Celestron 8 in Telescope Optical Tube and 34 in Tripod Storage Bags

Our review of the Celestron 8 in Telescope Optical Tube Bag and 34 in Tripod Bag finds this pair most useful for amateur astronomers who transport an 8 in Schmidt-Cassegrain or EdgeHD optical tube and a standard 34 in tripod. The single biggest reason to consider this set is protection: thick 16mm EPE foam walls and ultra-durable 900 denier polyester provide a reassuring barrier against dings and weather during short drives and storage. The two-piece design keeps tube and tripod separate while offering pockets and straps to secure small accessories.

Key Features

• Dual-bag design: Keeps the 8 in optical tube and 34 in tripod in separate bags so each item is protected and easy to handle.
• Heavy-duty fabric: Constructed from ultra-durable 900 denier polyester to resist abrasions and light moisture for longer equipment life.
• Thick foam padding: 16mm EPE foam sheets create protective barriers that absorb shocks and reduce the risk of impact damage.
• Internal straps and pockets: Internal straps hold the optical tube in place while sewn-on loops and a hidden pocket provide organized accessory storage.
• Comfortable transport: Padded shoulder strap and sewn-in handles on both bags make it straightforward to carry the tube or tripod to a car or observing site.
• External tripod pocket: The tripod bag includes an external zippered pocket for quick access to items such as a mount plate or small tools.

Who It's For

This set is ideal for backyard astronomers and weekend observers who own an 8 in Schmidt-Cassegrain or EdgeHD optical tube and a matching 34 in tripod, and who need soft-case protection for short trips and storage. The combination of padding, straps and pockets suits users who value organized transport and moderate weather protection without the bulk of hard cases.

Those who frequently fly with gear, need waterproof hard-case level protection, or own significantly smaller or much larger optics should look elsewhere; hard cases or custom foam inserts are better for airline travel or heavy-duty field conditions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Well-built with sturdy handles and a padded shoulder strap for easy transport over short distances.
• Excellent internal protection from 16mm EPE foam and secure internal straps that hold the optical tube in place.
• Practical storage, including a hidden accessory pocket and sewn-on loops inside the telescope bag plus an external zippered pocket on the tripod bag.

Cons

• Size receives mixed feedback; the telescope bag can feel oversized for smaller optics and may have extra internal room.
• Soft bags provide less protection than flight-rated hard cases for long-distance or rough handling.

Specifications

Our Verdict

For owners of an 8 in Schmidt-Cassegrain or EdgeHD tube who need reliable, soft-case protection for local travel and storage, this Celestron bag set is a solid value. It combines durable fabric, thick foam padding and practical carrying options to protect gear and keep accessories organized, though users seeking airline-grade security should invest in a hard case instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this fit my 8 in EdgeHD tube?
Yes; the optical tube bag is designed to fit 8 in Schmidt-Cassegrain and EdgeHD tubes and secures them with internal straps.

Is the fabric waterproof?
The 900 denier polyester offers resistance to light moisture and abrasion but is not a fully waterproof, sealed hard case.

Can the tripod bag hold accessories?
Yes; the tripod bag includes an external zippered pocket for small items and the design allows room for common tripod accessories.