Celestron Origin Update

People have been asking me how I like the Celestron Origin. I will be honest. I really like it. I like it enough that I have listed my C8, my Hyperstar and my EQ6 up for sale because I won’t use it much anymore at all, and someone might as well enjoy it.

The only thing I do not like about the Origin and it’s not that big of a deal yet because I think it is more of a training issue than a technical issue is how the dovetail meshes with the mount and tightens. To me it is flaky. But once I do it right and that will come with practice it will be a non issue.

I love the mount. I love the wedge. The tripod is stable. I can lift all 3 as one unit without too much trouble. I love how fast it assembles. I love how fast it breaks down. Love the images. Love the simplicity of the software. Love how it can operate in network mode. Love that I can control it off my MacBook Pro. Love the speed it can capture images at.

Now comes the debate about the cost. It is expensive. It is also expensive to buy a telescope that sits unused night after night. My Origin gets used. I have used it at least 10 times since I got it. I haven’t used my EQ6 ten nights since I bought the Hyperstar I don’t think and that is since 2023. To me, a scope being used is a bargain at any price.

How does it compare to the S50? At 10 times the price it is not 10 times better. The S50 is a great bargain and a cool scope. I am not selling my S50. I will use it as a grab and go scope for public events because it is great for that. The Origin will go to star parties and major events and be used as my intelligent home observatory scope just as it is advertised. It is a tremendous scope and I think Celestron has a winner.