Telescope Reviews: Re: The best Celestron 8" SCT OTA ever?

I can only speak for the brand new C8 w/XLT coatings that I recently purchased and the factory quality control was "less than impressive".

The instant I took off the dust cover, I noticed a 1/2 inch wide 2-tone discoloration on half of the outside perimeter of the corrector lens. It took numerous attempts and 55 minutes on hold to reach a live customer service rep who then asked me to send photos of the corrector lens. After Celestron ignored multiple emails just to confirm receipt of the photos I sent, I finally called my retailer. Celestron emailed a RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) about 48 hours later.

This Friday will mark a full 2 weeks since they emailed confirmation that they received the OTA (shipped UPS with insurance)and still wrapped in the factory tissue paper since it had never seen first light. They're still ignoring my email requests for information on when I can expect them to ship a replacement.

Celestron must be selling a BOATLOAD of scopes since they seem UNnconcerned that I stated that if they don't respond soon, they can just ship the OTA back to the retailer and I'll just purchase a different scope and NEVER buy another Celestron product again.

If you've read any of my other posts, you'll notice that I'm usually more upbeat and supportive, but Celestron has lost me as a customer.

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Fledgling SRF

looking for ~4" ED triplet
Astro Tech 80ED & Orion EON 72ED
SV M1 & CG5-ASGT mounts
Astro Tech 1.25" & 2" dielectric diagonals
Sony Alpha 100 DSLR (+ 2 film SLRs)
WO 8X42 APO & cheap 7x35(10th b'day present)binoculars

"Complaints are an opportunity to identify issues and make improvements."(MBA Program)

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