For sale, my Celestron Evolution 8 go-to telescope and camera system for taking photos of the deep sky
objects, OR the option of just the telescope w/feather touch focuser, Telrad finder, and carrying case.
This camera system doesn’t work on the planets, as the planets photos would be too small to see
anything. This system is very good at taking photos of Open Clusters, Globular Clusters, Nebulas, and
Galaxies (except the very small galaxies).
I have been taking photos now for almost three years with this system from my back yard and at the
club star parties. The Evolution is a very good scope and has never given me any problems. The
HyperStar makes this a very fast scope and my photos are 10 second photos taken at f/1.9 and they are
stacked on top of each other automatically by the ASIAIR Pro. Total duration of photo capture is
anywhere from 2 to 20 minutes with most shots around the 5 minute mark.
The only reason for selling is that I purchased the new Celestron Origion so this scope needs a new
home.
I am not going anywhere so I would be more than able to work with the purchaser so they get a good
feel of the process. I use a 10.2 inch IPAD but you could use a smart phone or the IPAD Mini. Using a
smaller phone wouldn’t give you a very good look though in my opinion.
I will admit that getting into EAA (Electronic Assisted Astronomy) has a higher cost than visual
astronomy, but it is easier and less time consuming than AP (Astro Photography). Purchasing used
equipment does reduce the cost, in this case about 47%, but there is still a cost. Willing to give you
hands on training with EAA.
If you already have a Celestron SE8 or the Evolution 8 I would consider selling the other pieces as a
group which would not include the Telrad or the Feathertouch as they are both attached to the
telescope. Really would like for this to go to someone local as the scope can’t be shipped.
Option 1 – Celestron Evolution 8” (OTA, tripod, & mount), w/feather touch focuser
& Telrad finder scope $1,300 If you wanted the carrying case the price would be another $150.
Option 2 – Everything in Option 1 above PLUS HyperStar 8 v4, ASI533MC Pro cooled camera, Optolong L-
Pro filter 2”, ASIAIR Pro (this is the brains of the system), Bahtinov Mask (for focusing the camera),
Celestron Power Tank Lithium Pro Battery (to power the ASIAIR Pro & camera), & Celestron Optical tube
carrying case #94003. The telescope itself has an internal rechargeable battery which will last for at
least 6 hours. Option 2 has an original price of $5,474, so the selling price is a 47% discount. So buying used is a big
savings if the items are in great shape. My telescope has always been looked after by Starizona in
Tucson.
More than willing to answer any questions you may have, and I am sure you will have many. The first
time I saw photos of the sky I said no way the cost was too high. One month later I walked out the shop
carrying $2,800 of astronomy camera equipment.
Dave Elder
(delder2@cox.net or 623-214-3470)
Items New
cost
Celestron Evolution 8 $2,200.00
Camera ASI533MC Pro cooled color camera 800.00
HyperStar 8 v4 f/1.9 1,000.00
ASIAIR Pro 300.00
Optolong L-Pro 2" filter 199.00
Bahtinov Mask 15.00
Celestron PowerTank Lithium Pro Battery 250.00
Feathertouch focuser 10 to 1 350.00
Telrad finder sight 50.00
Celestron Optical tube carrying case #94003 310.00
$5,474.00