It's time to elevate your stargazing experience with the Advanced Vx 8"" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope. This high-quality, powerful telescope sets a new benchmark in mid-level astronomy equipment, offering features typically found on Celestron's top-tier German equatorial mounts, but at a more accessible price point. Designed for both imagers and visual observers, this telescope is a more portable alternative to the traditional reflector or refractor. Its 8"" optical tube boasts an impressive 84% more light gathering ability than a 6"" telescope, ensuring brighter, clearer views of the cosmos. The Schmidt-Cassegrain design effectively eliminates chromatic aberration, making it an excellent choice for astroimaging.The Advanced Vx mount is engineered for superior performance, leveraging Celestron's cutting-edge technologies such as All-Star Polar Alignment, Celestron Pwi telescope control software, SkyAlign, and permanently programmable periodic error correction (Ppec). Whether you're an experienced imager seeking a portable mount for dark sky sites, or a beginner in astroimaging, the Advanced Vx is designed to meet your needs for years to come.This telescope features a computerized German equatorial mount, the smallest in Celestron's range, with GoTo capability that automatically tracks celestial objects as they traverse the night sky. The mount includes ports for a hand control, an autoguider, and 2 Aux ports for optional accessories. The NexStar+ hand control offers instant access to all the mount's functions, with automatic slewing and menu descriptions that make mastering this mount a breeze for astronomers of all levels.The Advanced Vx stands on a robust tripod with 2"" diameter steel legs, providing an extra-wide stance for improved stability. It boasts a payload capacity of 30 lb, offering a sturdy platform for any of the Advanced Vx optical tubes, even when paired with optional accessories like StarSense AutoAlign, Focus Motor, a finderscope, and a camera.As of early 2019, Advanced Vx mounts now include a new dual saddle plate that accommodates both Cg-5 and Cge-style dovetail, allowing you to use the Advanced Vx mount with virtually any optical tube within its weight limit.The telescope comes with Celestron Pwi (CPWI), the most advanced astronomy software suite provided with any consumer-grade telescope. Developed in collaboration with the engineers at PlaneWave Instruments, CPWI offers an all-in-one solution with many of the same features used on PlaneWave's observatory-class telescopes. Your purchase also includes a free download of Celestron's Starry Night Special Edition Software. This advanced software by Simulation Curriculum offers detailed information about celestial objects and helps you plan your next observing or imaging session. The Special Edition software also allows you to control your telescope via computer. In summary, the Advanced Vx 8"" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope is a durable, advanced, and powerful tool for any astronomy enthusiast, offering a deluxe viewing experience of the night sky..