At the end of the summer of 2004, Celestron introduced a new NexStar GT model
employing
an 80mm f/11 refractor - the NexStar 80 GTL. The "L" after the GT
indicates the longer optical tube when compared to the NexStar 80 GT.
This model seems to be a limited offering rather than a new addition to the
GT model line.
The general description of
GT mount as found in The NexStar User's Guide applies equally to this scope.
The longer optical tube results in a more traditional achromatic
refractor yielding better color correction than
short tube refractors like the NexStar 80 GT. Better color
correction allows for much improved high-magnification views of brighter
objects such as the Moon, planets and brighter double stars. The
results are sharp views of the planets and lunar craters and splitting
double-stars as close as 2 arcseconds. |
NexStar
80 GTL at a Glance
Optical System: achromatic refractor
Approximate Street Price: $200 (includes tripod)
Aperture: 80mm
Focal Length: 900mm
Focal Ratio: f/11
Supplied Eyepieces: 10mm (90x)
25mm (36x)
Maximum Magnification: 160x
Maximum Field of View: 2°
Magnitude Limit: 11.3
Resolution Limit: 1.8 arcsecond
Finder: 1x power red-dot
Objects in HC Database: 4,033
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Celestron has also included a little
compass to help during alignment and a full aperture solar filter.
The longer optical tube is substantially heavier than the other
optical tubes in the GT series. The added weight results in a
bit of shaking when focusing, but with a little care this is
manageable. The longer tube also results in more restriction when
pointing towards the zenith. Follow the direction on page 93
of the book to set
correct Slew Limits to prevent the optical tube from contacting the
tripod.
Celestron has posted a list of Frequently Asked Questions for
this model
here.
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