Product Description
This Celestron zoom eyepiece is fully multicoated, with an 8mm to 24mm focal length range and a soft rolldown rubber eyecup for eyeglass use. The rubber eyecup can be removed to expose T-threads that permit direct connection of a camera T-ring and camera body for variable power imaging.
As with all zooms, the apparent field of view of this Celestron zoom decreases as the focal length increases. This generally results in a 20% narrower field of view at low powers and a 10% wider field at high powers than you can achieve with similar focal length single magnification eyepieces. This is just the reverse of what most people expect from eyepieces - which is a wider field at lower powers, where you're usually observing larger objects that don't need as much magnification to fit in the eyepiece field, and a narrower field at high powers.
Likewise, this Celestron zoom's usable eye relief decreases slightly as the focal length decreases, from a specified 18mm at a 24mm focal length to 15mm at an 8mm focal length. Contrast is also generally a little lower than you'll find in single magnification eyepieces of similar focal lengths. If these minor anomalies are not a problem for you, however, a zoom offers the convenient ability to precisely match the observing magnification to the seeing conditions, as well as offering a virtually infinite number of magnifications in a single reasonably-priced eyepiece.
The eyepiece has a safety groove cut into its chrome barrel that will catch the thumbscrew of your focuser or star diagonal and keep the eyepiece from falling to the ground should the thumbscrew accidentally loosen during use. The power change band on the eyepiece uses a broad knurled rubber gripping surface that makes it easy to make small power changes, even in cold weather when wearing gloves or mittens.
Tech Details
| Warranty | 1 year |
|---|
Reviews
Review by: Robert
I have used this eyepiece more than any others in my collection due to the wide field view at high power on lunar and planetary observation. I have compared the contrast and visual details with Teleview plossls, Vixen NPLs, and Orthoscopic of equal focal length and must say the differences are not noticeable to my eyes anyway. It is very useful to find the highest useful magnification with seeing conditions, and then one may switch to a super expensive/premium eyepiece, though I find myself not needing to many times. (Posted on 2/3/2023)
Review by: Brian
I used the same title on my Astro-Tech 32mm Plossl review. But, for an absolutely fabulous general purpose eyepiece, that easily bests the 20 and 10mm Kellner's that came with the Astromaster 70EQ, it can't be beat. I was blown away at the difference between the edges of the Kellner's vs. this zoom. The zoom offers more versatility, and ends up being cheaper than a box of Plossl's to cover the zoom's range, not to mention the convenience. For someone getting started, like me, this is a quality step up from almost any stock eyepiece. Good eye relief, equal or better field of view, far better edge performance, and equal sharpness compared to the 20mm Kellner. Compared to the 10mm, it's not a contest. For the money this can't be beat as a first eyepiece upgrade from the stock ones. The only caveat being, it is big and heavy compared to the small size of the included eyepieces. Buy without hesitation, and have fun!! (Posted on 1/20/2020)
Review by: Bradford
I actually have three of these 8-24 zooms - two are in the 1.25" size and one of the larger, harder-to-find 2" version. I do a LOT of volunteering in our National Park System - serving as a resident astronomer for Badlands National Park in SD for four summers and one winter season in Big Bend National Park - when working with tourists, or simply doing outreach astronomy, these are fantastic. Hop from one target to another and simply zoom in or out for the best crowd view and let the visitors look and enjoy, sure beats having a tray full of eyepieces and fumbling in the dark to find just the right one to match the target.
I use the two 1.25s in my Coronado PST and my NexStar 4SE and I use the 2" in my CPC 9.25 Edge HD.
I highly recommend these eyepieces and they are almost par focal across the range. Good job, Celestron. And "thanks" to Astronomics!! (Posted on 10/31/2019)
I use the two 1.25s in my Coronado PST and my NexStar 4SE and I use the 2" in my CPC 9.25 Edge HD.
I highly recommend these eyepieces and they are almost par focal across the range. Good job, Celestron. And "thanks" to Astronomics!! (Posted on 10/31/2019)
Review by: Chilldaddy
I found this to be a helpful addition to the eyepieces that came with my C8. I don't do much visually anymore (mostly live stacking EAA) but enjoy having one eyepiece to find the ideal magnification for an object. It's especially useful with groups. (Posted on 10/17/2019)
Review by: Cyber COwboy
This is my Go-To eyepiece when I'm doing Sidewalk astronomy and other public outreach. I don't have to be changing eye pieces to show different levels of magnification, making it easier and faster to share the skies with the public. (Posted on 10/17/2019)
Review by: Tom
The zoom is very useful in my ETX-80 and 127mm Mak for casual viewing and alignment. Then switch to higher quality lens for higher power views.
(Posted on 10/5/2019)
(Posted on 10/5/2019)
Review by: Big D
This was the first eyepiece I purchased after receiving my 14 inch Dobsonian. It has been really a versatile eyepiece and has performed well for me , especially for planetary viewing. I find that I use it all the time as opposed to the eyepieces that came with the scope. No disappointment here. (Posted on 10/4/2019)
Review by: Joe
In my f8.3 refractor, the Celestron zoom shows equal or slightly better than plossl images. I don't care for the 40 degree field of view at the 24mm setting, but I did find my first comet at that setting! I generally use the 8 to 15mm settings. In the bitterly cold Minnesota winter, I often use no eyepiece but the zoom. I've tested it to minus 24F, and it works perfectly. I don't have to change eyepieces in the freezing weather. I find that a big plus. (Posted on 9/20/2019)
Review by: Dennis H
I purchased this to simplify my observing routine. I find I use it now for most of my observing as my primary lens. Views are are not as wide as I'd like, but they are solid for most objects. There are times where I switch to a single FL lens when I want a crisper, wider view, when I'm spending a lot of time on a specific object.
Scope: GS0 6" F5 Netwonian reflector (Posted on 9/9/2019)
Scope: GS0 6" F5 Netwonian reflector (Posted on 9/9/2019)
Review by: Paul
This was my first upgrade from the eyepieces that came with my telescope. I use it every time I pull the scope out. I start at the 24mm setting and find the object I intend to view. I then zoom in to whatever setting the atmospheric conditions allow. Works great with my short refractor and a Barlow lens on planets, double stars, and the moon. It has a high quality feel - much better than I expected. Highly recommended. (Posted on 9/1/2019)
Review by: Robert
The pro: Most useful for those who don't have a goto/tracking scope. You can find the target at low power, then zoom in without having to change eyepieces. This convenience is considerable and the price is low, for what you get.
The con: Focus varies as you change the zoom, so you need to refocus as you zoom in or out. That's not nearly as nice as if it stayed in focus, and is most problematic if looking at a fuzzy target (such as a globular cluster). (Posted on 7/26/2019)
The con: Focus varies as you change the zoom, so you need to refocus as you zoom in or out. That's not nearly as nice as if it stayed in focus, and is most problematic if looking at a fuzzy target (such as a globular cluster). (Posted on 7/26/2019)
Review by: Jason
I got this Celestron zoom based on positive reviews, but mainly because it's threaded for a T-Mount (M42).
I used this zoom ocular with an 80mm f/12, an 80mm f/5, 102 f/6 and 120 f/5 refractors. Also mounted to both a 90 f/14 and 127 f/15 Mak, along with many low end and mid level diagonals (even without a diagonal) and I was vastly underwhelmed by the Celestron zoom on any of those rigs.
So-so sharpness and contrast, weak light transmission and very annoying light scatter. I only keep mine for the low level AP I engage in here and there.
In my own opinion, this Zoom ocular is only good for Outreach and children interested in astronomy.
Celestron 8-24mm Zoom -- 2 and 1/2 stars **
CS
J (Posted on 7/24/2019)
I used this zoom ocular with an 80mm f/12, an 80mm f/5, 102 f/6 and 120 f/5 refractors. Also mounted to both a 90 f/14 and 127 f/15 Mak, along with many low end and mid level diagonals (even without a diagonal) and I was vastly underwhelmed by the Celestron zoom on any of those rigs.
So-so sharpness and contrast, weak light transmission and very annoying light scatter. I only keep mine for the low level AP I engage in here and there.
In my own opinion, this Zoom ocular is only good for Outreach and children interested in astronomy.
Celestron 8-24mm Zoom -- 2 and 1/2 stars **
CS
J (Posted on 7/24/2019)
Review by: Eric
I highly recommend getting this eyepiece, especially for beginners. I got it to supplement the 2 eyepieces (25mm and 10mm) that came with my scope (XT6). It's so easy to use and allows you to just observe. it is also very useful in helping you find out just how much power you can go to in a given night without having to switch out eyepieces. And with a barlow there's a huge range of magnification to work with! (Posted on 7/23/2019)
Review by: Eric
I bought this zoom to supplement the 2 eyepieces that came with scope and to use it to help me figure out which single eyepieces will work best for me. It is a fantastic eyepiece and really makes visual astronomy so very simple. Just plop it in and depending on the target zoom to what magnification is working best that night. Ease of use is a 10/10 and I would highly recommend it to a beginner on a budget! (Posted on 7/23/2019)
Review by: John
This is my go-to eyepiece for my 102mm refractor. It works well with my 2x and 3x Barlows. As for the build quality, it once rolled off a table and fell 3 feet onto my concrete patio. After a few anxious moments, I realized that it had survived with no ill effects.
As someone who recently resumed backyard astronomy, I can give this zoom eyepiece 5 stars for affordability and versatility for the new astronomer. (Posted on 7/23/2019)
As someone who recently resumed backyard astronomy, I can give this zoom eyepiece 5 stars for affordability and versatility for the new astronomer. (Posted on 7/23/2019)
Review by: Chris
I use this eyepiece more than I though I would. For the nights when an hour or less is available, I take this and a 32mm plossl and can spend efficient time at the eyepiece. Eye relieve is fine for me as an eyeglass wearer. Contrast and sharpness is good, fov in the lower range is better than my best plossls. This is a well built, convenient tool but should not be compared to much higher priced, big fov eyepieces. Very good value and even preforms fairly well in the faster scopes I have (f5). (Posted on 7/22/2019)
Review by: Ed
Celestron zoom was the second eyepiece I purchased after I bought my first scope. It quickly became my most used eyepiece in my Meade ETX 80 and Orion XT8i. It got me hooked on zoom eyepieces. I have since added a higher end zoom but the Celestron zoom continues to be part of my standard eyepiece set and is the zoom I use in my 80 and 100 mm scopes. There are better zooms on the market at 3-8X the price, but for the money, this one is a real keeper. (Posted on 7/22/2019)
Review by: John K
This eyepiece rides in the backpack with my 70mm scope and photo tripod. It provides sharp images at a wide range of magnifications. I can carry just the zoom and a 25mm eyepiece (for its wider FOV) instead of a whole kit of eyepieces. The sharpness and quality of the Celestron zoom is very good. It is an integral part of my travelling scope kit. (Posted on 12/30/2018)
Review by: Garthid
I purchased this eyepiece to quickly gauge the magnification seeing would allow and then would switch to a wide field eyepiece of corresponding focal length. That was the plan. I found that this eyepiece in itself gave very nice views and I would often leave it in as I panned to different objects. (Posted on 12/10/2018)
Review by: Ron
I'ts my go to eyepiece and works fine on my Celestron 8SE (Posted on 11/17/2018)
Review by: Vladimir
During 2018's Mars opposition, after having owned (but not used much) this zoom for over a year, I "discovered" that the main advantage of a zoom eyepiece is the ability to fine tune the magnification to what the nights atmospheric seeing is allowing (which is tremendously useful when observing the planets), so that on great nights you get superb high power views, and on bad nights you get lower power (but still sharp) views.
When I eventually got a lunar field map, I got more interested on the moon, and there I also found that despite the nice views from my 82º widefield eyepieces, the advantage of the zoom to see the whole moon, and gradually zoom in to observe areas and match them to the map, and then zoom in for more detail, is really the best way to observe the moon.
For DSOs, you'll find the narrow 40º field of view at the 24mm end to be rather constraining, but for observing the planets and the moon, the 8mm end has a nice 60º field of view, and ergonomics that are much superior than a 10mm Plössl. I have since upgraded to a Baader zoom, but I consider the Celestron zoom a great first eyepiece for someone who is mainly interested in observing the planets or the moon, and also a better value than spending the money on 2 or 3 Plössl eyepieces. (Posted on 11/15/2018)
When I eventually got a lunar field map, I got more interested on the moon, and there I also found that despite the nice views from my 82º widefield eyepieces, the advantage of the zoom to see the whole moon, and gradually zoom in to observe areas and match them to the map, and then zoom in for more detail, is really the best way to observe the moon.
For DSOs, you'll find the narrow 40º field of view at the 24mm end to be rather constraining, but for observing the planets and the moon, the 8mm end has a nice 60º field of view, and ergonomics that are much superior than a 10mm Plössl. I have since upgraded to a Baader zoom, but I consider the Celestron zoom a great first eyepiece for someone who is mainly interested in observing the planets or the moon, and also a better value than spending the money on 2 or 3 Plössl eyepieces. (Posted on 11/15/2018)
Review by: Michael
I recently got back into astronomy and purchased a 4" f/5 grab and go scope. I'm the kind of person thats does a quick 1 hour session and I'm done. So when I say grab and go, that's what I mean. Not grab 6 eyepieces and go.That's where this 8-24 zoom Celestron comes in. It gives very adequate views, and I don't have to fumble with more eyepieces. Very versatile and gets the job done. (Posted on 10/30/2018)
Review by: Eric
When I bought a used scope, this eyepiece came with it. It covers the range of other eyepiece focal lengths I have, and I prefer to use those other ones. The view quality just isn't the same, even when compared with my entry level plossels. Out at 24mm, it isn't too bad, but there is definite vignetting at 8mm. I use it when I have guests over with kids or for boy scouts/cub scouts. It makes it easy to locate a target like the moon or a planet, zoom in, refocus a little, and let the kids look. If they bump the scope, which they always do, it is easy to zoom back out, reacquire the target, and zoom back in - no eyepiece changes needed. That is what the previous owner said he used it mostly for as well, when his younger kids would come look through the scope. It comes with a nice hard plastic, cylindrical case. (Posted on 10/25/2018)
Review by: Esraa Dawood
Hi it is a good eyepieces because you do not need to buy so many eyepieces at the same time you have many eyepieces. (Posted on 8/4/2017)
Review by: Christopher Childress
The Celestron 8-24mm zoom is a solid value and very functional, although it won't blow anyone away with quality of build or innovative optics. Mine "clunks" very slightly when I shake it but this has not affected the quality of the views through it as far as I can tell.
I've put this eyepiece to use mainly for planetary and lunar observation as it has a usable field of view that would be considered narrow compared to many non-zoom eyepiece designs. I believe that it delivers a sharp, vivid image in the center of the field of view. Unfortunately the edges are not especially well corrected. Perhaps this is a part of the eyepiece design; perhaps it is a result of the "clunk" I occasionally hear.
This eyepiece has come in handy during outreach events because I rarely have to change it out regardless of observing target and I don't worry about the cost as much if it gets damaged.
I think this would be an ideal eyepiece for a new astronomer on a budget, but due to build and optical quality I'm reluctant to give it more than three stars. (Posted on 8/4/2017)
I've put this eyepiece to use mainly for planetary and lunar observation as it has a usable field of view that would be considered narrow compared to many non-zoom eyepiece designs. I believe that it delivers a sharp, vivid image in the center of the field of view. Unfortunately the edges are not especially well corrected. Perhaps this is a part of the eyepiece design; perhaps it is a result of the "clunk" I occasionally hear.
This eyepiece has come in handy during outreach events because I rarely have to change it out regardless of observing target and I don't worry about the cost as much if it gets damaged.
I think this would be an ideal eyepiece for a new astronomer on a budget, but due to build and optical quality I'm reluctant to give it more than three stars. (Posted on 8/4/2017)
