Is the Celestron C-6N Reflector a Good Choice?

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SUMMARY

The Celestron C-6N Reflector is a budget-friendly option for amateur astronomers, particularly when purchased as a complete scope/mount package. However, users report that the mount is undersized and unstable, necessitating upgrades such as replacing aluminum legs with sturdier wooden ones from Naturewatch. The optical tube operates at F/5, which introduces coma at lower magnifications and results in a larger secondary mirror that diminishes contrast. Despite these drawbacks, many reviews praise the C-6N for its value, especially for those willing to make adjustments for improved performance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of telescope optics, specifically coma and contrast issues
  • Familiarity with equatorial mounts and their stability requirements
  • Knowledge of telescope modifications, including leg replacements and EQ head adjustments
  • Experience with different types of telescopes, particularly Newtonians
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  • Research telescope mount stability and upgrade options for the Celestron C-6N
  • Learn about coma correction techniques for F/5 telescopes
  • Explore reviews and comparisons of the Celestron C-6N and Orion 6EQ
  • Investigate the impact of secondary mirror size on image quality in reflectors
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Astronomy enthusiasts, amateur telescope users, and anyone considering the Celestron C-6N for stargazing or astrophotography.

Physicsisfun2005
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I have owned 2 other types of telescopes previously and i am looking to buy a Celestron C-6N reflector. Does anyone have any comments on this scope? (+'s or -'s)
 
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Originally posted by Physicsisfun2005
I have owned 2 other types of telescopes previously and i am looking to buy a Celestron C-6N reflector. Does anyone have any comments on this scope? (+'s or -'s)
If you are buying the whole scope/mount package:

http://www.astronomics.com/main/pro...ku=C6N&bURL=tCelestron.asp&mystype=Reflectors

then I would say that the mount is undersized and very unstable without replacing the aluminum legs with sturdy wooden legs. I have owned this mount (different scope on it) and it just doesn't do the job, especially with a 6" Newt. Mine got a fair bit better by adding wood legs from Naturewatch in Canada at $129, plus adjusting the entire EQ head so that the bearings were tight and all the slack taken out of the worm gear engagement.

As far as the optical tube itself, at F/5 you will have a good bit of "coma" with all but high power eyepieces. Also, the focuser is quite high which means that the secondary mirror is larger than should be necessary. This leads to loss of contrast (= less detail). The pluses are that the price is right for an EQ mounted 6" scope, especially if you are willing to do some "rehab" after you get it. A longer focal length Newtonian will cause fewer image and collimation problems.
 
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I have an Orion 6EQ which, from what I understand, is the same OTA as the C6-N (by Synta). All the reviews I've read are pretty favorable as well. Google will provide you with plenty I am certain.
 

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