Celestron Onyx 80EDF telescope

Don't let this scope's compact size fool you — it's a high-quality workhorse.
By | Published: May 19, 2009 | Last updated on May 18, 2023
Celestron Onyx 80EDF refractor telescope
The Onyx comes with a foam-lined aluminum case, excellent protection for transporting the scope. In addition to the telescope, the case can hold several eyepieces and a star diagonal.
Astronomy: James Forbes
This review, “Celestron’s Onyx 80EDF,” appeared in the January 2007 issue of Astronomy magazine

Each decade brings new telescopes or mounts, usually with one particular design dominating the market. In the 1970s, everyone wanted to own a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. In the 1980s, it was large, Dobsonian-mounted reflectors. Today’s trendsetting design is small “grab-and-go” refractors characterized by apertures of 4 inches (102 millimeters) or less and focal ratios in the f/5 to f/7 range. What makes this niche so hot is more and more mid-range models offer a compromise between price and quality. The latest entry into this burgeoning market is Celestron’s Onyx 80EDF.

Onyx specifications
The Onyx 80EDF is a compact 3.1-inch (80mm) f/6.25 telescope that comes in a padded aluminum case. The glossy black aluminum tube, with its orange inlaid logos and accent ring around the base of the sliding dew cap, has a rich luster that belies this scope’s moderate price.

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