2 replies to this topic

[mloffland]

Celestron NexStar 8 GPS XLT

[Firewood]

Great review, Matt!

As a fellow owner of a Nexstar 8 GPS, I think it's a great scope and I'm glad to hear you like yours.

My only complaint about the scope is that I wish the three bolts used to secure the mount to the tripod were captive. I've dropped them a few times and they can be a pain to find in the dark.

While Celestron addressed the only other problems most people had with this scope with changes they incorporated into the CPC line (the hand control location and a way to guide the mount onto the tripod), I think it's great to let people know that the Nexstar GPS line is still a great buy. While no longer in production, they are available on the used market and can be an excellent bargain.

Oh, by the way, a Telrad makes a great addition to this scope. When I first got it, I sold the 8X50 finder it comes with and stuck my Telrad on it, and never looked back. It's all I need to align the scope and for the occasional look to see where exactly the scopes pointing.

Thanks again for your comments!

[astromattical]

Thanks for the kind words, Jeff. I agree 100% with your remarks about a Telrad. I've owned one in the past, and it will be my next purchase for this telescope without a doubt.

The bolts have yet to give me trouble, but I agree that a better system exists. I'm sure someone out there has thought of something!