Celestron · Current model · launched 2025
Celestron Origin Mark II review: specs, price and verdict
A 6-inch f/2.2 RASA with a STARVIS 2 camera: the most light of any smart telescope.
- 152 mmaperture
- 1.32° × 0.75°field of view
- 1.23″per pixel
- 12.5 kgweight
- 6 hbattery
Our verdict
The image-quality leader. Choose it if you will set it up at home and can carry 16 lb pieces.
Best for: A backyard 'home observatory' where image quality beats portability.
Pros
- 152 mm at f/2.2: about 7.7× the light of a 50 mm, even after its central obstruction
- Fast optics shine under light pollution
- Filter drawer, dew system, autofocus
- 1.23″/px image scale
Cons
- 18.9 kg system in three pieces
- $4,299
- Occasional collimation
- 6+ hour battery
What fits in the field of view
The Origin Mark II telephoto camera frames 1.32° × 0.75° of sky. Below, its frame (gold) is drawn to scale over three popular targets.
| Object | With the Origin Mark II |
|---|---|
| Full Moon | Fits (39% of the frame width) |
| Andromeda Galaxy (M31) | Needs a mosaic (about 3×2 frames) |
| Orion Nebula (M42) | Needs a mosaic (about 2 frames) |
| Pleiades (M45) | Needs a mosaic (about 2×3 frames) |
| North America Nebula | Needs a mosaic (about 2×3 frames) |
| Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) | Fits (14% of the frame width) |
| Ring Nebula (M57) | Fits, but small: about 67 px across |
| Jupiter | Fits, but small: about 37 px across |
Object sizes are approximate apparent sizes. Pixel counts use an image scale of 1.23″ per pixel. Try any combination in the field of view comparator.
Full specifications
| Aperture | 152 mm |
|---|---|
| Focal length | 335 mm (f/2.2) |
| Optics | Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) |
| Sensor | Sony IMX678 STARVIS 2 · 8.3 MP |
| Field of view (telephoto) | 1.32° × 0.75° |
| Image scale | 1.23″ per pixel |
| Wide-angle camera | No |
| Weight | 12.5 kg (system 18.87 kg) |
| Battery | 6 h |
| Storage | n/a |
| EQ mode | With the optional Origin wedge |
| Filters | Filter drawer for 1.25" or 2" filters |
| Dew control | Dew heater ring, dew shield and environmental sensor |
| Tripod included | Yes |
| Eyepiece | No |
| Collimation needed | Occasionally |
Official: 1.32° × 0.75°.
How it compares
Exposure length in alt-az mode
Alt-az tracking rotates the field slowly. With this field and image scale, the frame corner smears by one pixel after about 6 seconds (target due south at 45° altitude, observer at 40° latitude). That is why smart telescopes stack many short exposures; EQ mode removes the limit: With the optional Origin wedge. See EQ mode and wedges explained.
Comparisons
Other Celestron models
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Celestron Origin Mark II cost?
$4,299 list on celestron.com (out of stock there on 11 Nov 2026).
Can the Celestron Origin Mark II photograph the Andromeda Galaxy in one frame?
Needs a mosaic (about 3×2 frames). Its telephoto field is 1.32° × 0.75° and Andromeda spans about 3.2° × 1°.
Does the Celestron Origin Mark II have EQ mode?
With the optional Origin wedge.
Does the full Moon fit in the Celestron Origin Mark II's field of view?
Yes. The Moon is about 0.52° across and the field is 1.32° × 0.75°.
Sources
Specs and prices checked on 11 Nov 2026.