14 replies to this topic

[dicksonfu]

I learnt from the local Celestron distributor that they stop offering the CG5 version of C8 EdgeHD OTA, so I bought a CGE dovetail version.

 

I would like to know is it possible to swap the CGE dovetail with the CG5 dovetail.

[Bean614]

Yes.

[WadeH237]

Instead of swapping the dovetail, you could get an adapter.

 

Also, depending on your mount, you could change the saddle to one that works with both Losmandy and Vixen style dovetails.  That's the route that I've gone.  For example, I installed this on my AVX.  Here is a page where they list the available saddles for various mounts.

 

These solutions are more expensive than swapping the dovetail on a single telescope.  But if you end up buying other scopes in the future, you don't need to worry about what kind of dovetail they have.

 

If you decide that you just want to replace the dovetail on your existing scope, here is the part that you need.

[dicksonfu]

Thanks for your link pointing to the Celestron dovetail kit.

 

Production description: "Fits pre-drilled holes in the front and rear cells of current 8” Schmidt-Cassegrain and 8” EdgeHD Optical tubes"

Bingo!

 

P.S. Don't know why Celestron stopped offering the common CG5 (Vixen / V-style) for C8. For decades, suppose C8 is working with EQ-5/HEQ-5 graded mount that support V-style dovetail by default.

Is it because Celetron want to earn more money by selling the conversion kit?

 

Instead of swapping the dovetail, you could get an adapter.

 

Also, depending on your mount, you could change the saddle to one that works with both Losmandy and Vixen style dovetails.  That's the route that I've gone.  For example, I installed this on my AVX.  Here is a page where they list the available saddles for various mounts.

 

These solutions are more expensive than swapping the dovetail on a single telescope.  But if you end up buying other scopes in the future, you don't need to worry about what kind of dovetail they have.

 

If you decide that you just want to replace the dovetail on your existing scope, here is the part that you need.

[WadeH237]

We have no way of knowing why Celestron opted to discontinue the version of the scope with the Vixen style dovetail.

 

While I am somewhat cynical by nature, I am not cynical enough to assume that they did it to make money selling conversions.  If I had to guess, I would say that they simply didn't sell enough of the Vixen style ones to justify keeping a second SKU for the OTA.  But that's just a guess.  Only Celestron knows for sure.

[dicksonfu]

As far as I observed in the local astronomy club,  CG5 dovetail is far more popular for 8 inch SCT.

 

We have no way of knowing why Celestron opted to discontinue the version of the scope with the Vixen style dovetail.

 

While I am somewhat cynical by nature, I am not cynical enough to assume that they did it to make money selling conversions.  If I had to guess, I would say that they simply didn't sell enough of the Vixen style ones to justify keeping a second SKU for the OTA.  But that's just a guess.  Only Celestron knows for sure.

[Ice Cube]

it is odd that that the evolution 8 edge HD OTA still uses the vixen rail,

but there's no way to get that OTA directly from celestron without the rest of the EVO kit.

[Chris Johnson]

Bolt the Vixen dovetail to the CGE dovetail.

[Bean614]

Thanks for your link pointing to the Celestron dovetail kit.

 

Production description: "Fits pre-drilled holes in the front and rear cells of current 8” Schmidt-Cassegrain and 8” EdgeHD Optical tubes"

Bingo!

 

P.S. Don't know why Celestron stopped offering the common CG5 (Vixen / V-style) for C8. For decades, suppose C8 is working with EQ-5/HEQ-5 graded mount that support V-style dovetail by default.

Is it because Celetron want to earn more money by selling the conversion kit?

"P.S. Don't know why Celestron stopped offering the common CG5 (Vixen / V-style) for C8."

They Didn't, and anyone stating that is spreading dis-information!  Celestron STILL supplies Vixen Dovetail Bars on ALL 8SE & Evolution C8's, plus on the 'OTA Only' C8-A Optical Tubes for CG-A type Mounts/Saddles.

[Rob B1472]

Mind orthogonal error when you swap out the dovetail. Then again if you’re guiding it may not be an issue. However if you then do planetary and you’re not orthogonal you may be off by a bit. Helps pointing accuracy

[Ice Cube]

Mind orthogonal error when you swap out the dovetail. Then again if you’re guiding it may not be an issue. However if you then do planetary and you’re not orthogonal you may be off by a bit. Helps pointing accuracy

how much orthogonal error are you expecting?

 

just did the swap out with the celestron part and it's just a matter of

pulling three bolts, transferring two grub screws from the factory CG5

to the CGE holes and bolting the vixen dovetail to the factory CG5 holes.

[dicksonfu]

The authorized dealer in my region told me that Celestron no longer offering C8 EdgeHD OTA  with CG-5/Vixen style dovetail.

 

I checked other region as well such as North America, including Adorama, AgenaAstro, Astronomics, B&H, High Point Scientific, OPT, none of them are selling the C8 EdgeHD OTA with CG-5/Vixen style dovetail.

 

"P.S. Don't know why Celestron stopped offering the common CG5 (Vixen / V-style) for C8."

They Didn't, and anyone stating that is spreading dis-information!  Celestron STILL supplies Vixen Dovetail Bars on ALL 8SE & Evolution C8's, plus on the 'OTA Only' C8-A Optical Tubes for CG-A type Mounts/Saddles.

[Bean614]

That would be incorrect!  Please.... Go to the Celestron Website!  The Evolution Edge HD-8" SCT is sold with a Vixen Dovetail Bar, as is the AVX Version!

Further, as HAS been discussed in hundreds of Posts on various CN Fora (forums), MANT retailers are marking scopes as 'discontinued' or 'unavailable' to to a back-log of orders, due to supply issues--- it is to Discourage folks from ordering UNTIL back orders can be caught up.

In many cases Dealers, depending on which employee you speak with, haven't got a clue.  As for me, when I have a question, I go directly to the manufacturer/reseller, and NOT to a dealer.

[dicksonfu]

In the beginning of the topic, I am talking about the OTA availability but not the set such as Evolution or Nexstar series.

 

Arguably someone who interested in getting CG-5 style OTA can buy the set and then take out the OTA.  I noticed a local fellow putting his remaining tripod base for sale.

 

That would be incorrect!  Please.... Go to the Celestron Website!  The Evolution Edge HD-8" SCT is sold with a Vixen Dovetail Bar, as is the AVX Version!

 

[Bean614]

If you HAD called Celestron, you would have learned that all of those OTA's are available!  Further, had you investigated a bit more on CN, and/or asked Celestron, you would have learned that many, many different 'sets', that are NOT sold 'separately, are 'split' into Separate Components BY THE RETAILER (High Point, Agena, etc.) for sale.  This enables the Retailer to get a bit more Revenue than the 'bundle price' of the package, kit, bundle, etc.

I'm not sure why, but today, folks would rather listen to speculation, spread that speculation as 'fact', and never even think of 'going to the source'.  Why that reluctance?  Is it easier to trust what you read online than it is to simply call the Manufacturer and speak with them directly, person to person, to the 'horse's mouth' so to speak?