Are you in the market for a telescope? Does either the Celestron CPC 800 or 925 sound like it could be the right one, for you?
Well, you still need to choose between them.
That’s what I would like to help you to do here today.
We are going to be going over their specifications, differences, and whether the 925 model is truly worth the higher price point.
In a hurry? Here is my quick recommendation:
Quick Verdict
If you have the budget available, the Celestron CPC 925 is the telescope to get.
It has a 33% greater light gathering capability, a 16% greater resolution, and 13% greater contrast.
All helping you to see more, with greater clarity, in the night sky.
Celestron CPC 800 vs 925
Differences Between the Celestron CPC 800 vs 925
Aperture
- Celestron CPC 925: 235mm (9.25″)
- Celestron CPC 800: 203.2mm (8″)
The aperture of a telescope is a key determinant of its ability to gather light and resolve detail.
The larger the aperture, the more light the telescope can collect and the finer the details it can resolve.
The Celestron CPC 925, with its 235mm (9.25″) aperture, significantly outperforms the CPC 800 with its 203.2mm (8″) aperture.
This means that with the 925, you will be able to observe fainter celestial objects and see them with greater clarity, rendering sharper and more detailed views of the night sky.
Focal Length
- Celestron CPC 925: 2350mm (93″)
- Celestron CPC 800: 2032mm (80″)
Focal length determines how wide or narrow your field of view is and it also plays a part in determining the magnification of your telescope.
The Celestron CPC 925’s longer focal length of 2350mm (93″) compared to the CPC 800’s 2032mm (80″) means that the 925 provides a narrower field of view.
This translates to larger, more magnified images which are especially useful when observing planets, the Moon, and other close, detailed objects in the night sky.
Highest Useful Magnification
- Celestron CPC 925: 555x
- Celestron CPC 800: 480x
Magnification is one of the most understood aspects of a telescope.
The highest useful magnification, sometimes also called the highest practical power, is the maximum at which an image remains sharp and detailed under optimal conditions.
The Celestron CPC 925’s highest useful magnification is 555x, compared to the CPC 800’s 480x.
This means the 925 can enlarge the image more before losing detail, allowing you to view celestial objects in greater detail and making it a superior choice for observing planets, star clusters, and galaxies.
Light Gathering Power
- Celestron CPC 925: 1127x
- Celestron CPC 800: 843x
The light-gathering power of a telescope is proportional to the square of the aperture.
This means that a small increase in aperture size can lead to a significant increase in light-gathering power.
With a light-gathering power of 1127x, the Celestron CPC 925 collects 34% more light than the CPC 800, which has a light-gathering power of 843x.
This enables the CPC 925 to render brighter images and reveal more details, especially when observing faint objects like nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters.
Weight
- Celestron CPC 925: 77 lbs. (34.9 kg)
- Celestron CPC 800: 61 lbs (27.6 kg)
While all the previous points have demonstrated the superiority of the Celestron CPC 925, the weight difference between the two models is one factor that needs to be carefully considered.
The 925 is significantly heavier than the 800 – it weighs 77 lbs. (34.9 kg) compared to the 800’s weight of 61 lbs (27.6 kg).
If you plan on frequently transporting your telescope or if you have a limited capacity for lifting heavy objects, the lighter CPC 800 might be a better choice despite the superior performance of the CPC 925.
However, if you can manage the extra weight, the superb optical performance of the CPC 925 certainly justifies the added heft.
Similarities Between the Celestron CPC 800 vs 925
Focal Ratio – f/10
Both the Celestron CPC 800 and 925 share a focal ratio of f/10. The focal ratio of a telescope is the ratio of the focal length to the aperture size.
This parameter is an important determinant of the field of view and image brightness.
An f/10 focal ratio represents a good balance between brightness and field of view, providing sufficient detail and light for both planetary and deep-sky viewing.
This common focal ratio means that both the CPC 800 and 925 are versatile telescopes well-suited to a variety of observational targets.
NexStar Computer Control Technology
Both of these telescopes feature Celestron’s advanced NexStar computer control technology.
This computerized system enables precise, automated tracking of celestial objects, making it easy to locate and follow targets in the night sky.
Regardless of your experience level, you will find the NexStar system intuitive and user-friendly.
The inclusion of this technology in both models greatly simplifies the process of finding and tracking celestial objects, making either telescope a great choice for stargazers of all skill levels.
40,000 Object Database
Equally impressive in both models is the comprehensive database featuring 40,000 celestial objects, including over 100 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objects.
This expansive library of celestial bodies allows you to navigate the night sky with ease, selecting from a vast array of galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, double stars, variable stars, solar system objects, and asterisms.
With this feature, both telescopes can serve as your personal guide to the cosmos.
SkyAlign Technology
Both the CPC 800 and 925 come equipped with Celestron’s proprietary SkyAlign technology.
This feature allows you to align the telescope on any three bright celestial objects, offering a fast and easy alignment process.
This means that setting up either telescope for an evening of stargazing is a straightforward and efficient process, regardless of your experience level.
Re-designed Drive Base and Drive Mechanics
These models feature a re-designed drive base and drive mechanics, ensuring quiet operation and large drive gears for accurate tracking.
Additionally, they both have a quick release clutch for easy adjustment.
This means that these telescopes offer seamless and silent operation, letting you focus on the beauty of the cosmos without being distracted by mechanical noise.
Flash Upgradeable Hand Control Software and Motor Control Units
Both the CPC 800 and 925 come with flash upgradeable hand control software and motor control units.
This means you can easily download product updates over the Internet, ensuring your telescope remains up-to-date with the latest features and enhancements.
This ensures the longevity of your investment, as you can always have access to the most recent software advancements.
NexRemote Telescope Control Software and RS-232 Cable
The NexRemote telescope control software and RS-232 cable are included with both models, allowing for advanced control of your telescope via computer.
This includes flash upgradeable software and motor control units for downloading product updates over the Internet.
This advanced control method allows for even more precise control and tracking of celestial objects, enhancing your stargazing experience.
Alignment Procedures
Both models offer multiple alignment procedures: Sky Align, Auto Two-Star Align, Two-Star Align, Solar System Align, EQ North Align, and EQ South Align.
These various alignment options provide flexibility in setting up the telescope, accommodating different observing conditions and preferences.
Celestron CPC Telescope Tour
CPC Telescope Details
CPC 800
- Item may ship in more than one box and may arrive separately
- 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope
- NexYZ connects your smartphone to your telescope, spotting scope, binocular, monocular, and microscope so you can capture images and video through the eyepiece.
- Works with a wide range of mobile phone models, including all the latest devices from Samsung, Google, and Apple.
CPC 925
- 9.25-inch diffraction limited Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope
- Features a fully computerized dual fork arm altazimuth mount
- NexYZ connects your smartphone to your telescope, spotting scope, binocular, monocular, and microscope so you can capture images and video through the eyepiece.
- Works with a wide range of mobile phone models, including all the latest devices from Samsung, Google, and Apple.
Final Verdict: Should You Get The CPC 800 or 925?
The Celestron CPC 800 and 925 are both excellent choices for any astronomy enthusiast, boasting state-of-the-art features, impressive optics, and a vast celestial database to navigate the night sky.
The remarkable detail and clarity delivered by these telescopes attest to the fine optical quality of both models.
While there is a perceptible difference in the views provided by the 8″ and 9.25″ apertures, particularly when observing faint deep-sky objects (DSOs), both telescopes will reward you with stunning vistas of the cosmos.
The choice between the two primarily comes down to weight and aperture.
The Celestron CPC 925 does weigh approximately 17 lbs more than the CPC 800.
This could be a significant factor if portability is a crucial aspect of your stargazing adventures or if you are limited by physical constraints.
However, the extra aperture of the CPC 925 offers a tantalizing advantage.
It allows for increased light-gathering power and resolution, further enhancing your celestial observations.
While it’s true that there isn’t anything you can see in the 9.25″ that you can’t also see in the 8″, the increased detail and clarity the 9.25″ provides, especially on faint DSOs, can be a game-changer.
If money were no object, the 9.25″ model would be the clear winner.
Its superior aperture, while not transformative, does offer an appreciable enhancement to your observational experience.
However, it’s important to consider your overall budget and what additional equipment you might need, such as a comfortable observing chair, star charts, or additional eyepieces.
Ultimately, the decision between the Celestron CPC 800 and 925 is a balance of budget, portability, and observational prowess.
If you can accommodate the extra weight and cost, the Celestron CPC 925 is a fantastic investment in your stargazing journey, delivering an even more breathtaking window into the cosmos.
Regardless of your choice, both telescopes are well-suited to provide countless hours of astronomical exploration and enjoyment.
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Hey, my name is Jeremy. I’m a passionate and seasoned astronomer who loves nothing more than observing the night sky. I also love researching, learning, and writing all things Space and the Universe. I created Astronomy Scope to share my knowledge, experience, suggestions, and recommendations of what I have learned along the way while helping anyone to get into and maximize their enjoyment of the hobby.