Celestron Astro Fi 5 Catadioptric Telescope 295x Black 18cm

The Celestron Astro Fi 5 Catadioptric Telescope 295x Black 18cm is a compact Schmidt-Cassegrain style instrument designed for visual observing and basic astrophotography. With an 18 cm optical tube diameter and a maximum stated magnification of 295x, this model combines a folded optical path and a rigid aluminium tube to provide a balance of performance, portability and durability. Weighing approximately 2.3 kg, the telescope is intended for quick setup at home or in the field and pairs with smartphone control through the Celestron SkyPortal app for simplified target acquisition and pointing.

Advantages

The telescope’s catadioptric design offers a long effective focal length in a compact form factor, reducing overall tube length while maintaining useful magnification for planets and brighter deep-sky objects. The aluminium tube provides robustness and helps keep weight low for transport. Integrated compatibility with the Celestron SkyPortal app allows users to select targets from an interactive star map and have the telescope slew to the chosen object, streamlining observing sessions and making the instrument accessible to beginners and experienced users alike.

Suitable for

• Visual observation of Moon and planets
• Beginner to intermediate deep-sky viewing (bright nebulae and star clusters)
• Basic astrophotography with short exposure imaging
• Portable observing sessions and outreach demonstrations

Key specifications

• Optical design: catadioptric (Schmidt-Cassegrain style)
• Aperture: 18 cm (180 mm) optical tube diameter
• Maximum stated magnification: up to 295x
• Tube material: aluminium
• Approximate weight: 2.3 kg (optical tube only, without mount or accessories)
• Smart device control compatibility: works with Celestron SkyPortal app for target selection and pointing

How to use

Set the telescope on a stable mount or tripod and balance the tube according to the mount instructions. Attach the eyepiece appropriate for your desired field of view and focus using the focuser. Use the Celestron SkyPortal app on a smartphone or tablet to connect to the telescope, browse the interactive star map and tap an object to initiate automatic slewing (follow the app and mount connection steps provided by Celestron). For visual observing begin with a low-power eyepiece and then increase magnification as seeing conditions and focus permit. For basic astrophotography, use a stable mount, align tracking as needed, and employ short exposures or a planetary camera to capture bright targets.

Usage recommendations

For stable and repeatable results, allow the telescope to reach ambient temperature before observing, start with low magnification to locate targets, and ensure the mount or tripod is firmly secured. When using app control, confirm wireless connectivity and follow the manufacturer’s pairing steps. For astrophotography, use short exposures and appropriate filters for bright objects, and consider upgrading to a guided tracking mount for longer exposures.