Celestron C8 Optical Tube Assembly CGE Dovetail

050234102490

Celestron

£1,529.99
£1,529.99
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Fulfilled by Celestron

This item is fulfilled by Celestron UK. For more details, please see the panel below the product description.

Celestron C8 Optical Tube Assembly (CGE Dovetail)

The legendary Celestron C8 has been inspiring astronomers for generations — and this latest evolution delivers even greater performance in a compact, highly portable package. Weighing just 12.5 lbs and measuring only 17 inches in length, the C8 Optical Tube is easy to transport, set up and enjoy — yet offers stunningly powerful views that far exceed its size.

With a 2032 mm focal length and f/10 focal ratio, the C8 is capable of capturing exquisite detail on the Moon and planets while reaching deep into space to reveal faint galaxies, nebulae and star clusters. It’s Fastar-compatible too, giving astrophotographers the flexibility to convert the telescope to an ultra-fast f/2 imaging system (with optional accessories).

Celestron’s premium StarBright® XLT optical coatings maximise contrast, brightness and light transmission, helping deliver crisp, high-contrast images and allowing shorter exposure times when imaging.

Mounted via its CGE-style dovetail bar, the C8 pairs beautifully with a wide range of equatorial or alt-az GoTo mounts — making it one of the most versatile optical tubes available. For many observers, it remains the perfect balance of aperture, portability and value.

Key Features

  • 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube assembly

  • StarBright® XLT high-transmission coatings for brighter, sharper images

  • 2032 mm focal length (f/10)

  • Fastar compatible for ultra-fast f/2 imaging (with optional accessories)

  • Lightweight aluminium tube — compact and easy to transport

  • CGE-style dovetail bar for wide mount compatibility

  • Includes 25 mm eyepiece (81x), 6×30 finderscope, 1.25" star diagonal and visual back

Specifications

  • Aperture: 203.2 mm (8")

  • Focal Length: 2032 mm (f/10)

  • Highest Useful Magnification: 480×

  • Lowest Useful Magnification: 29×

  • Limiting Stellar Magnitude: 14

  • Secondary Obstruction: 64 mm (31% by diameter)

  • Optical Tube Length: 432 mm (17")

  • Weight: 12.5 lbs (5.67 kg)

  • Dovetail: CGE Dovetail Bar

Solar Safety Notice

  • Never look directly at the Sun without an approved solar filter.

  • Never project the Sun through your telescope.

  • Always supervise children when using optical instruments.

Shipping Options

Fast & Reliable UK Delivery

We offer flexible delivery options across the UK, with free shipping available on qualifying orders.

  • FREE Next Working Day Delivery (Mon–Fri)
    On all orders £300 and over
  • FREE Express Delivery (1–3 Working Days)
    On orders £49.99 – £299.99
  • Express Delivery – £3.99
    On orders under £49.99
  • Standard Delivery (2–4 Working Days) – £2.99
    A great value option for smaller orders
  • Priority Shipping – £8.99
    A fully tracked, guaranteed delivery service, including Saturday delivery options

Order Fulfilment

Some items, as clearly stated on the product page, may be fulfilled directly by our partners or manufacturers. In these cases, your order will be shipped to you straight from the brand’s warehouse. This helps us provide a wider range of specialist equipment and may result in slightly different delivery times.

Returns Policy

If something isn’t right, we’ll always try to help.

  • Unused items in “as new” condition can usually be returned within the statutory cooling-off period
  • Please contact us before sending anything back so we can advise on the safest way
  • For unwanted items, return shipping is your responsibility, and original shipping may be deducted where applicable
  • If a product is faulty or damaged, we’ll arrange repair, replacement or refund in line with your consumer rights — and we’ll cover reasonable return costs

Telescope shipping is expensive, and specialist — avoidable returns really do impact our business, so we always encourage customers to ask questions before buying. We’re here to help you get it right first time.

Your statutory rights are not affected.

Fulfilled By Celestron

Celestron logo with orange and gray design on a white background

Products marked “Fulfilled by Celestron” are shipped directly from the manufacturer.

When you place an order with Welsh Astronomy Centre, the order is processed by us as normal. We then securely forward the order details to Celestron, who dispatch the item directly to your delivery address.

How it works

  • You place your order with Welsh Astronomy Centre
  • We process the order and send the fulfilment request to Celestron
  • Celestron ships the item directly to you

Mixed Orders

If your basket contains a mix of items:

  • In-stock items from Welsh Astronomy Centre will be shipped directly from us
  • Items marked “Fulfilled by Celestron” will be dispatched separately by the manufacturer

This means your order may arrive in separate deliveries.

Celestron C8 Optical Tube Assembly CGE Dovetail

£1,529.99

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Does it come with a warranty?

All our products are UK stock so come with manufacturers warranty

What happens if I don't like it?

We always want you to be happy with your purchase — so if you’re unsure, please ask us first. We’re always happy to give honest advice before you buy.

If the product arrives and you simply decide it isn’t for you, you can usually return it within the cooling-off period — as long as it’s unused, in perfect condition, and returned with all original packaging and accessories.

Because telescopes and optical equipment are large, delicate and expensive to ship, you’ll need to cover the cost of sending it back, and if we originally subsidised delivery, we may deduct our outbound shipping costs from your refund.

We’re a small specialist business, and unnecessary returns genuinely hurt us — so if you’re unsure at all, please talk to us first. We’d rather help you choose the right item than process a return.

How fast is shipping?

We aim to ship in-stock items as quickly as possible.

  • Most in-stock orders dispatch within 1–2 working days
  • Delivery usually takes 1–3 working days after dispatch (UK mainland)
  • Heavier / oversized items and special orders may take a little longer

You’ll receive tracking details as soon as your order is on its way.

Astronomy equipment often requires specialist packing and trusted couriers — we do this to keep your gear safe, not to slow things down. If you need something urgently, just ask and we’ll do our best.

What's the returns policy?

If something isn’t right, we’ll always try to help.

  • Unused items in “as new” condition can usually be returned within the statutory cooling-off period
  • Please contact us before sending anything back so we can advise on the safest way
  • For unwanted items, return shipping is your responsibility, and original shipping may be deducted where applicable
  • If a product is faulty or damaged, we’ll arrange repair, replacement or refund in line with your consumer rights — and we’ll cover reasonable return costs

Telescope shipping is expensive, and specialist — avoidable returns really do impact our business, so we always encourage customers to ask questions before buying. We’re here to help you get it right first time.

Your statutory rights are not affected.

What are your opening hours?

Monday: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Tuesday: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Wednesday: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Thursday: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Friday: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Saturday: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Sunday: Closed