SmartScopeVerdict

Celestron · Discontinued · launched 2024

Celestron Origin (first generation) review: specs, price and verdict

The original 6-inch RASA smart telescope with a 6.4 MP IMX178 camera.

This model is discontinued. We keep its specs for owners and used buyers; it is excluded from the finder and best-of lists.

  • 152 mmaperture
  • 1.27° × 0.85°field of view
  • 1.48″per pixel
  • 12.5 kgweight
  • 6 hbattery

Our verdict

A used Origin plus the 678C camera is effectively a Mark II.

Best for: Used buyers; budget $499 for the camera upgrade.

Pros

  • Same optics and mount as the Mark II
  • Camera upgradeable to the Mark II's 678C

Cons

  • Discontinued
  • Older 6.4 MP sensor

What fits in the field of view

The Origin telephoto camera frames 1.27° × 0.85° of sky. Below, its frame (gold) is drawn to scale over three popular targets.

OriginFull Moon · frame 1.4° wide
OriginOrion Nebula (M42) · frame 1.4° wide
OriginAndromeda Galaxy (M31) · frame 3.6° wide
Field of view of the Celestron Origin (first generation) drawn to scale over the Moon, the Orion Nebula and the Andromeda Galaxy.
ObjectWith the Origin
Full MoonFits (41% of the frame width)
Andromeda Galaxy (M31)Needs a mosaic (about 3×2 frames)
Orion Nebula (M42)Needs a mosaic (about 2×2 frames)
Pleiades (M45)Needs a mosaic (about 2×3 frames)
North America NebulaNeeds a mosaic (about 2×3 frames)
Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)Fits (14% of the frame width)
Ring Nebula (M57)Fits, but small: about 56 px across
JupiterFits, but small: about 30 px across

Object sizes are approximate apparent sizes. Pixel counts use an image scale of 1.48″ per pixel. Try any combination in the field of view comparator.

Full specifications

Aperture152 mm
Focal length335 mm (f/2.2)
OpticsRowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA)
SensorSony IMX178 · 6.4 MP
Field of view (telephoto)1.27° × 0.85°
Image scale1.48″ per pixel
Wide-angle cameraNo
Weight12.5 kg (system 18.87 kg)
Battery6 h
Storagen/a
EQ modeWith the optional Origin wedge
FiltersFilter drawer for 1.25" or 2" filters
Dew controlDew heater ring, dew shield and environmental sensor
Tripod includedYes
EyepieceNo
Collimation neededOccasionally

Official: 1.27° × 0.85°.

How it compares

Aperture of every smart telescope we track (mm) Origin Mark II 152 mm Origin 152 mm eQuinox 2 114 mm eVscope 2 114 mm Odyssey 85 mm Odyssey Pro 85 mm S50 50 mm S50 Pro 50 mm Vespera II 50 mm Vespera 3 50 mm Vespera Pro 2 50 mm DWARF 3 35 mm S30 30 mm S30 Pro 30 mm DWARF mini 30 mm
Aperture of every smart telescope we track (mm). Data: manufacturer specs (see sources).
Weight of the main unit (kg, lighter is better) DWARF mini 0.84 kg DWARF 3 1.3 kg S30 1.65 kg S30 Pro 1.65 kg S50 2.5 kg S50 Pro 2.8 kg Odyssey 4 kg Odyssey Pro 4 kg Vespera II 5 kg Vespera 3 5 kg Vespera Pro 2 5 kg eQuinox 2 7 kg eVscope 2 7 kg Origin Mark II 12.5 kg Origin 12.5 kg
Weight of the main unit (kg, lighter is better). Data: manufacturer specs (see sources).

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 7 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.

Other Celestron models

Frequently asked questions

How much does the Celestron Origin (first generation) cost?

Discontinued (SKU 12099, last list $3,999); owners can upgrade to the 678C camera ($499).

Can the Celestron Origin (first generation) photograph the Andromeda Galaxy in one frame?

Needs a mosaic (about 3×2 frames). Its telephoto field is 1.27° × 0.85° and Andromeda spans about 3.2° × 1°.

Does the Celestron Origin (first generation) have EQ mode?

With the optional Origin wedge.

Does the full Moon fit in the Celestron Origin (first generation)'s field of view?

Yes. The Moon is about 0.52° across and the field is 1.27° × 0.85°.

Sources

Specs and prices checked on 11 Nov 2026.