1 minute subs... You may not even need a wedge... The reason for the 11 and not an 8 is that, while both will be F2 with Hyperstar, the 8 is too small to accommodate a DSLR so you have to use a dedicated imaging cam - which will cost quite a bit more. With the 11, you can get a modded Canon and be in very good shape for imaging. Post Extras:       tobility journeyman Reged: 02/26/13 Loc: Woodinville, WA Re: Celestron Nexstar 11 vs Celestron VX 8" SCT [Re: Escher]       #5709179 - 03/02/13 05:27 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thank you Bob, and Escher, MikeBOKC, and Thanatos78621. There is an amazing wealth of knowledge here, and I want to let you all know how much I appreciate the information. As I told Bob (on the other forum), I picked up the N11GPS for $1500, and I can't wait to take her for a spin! Of course, I live in Seattle, so may be a while I look forward to being an active part of this amazing community... Post Extras:       Thanatos78621 member Reged: 05/09/12 Loc: Elgin, TX Re: Celestron Nexstar 11 vs Celestron VX 8" SCT [Re: tobility]       #5710054 - 03/03/13 07:46 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   NS11GPS is a great telescope and I think you'll enjoy it quite a bit. Post Extras:       Pages: 1

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