Celestron C14 Optical Tube Assembly (CGE Dovetail)

The Celestron C14 Optical Tube Assembly (CGE Dovetail) is the flagship of Celestron's Schmidt-Cassegrain lineup — a 14-inch (355.6 mm) optical tube delivering a massive 3910 mm focal length at f/11. With over three times the light-gathering power of an 8-inch telescope, this observatory-grade OTA is built for serious visual observers and astrophotographers who want the deepest possible reach into the night sky. It features Celestron's patented StarBright® XLT optical coatings for maximum light transmission and contrast, a durable aluminum tube, Fastar compatibility for ultra-fast f/2 imaging, and a CGEM-style dovetail bar for mounting on a wide range of computerized equatorial and alt-az mounts.

Who Is This Product Best For?

The C14 is aimed at advanced amateur astronomers, dedicated deep-sky and planetary imagers, and observatory or permanent-pier users. It is the right choice for the observer who has outgrown smaller apertures and wants the resolution and light grasp to push detail on planets, split tight double stars, and capture faint galaxies and nebulae. It is also well suited to remote and observatory installations where its size and weight are not a portability concern. It is not a beginner instrument and not intended as a grab-and-go travel scope.

Why Choose This Product?

• Huge 14" aperture — over 3× the light-gathering power of an 8" SCT for brighter, more detailed views and faster imaging.
• StarBright® XLT coatings — premium multi-layer mirror and anti-reflective coatings reaching up to 97.4% transmission for high-contrast results.
• Three focal ratios in one tube — native f/11, f/6.3 with the optional reducer/corrector, and f/2 with Fastar for dramatically shorter exposures.
• Observatory-grade resolution — resolves fine planetary detail, Cassini's Division, and faint deep-sky structure.
• Versatile mounting — CGEM-style dovetail bar fits a wide range of large computerized mounts.
• Complete out of the box for visual use — ships with a 40mm eyepiece, 9x50 finderscope, 2" star diagonal, and 2" visual back.

Recommended Uses

• High-resolution planetary and lunar observing and imaging
• Deep-sky visual observing of galaxies, globular clusters, and planetary nebulae
• Long focal length deep-sky astrophotography (with appropriate mount and accessories)
• Ultra-fast wide-field imaging via Fastar/HyperStar conversion
• Reduced focal length imaging with the optional f/6.3 reducer/corrector
• Permanent observatory and pier-based imaging setups

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

• Mount: Attaches via a CGEM-style dovetail bar. Requires a heavy-duty mount rated well above the ~45 lb (20.4 kg) tube weight for stable imaging.
• Rear cell thread: Standard large-SCT 3.25" rear thread, compatible with SC visual backs, ClickLock clamps, focal reducers, and SCT-thread accessories.
• Visual accessories: Includes a 2" visual back and 2" star diagonal, accepting both 2" and 1.25" eyepieces.
• Reducer/corrector: Compatible with the Celestron f/6.3 reducer/corrector for a faster, flatter field.
• Fastar/HyperStar: Fastar-compatible secondary; third-party HyperStar lens assemblies enable f/2 front-mounted camera imaging.
• Focus motors: Compatible with C14-class focus motor kits and microfocusers (e.g. large-SCT motor focus and Prodigy-class focusers).

Important Limitations

• This is an optical tube only — no mount or tripod is included.
• At ~45 lb and 31" long it is large and heavy; it is not portable and demands a substantial, high-capacity mount.
• The long f/11 native focal length is demanding for deep-sky imaging — expect to use a reducer, an excellent mount, and accurate guiding.
• Not a beginner telescope and not intended for casual or travel use.
• HyperStar/Fastar imaging requires a separately purchased lens assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this good for beginners? No. The C14 is an advanced, observatory-class instrument best suited to experienced observers and imagers with a capable mount.

What is it best used for? High-resolution planetary and lunar work, deep-sky visual observing, and long focal length or Fastar deep-sky imaging.

Is it for visual observing or astrophotography? Both. It performs as a premium visual instrument and, with the right mount and accessories, as a serious imaging platform.

What does it come with? A 40mm eyepiece (98x), a 9x50 finderscope, a 2" star diagonal, a 2" visual back, and a CGEM-style dovetail bar.

Does it require additional accessories? Yes — a heavy-duty mount is required, and for imaging you'll typically add a reducer/corrector or HyperStar, plus a guiding setup.

What makes it different from similar telescopes? Its 14" aperture, StarBright XLT coatings, and three-focal-ratio versatility (f/11, f/6.3, f/2) make it one of the most capable Schmidt-Cassegrain OTAs available.

When should it not be recommended? When portability, a modest budget, beginner-friendly handling, or a light mount is the priority.

Our Recommendation

At Ontario Telescope and Accessories, we recommend the Celestron C14 for the advanced observer or imager who wants maximum aperture and resolution from a Schmidt-Cassegrain and has the mount and observing site to support it. It solves the problem of reaching fainter, finer detail than smaller scopes can deliver, and its f/2/f/6.3/f/11 flexibility makes it a true do-it-all optical tube. If you need a portable scope, are just starting out, or are working with a light or budget mount, this is not the right choice — but for serious deep-sky and planetary work from a permanent setup, the C14 is a benchmark instrument.