Celestron

Celestron has been one of the leading brands in the world of astronomical telescopes for over half a century and has made a name for itself as an innovator and quality leader. The company was founded in 1960 by Tom Johnson in Torrance, California. Johnson, an electrical engineer and amateur astronomer, began building a telescope for his children in his backyard - a project that led to the development of the first Celestron telescope. His vision was to create high-quality, affordable telescopes that would allow both amateur astronomers and professionals access to the wonders of the universe. This philosophy still shapes Celestron today.
Celestron's breakthrough came in 1970 with the introduction of the C8, a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope with an 8-inch aperture. This model combined compact design with excellent optical performance, making advanced technology accessible to a wider audience for the first time. Schmidt-Cassegrain technology, which combines a corrector plate with a spherical primary mirror and a secondary mirror, became Celestron's trademark and remains one of the most popular designs in astronomy. The success of the C8 laid the foundation for a number of other models that firmly established the company in the market.
Over the decades, Celestron expanded its portfolio and integrated state-of-the-art technologies. The introduction of computer-controlled “GoTo” telescopes in the 1990s, such as the NexStar series, revolutionized amateur astronomy by allowing users to automatically target and track celestial objects. Today Celestron offers a wide range of products: from entry-level models like the FirstScope to powerful telescopes in the Advanced VX series to high-end devices like the CPC Deluxe for advanced observers. The range is complemented by accessories such as eyepieces, mounts and planetarium software, which optimize the observation experience.
Celestron's company history is also characterized by strategic partnerships. Since 2005, the company has been part of Synta Technology Corporation of Taiwan, a leading optical equipment manufacturer, expanding production capacity and strengthening its global reach. Nevertheless, Celestron remains true to its roots and maintains a close connection to the astronomy community, for example through collaborations with educational institutions and support of observatories worldwide.
For us at Optik Foto Rutz, Celestron represents the democratization of astronomy. The combination of high-quality optics - often with special coatings such as StarBright XLT for maximum light transmission - and user-friendly technology makes the telescopes ideal for beginners and experienced stargazers alike. Whether for observing planets, nebulae or distant galaxies – Celestron opens a window into the cosmos and inspires generations to explore the night sky. Models like the AstroMaster or the state-of-the-art Celestron Origin, which is equipped with AI-supported object recognition, show how the company combines tradition and innovation to keep the fascination of astronomy alive.