{"product_id":"celestron-2-mirror-diagonal-with-xlt","title":"Celestron 2” XLT Mirror Diagonal","description":"\u003ch2\u003eCelestron 2” XLT Mirror Diagonal – Precision-Engineered for Bright, High-Contrast Views\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA high-quality diagonal is one of the \u003cstrong\u003emost important yet often overlooked upgrades\u003c\/strong\u003e you can make to your telescope. The \u003cstrong\u003eCelestron 2” XLT Mirror Diagonal\u003c\/strong\u003e is designed to be a true workhorse accessory—delivering \u003cstrong\u003eexceptional optical performance, enhanced light transmission\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003eprecision alignment\u003c\/strong\u003e for consistently sharp, high-contrast views of the night sky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're scanning the Milky Way for faint nebulae or enjoying crisp lunar detail, this diagonal maximises the optical potential of your telescope—especially when paired with large 2” eyepieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy a 2” Diagonal Matters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're aiming to \u003cstrong\u003ecapture more light and reveal finer detail\u003c\/strong\u003e, especially in deep-sky observing, a \u003cstrong\u003e2” star diagonal\u003c\/strong\u003e is essential. Compared to standard 1.25” models, a 2” diagonal allows a wider light path from your telescope to reach your eye, enabling the use of \u003cstrong\u003ewider-field 2” eyepieces\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is particularly beneficial for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eObserving \u003cstrong\u003efaint galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaximising the \u003cstrong\u003efield of view\u003c\/strong\u003e for rich-field astronomy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImproving \u003cstrong\u003eimage brightness\u003c\/strong\u003e at low magnifications\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003elarger barrel diameter\u003c\/strong\u003e ensures that more of your telescope’s light cone is preserved, giving you \u003cstrong\u003ebrighter and more immersive views\u003c\/strong\u003e—especially valuable when observing objects with low surface brightness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePrecision Machined for Perfect Optical Alignment\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Celestron 2” XLT Mirror Diagonal is built with \u003cstrong\u003epremium materials and tight tolerances\u003c\/strong\u003e, ensuring long-lasting performance and optical precision. The CNC-machined housing maintains \u003cstrong\u003eprecise optical alignment\u003c\/strong\u003e, which is critical for preserving image quality across the field of view.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach mirror is \u003cstrong\u003einterferometer-tested\u003c\/strong\u003e to deliver an impressive surface accuracy of \u003cstrong\u003e1\/10 wave or better\u003c\/strong\u003e. This high level of optical flatness ensures that the diagonal introduces \u003cstrong\u003eno distortion or degradation\u003c\/strong\u003e to your telescope’s native performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHigh-Performance XLT Optical Coatings\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCelestron applies its renowned \u003cstrong\u003eXLT (Extra Low Transmission) optical coatings\u003c\/strong\u003e—the same coatings used on its flagship telescopes—to the diagonal’s mirror surface. These multi-layer dielectric coatings:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncrease reflectivity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnhance image contrast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimise light loss and scatter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is a \u003cstrong\u003ebright, high-contrast image\u003c\/strong\u003e that reveals fine detail in celestial objects, whether you're viewing planets, the Moon, or deep-sky targets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSeamless Integration with SCT Telescopes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis diagonal is \u003cstrong\u003especifically designed for Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes (SCTs)\u003c\/strong\u003e and threads directly onto the rear cell for a \u003cstrong\u003esecure, stable connection\u003c\/strong\u003e. This design eliminates the need for additional adapters and reduces flexure in your optical train.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo use 2” eyepieces, simply insert them into the diagonal’s 2” barrel. If you prefer to use standard 1.25” eyepieces, the included \u003cstrong\u003e2” to 1.25” adapter\u003c\/strong\u003e allows quick and easy conversion. A built-in thumbscrew ensures your eyepieces stay secure during use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDurable, Portable, and Ready to Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you're not observing, keep your diagonal safe in the \u003cstrong\u003eincluded aluminium storage case\u003c\/strong\u003e. This protective case shields the diagonal from dust, moisture, and knocks during transport—ideal for astronomers on the move.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2” mirror star diagonal with \u003cstrong\u003ehigh-performance XLT coatings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1\/10 wave or better\u003c\/strong\u003e mirror surface accuracy, verified by interferometer testing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrecision CNC-machined housing for \u003cstrong\u003eperfect optical alignment\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThreads directly onto \u003cstrong\u003eSchmidt-Cassegrain telescope rear cells\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompatible with \u003cstrong\u003e2” and 1.25” eyepieces\u003c\/strong\u003e (adapter included)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBright, high-contrast views ideal for both planetary and deep-sky observing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupplied in a \u003cstrong\u003eprotective aluminium storage case\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA Smart Upgrade for Serious Observers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're still using a basic diagonal that came with your telescope, upgrading to the \u003cstrong\u003eCelestron 2” XLT Mirror Diagonal\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the most effective ways to boost performance. Experience the difference in brightness, clarity, and contrast—whether you're a seasoned astronomer or just starting your celestial journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnlock the full potential of your SCT telescope\u003c\/strong\u003e with this high-quality diagonal designed to meet the demands of serious visual astronomers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrder yours today\u003c\/strong\u003e and enhance every observing session with brighter, sharper, more detailed views.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Celestron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55897345655158,"sku":"050234935272","price":249.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0909\/2235\/3014\/files\/Celestron-2-XLT-Mirror-Diagonal-Product-Photo-1.webp?v=1757492878","url":"https:\/\/welshastronomy.co.uk\/products\/celestron-2-mirror-diagonal-with-xlt","provider":"The Welsh Astronomy Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}