This telescope requires a power supply - & you should consider a higher specification unit for accessories such as dew heaters. You can choose a mains or a portable solution (right). Lithium batteries are more expensive but out perform the lead acid options.
Star diagonal provides more comfortable viewing position when observing objects that are high in the sky
Includes dovetail rail compatible with CGE mount
Celestron’s workhorse CGEM mount lineup has been the German Equatorial backbone for telescopes ranging from 6 to 11 inches of aperture. Since that time, many more astro-imagers and planetarium controlled setups have emerged as backyard telescope technology has evolved. Celestron’s engineering team applied their years of experience designing German Equatorial mounts to the all-new CGX EQ, a culmination of all the advancements made to our technologies, value, and ease-of-use.
The new CGX was designed to better support your telescope for both visual and astro-imaging pursuits. Key design goals included a lower profile EQ head, which provides a more compact and therefore more stable setup; a better drive system; remote operation-friendly with home and limit optical sensors; easier polar alignment adjustments; and better cable management. In addition to that, we’ve made mechanical and ergonomic improvements throughout to make the mount sturdier, easier to use, and transport. The CGX is our new Equatorial backbone to support a wide range of telescopes.
COMPUTERIZED MOUNT FEATURES All-new design. Sturdier and more rigid with quicker dampening time Increased load capacity to 55 lbs. Improved motors provide more torque, better slewing and tracking under heavy loads Heavy Duty belt-drive system minimizes backlash while providing smooth motor operation under heavy loads Spring-loaded brass worm wheel and stainless steel worm gear reduce friction and provide optimum gear mesh Internal cabling for worry-free remote operation. Power input and accessory ports remain stationary while the mount slews to avoid snags Internal hard stops for both axes prevents cable tension and tripod strike Internal optical sensors on both axes for simple and safe remote operation Home sensors allow the mount to always start in the index position regardless of orientation before a power reset Limit sensors automatically shut off slewing or tracking before reaching the hard stop fail safe Brand new control software developed in conjunction with PlaneWave Instruments for professional level control operation and imaging Software includes multi-point mount modeling for extremely precise pointing accuracy and many more additional features for remote astroimaging Wider tripod stance for improved stability Adjustable EQ head position to optimize center of gravity over the tripod and fully utilize the increased 3º-65º latitude range Dual-fit CG-5/Vixen and CGE/Losmandy dovetail saddle
IMPROVED TRIPOD INCLUDES: 2" steel legs with height index marks for quick leveling "Jack of all trays" can hold three 1.25" eyepieces, two 2" eyepieces, your smartphone, or other accessories +20º of additional tracking past the meridian on either side Tripod legs can be collapsed with accessory tray installed for faster setup and transport
IMPROVED ERGONOMICS: Two handles for easy pickup and transport All-new ergonomically designed dovetail clamping knobs Innovative and improved polar alignment adjustment system All-new ergonomic latitude adjuster for smooth and easy adjustment under full loads Optional add-on polar axis finderscope - coming soon
ELECTRONICS: All-new NexStar+ hand control with USB port Two AUX accessory ports to support wireless/WiFi alignment and operation with StarSense AutoAlign and SkyPortal WiFi Module accessories (sold separately) USB 2.0 port, used to connect directly to PC with included software Autoguider port PPEC ready Threaded 12VDC power input barrel connector Internal Real Time Clock (keeps time and site information saved)
SPECIFICATIONS
Optical Tube
Optical Design
Schmidt-Cassegrain
Aperture (mm)
203.2 mm (8 in)
Focal Length
2032 mm (80 in)
Focal Ratio
10
Focal Length of Eyepiece 1 (mm)
25 mm (0.98 in)
Magnification of Eyepiece 1
81x
Finderscope
6x30
Star Diagonal
1.25
Optical Tube
Aluminum
Highest Useful Magnification
480x
Lowest Useful Magnification
29x
Limiting Stellar Magnitude
14
Resolution (Rayleigh)
0.69 arc seconds
Resolution (Dawes)
0.57 arc seconds
Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye)
843x
Secondary Mirror Obstruction
2.5 in (64 mm)
Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Diameter
31%
Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Diameter
9.77%
Optical Coatings
StarBright XLT
Optical Tube Length
17 in (432 mm)
Optical Tube Weight
12.5 lbs (5.67 kg)
Dovetail Compatibility
CGE Mount
Mount
Mount
German Equatorial Mount
Instrument load capacity
55 lbs.
Tripod height adjustment range
47.25” to 77.5” including EQ headA
Tripod leg diameter
2"
Latitude adjustment range
3º-65º
Tripod Weight
19.2 lbs.
EQ Head Weight
44 lbs.
Max Slew Speed
5º/second (4º/second is default)
Tracking Rates
Sidereal, Solar and Lunar
Number of Auxiliary ports (for hand control and accessories)
2
Autoguide Port
Yes
USB Port
Yes
Software
New telescope control PC software
Included Items
CGX Equatorial Head
CGX Tripod
Accessory Tray
One 17 lbs counterweight
NexStar+ Hand Control
DC Power Cable (plugs into cigarette lighter socket)
WIFI
Celestron’s telescopes reach a new level with integrated WiFi! Leave your hand control behind and slew to all the best celestial objects with a tap of your smart device. Connect your device to your WiFi telescope’s built-in wireless network and explore the universe with Celestron’s SkyPortal mobile app for iOS and Android.
Or upgrade your compatible Celestron computerized telescope with the SkyPortal WiFi module. SkyPortal provides full wireless control of your telescope and turns your smart device into your own personal planetarium and observatory!
SKYPORTAL
Celestron’s newest planetarium app is an astronomy suite that redefines how you experience the night sky. Explore the Solar System, 120,000 stars, over 200 star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, and dozens of asteroids, comets, and satellites—including the ISS. SkyPortal includes everything you need to experience the night sky in an exciting new way.
STARSENSE
With Celestron’s patented StarSense Technology, telescope alignment has never been easier! Just attach the StarSense AutoAlign accessory, push the Align button on the hand control or smart device, and StarSense begins capturing and comparing images of the night sky against its internal database.
In about three minutes, it’s gathered enough information to triangulate its position and align itself. Then, press the Sky Tour button: StarSense will automatically slew to all the best stars, planets, galaxies, and more currently visible in the night sky.
This telescope requires a power supply - & you should consider a higher specification unit for accessories such as dew heaters. You can choose a mains or a portable solution (right). Lithium batteries are more expensive but out perform the lead acid options.