TheSkySearchers

I was considering replacing the C6 that rides on my SE with an 8 or deforking the Celestar (which I don't really want to do).

But it appears it has been discontinued!!

I also checked with HPS, they said it looks that way. They plan on selling tubes by breaking up Evolution and SE packages.

Or just buy the CGE model and a CG5 dovetail.

I believe it was ole Uncle Rod that said he'll will freeze over before they discontinue the C8.

A strange move as they are quite popular, maybe they will continue producing the 8" aplanatic version?

It looks like most of C8s are in stock, just one flavor - CG5 OTA is missing.

There are tons of C8 in circulation. You can find one in a great shape for a reasonable price.

OK, maybe false alarm, now I see them listed as "out of stock" most places, but with a healthy price jump.

The retailers that do not have the vanilla OTA in stock are saying it's back ordered, not discontinued. The back orders says they expect more in February

JayTee wrote: ↑Thu Jan 26, 2023 9:19 pm The retailers that do not have the vanilla OTA in stock are saying it's back ordered, not discontinued. The back orders says they expect more in February

Sadly, at this point it does appear to be discontinued

It's been removed from Celestron's website, and it's now removed or listed as discontinued by the major US retailers.

(Agena, Adorama, Astronomics, B&H, HPS, and Woodland Hills).

HPS, said they could change out the dovetail for me before shipping when they get the CGE models in.

I think I may just defork my Celestar at this point, it's mount is getting too heavy for me.

The other thing is the price, $1300 for a plain C8 OTA, heck we are now in ED/APO territory.

Every now and then I get a bug up my you-know-what and in this case I had to call Celestron. I spoke with a sales representative and a technical support representative. Both of them told me that only the orange OTA is being discontinued. They would never discontinue the black XLT OTA. They did say that, most likely, any non-CGE saddle rail hardware may have to be supplied by you.

So if you are looking for an orange SE OTA you are probably out of luck.

SEE, still available
https://www.celestron.com/products/c8-o ... e-dovetail

JayTee wrote: ↑Thu Feb 02, 2023 12:23 am Every now and then I get a bug up my you-know-what and in this case I had to call Celestron. I spoke with a sales representative and a technical support representative. Both of them told me that only the orange OTA is being discontinued. They would never discontinue the black XLT OTA. They did say that, most likely, any non-CGE saddle rail hardware may have to be supplied by you.

So if you are looking for an orange SE OTA you are probably out of luck.

SEE, still available
https://www.celestron.com/products/c8-o ... e-dovetail

I guess it is easier for them to offer OTAs in one style and CGE/Losmandy dovetail does provide sturdier support than CG5/Vixen.

On my two most used mounts I have replaced the saddles with dual-style saddle to accommodate both dovetail types.

Yes, I was aware the CGE model was always available, just the CG5/Vixen was discontinued.

I just always assumed (as a visual only observer) that the Vixen, CG5 style was always the most popular.

Ylem wrote: ↑Thu Feb 02, 2023 1:16 am Yes, I was aware the CGE model was always available, just the CG5/Vixen was discontinued.

I just always assumed (as a visual only observer) that the Vixen, CG5 style was always the most popular.

Agreed. It would make more sense to offer C5 and C8 with CG5, and CGE for 9.25" and larger.