Celestron C-11 A Telescopes Review

The Celestron C-11 A Telescopes: Is It Really That Good?

The Celestron C-11 A Telescopes is a serious piece of equipment for the discerning astronomer. Offered as an optical tube assembly (OTA), the Celestron C-11 A provides a massive 11-inch aperture in a manageable Schmidt-Cassegrain package. The promised views are breathtaking, but at this price point, it needs to deliver.

I’ve been stargazing since I was a kid, starting with a small refractor I got for Christmas. Over the years, I’ve upgraded to larger and more capable telescopes, always chasing that perfect balance of aperture, portability, and clarity. I was looking for an OTA that could resolve faint deep-sky objects while still being manageable for transport to dark-sky locations.

The Celestron C-11 A arrived well-packaged, a necessity considering its size and delicate optics. Unboxing revealed a sleek, black aluminum tube, immediately conveying a sense of quality. The weight, while substantial, felt appropriate for the aperture and gave me confidence in its sturdy construction.

I considered the Meade LX200 10″ and the Explore Scientific 127mm ED APO refractor. The Meade felt too bulky for transport, and the refractor, while offering exceptional clarity, lacked the light-gathering power for deep-sky observing. The Celestron C-11 A seemed like the perfect compromise.

My first impression was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of anticipation. The Celestron C-11 A Telescopes appeared to be a serious instrument, promising to unlock new depths in my astronomical pursuits. It looked impressive right out of the box, and I couldn’t wait to get it under the night sky.

Real-World Testing: Putting Celestron C-11 A Telescopes to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test took place at a local dark-sky site about an hour’s drive from the city. This location offers reasonably dark skies, free from most light pollution. I paired the Celestron C-11 A with my Celestron CGEM mount (one variant of the Celestron C-11A is designed for a CG-5 mount), a sturdy platform that I knew could handle the weight.

The weather was clear and cool, with minimal humidity. The Celestron C-11 A delivered stunning views of the Moon, revealing intricate details within craters and along the terminator. Jupiter was equally impressive, displaying clear cloud bands and the Great Red Spot.

The ease of use was surprisingly good. The Schmidt-Cassegrain design makes collimation relatively straightforward, and focusing was smooth and precise. I was immediately impressed by the image brightness and contrast, a testament to Celestron’s StarBright XLT coatings.

The only minor issue was the initial cool-down time. The large mirror took about an hour to reach thermal equilibrium, resulting in some image distortion during that period. This is expected with large aperture telescopes and easily managed by setting up early.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Celestron C-11 A has proven to be a reliable and high-performing instrument. The aluminum tube has held up well to transport and storage, showing no signs of dents or scratches. I’ve observed in temperatures ranging from freezing to moderately warm, with no noticeable performance degradation.

Durability has been excellent. The telescope is built with quality materials and has proven robust. The StarBright XLT coatings still deliver impressive light transmission, and the focusing mechanism remains smooth.

Maintenance is minimal. I occasionally dust the corrector plate with a soft brush and clean the optics as needed with a dedicated lens cleaning solution. The closed-tube design helps keep dust and debris out of the optical path. The Celestron C-11 A significantly outperforms my previous 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain, providing brighter and more detailed views of deep-sky objects.

Breaking Down the Features of Celestron C-11 A Telescopes

Specifications

• Aperture: 11 inches (279mm). This large aperture gathers a significant amount of light, allowing for the observation of faint deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae.
• Focal Length: 2800mm. This long focal length provides high magnification, ideal for planetary and lunar observing.
• Focal Ratio: f/10. This focal ratio is a good balance for both visual observing and astrophotography.
• Optical Coatings: Celestron’s StarBright XLT coatings. These coatings enhance light transmission and reflectivity, resulting in brighter and higher-contrast images.
• Tube Material: Aluminum. The aluminum tube is lightweight yet durable, providing structural support for the optics.
• Limiting Stellar Magnitude: 14.7. This indicates the faintest stars the telescope can theoretically detect under ideal conditions.
• Secondary Mirror Obstruction: 13.2% (by area). This relatively small obstruction helps maintain image contrast.
• Close Focus: 60′ (18 m). While primarily designed for astronomy, the telescope can also be used for terrestrial viewing at a distance.

These specifications combine to create a powerful and versatile telescope. The large aperture and long focal length allow for detailed observations of a wide range of celestial objects. The StarBright XLT coatings maximize light transmission, resulting in brighter and higher-contrast images.

Performance & Functionality

The Celestron C-11 A excels in its primary role: providing stunning views of the night sky. Its performance is exceptional. It offers sharp, high-contrast images with excellent resolution.

The strengths lie in its light-gathering ability and image clarity. It reveals faint details in galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters that are invisible in smaller telescopes. It could use a more robust focuser mechanism, as it shifts slightly under heavy loads.

The telescope meets and often exceeds my expectations. It has opened up new possibilities for my astronomical pursuits, allowing me to observe fainter and more distant objects than ever before. It is simply a joy to use.

Design & Ergonomics

The Celestron C-11 A Telescopes boasts a classic Schmidt-Cassegrain design, optimized for portability and ease of use. The build quality is excellent. High-quality materials are used throughout, from the aluminum tube to the precision-machined focusing mechanism.

The telescope’s weight is manageable for transport, although it does require a sturdy mount. While the OTA is heavy, the overall design is user-friendly, with intuitive controls and easy collimation.

There is a slight learning curve for beginners, particularly regarding collimation and thermal management. Overall, the design is well-thought-out and practical.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Celestron C-11 A Telescopes should last for many years. Its construction is robust. The aluminum tube and high-quality optics are designed to withstand the rigors of regular use.

Maintenance is straightforward. Occasional cleaning of the corrector plate and optics is all that’s typically required. With a little care, this telescope will provide years of enjoyment.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Celestron C-11 A comes as an optical tube assembly only, allowing you to choose your preferred accessories. This allows for complete customization. You will need a mount, eyepieces, and a finderscope.

The telescope is compatible with a wide range of Celestron and third-party accessories. Options include various eyepieces, diagonals, finderscopes, and astrophotography equipment. Celestron’s focusers and dovetail mounting plates are popular upgrades.

Pros and Cons of Celestron C-11 A Telescopes

Who Should Buy Celestron C-11 A Telescopes?

Perfect for: Experienced amateur astronomers seeking a powerful and versatile telescope for visual observing and astrophotography. Also well-suited for serious observers who want to explore deep-sky objects in detail.

Who should skip this product? Beginners may find the Celestron C-11 A Telescopes overwhelming due to its size, weight, and cost. This is an investment that’s better suited for those with some experience.

Must-have accessories or modifications? A high-quality equatorial mount, a selection of good eyepieces, and a dew shield are essential. A better focuser is a worthwhile upgrade for serious astrophotographers.

Conclusion on Celestron C-11 A Telescopes

The Celestron C-11 A Telescopes is a top-tier instrument that delivers exceptional performance for the experienced amateur astronomer. It’s a solid choice for those looking for a high-quality Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. Its light-gathering ability, image clarity, and relatively compact design make it a compelling option.

The price is justified by the quality of the optics and the overall performance. The value proposition is very high, and I consider it a worthwhile investment.

I would highly recommend the Celestron C-11 A Telescopes to anyone serious about exploring the night sky. If you’re ready to take your observing to the next level, this telescope will not disappoint.
Clear skies!