Designed with the discerning mid-level backyard astrophotographer in mind, the Celestron Advanced VX 700 180mm f/15 Maksutov-Cassegrain GoTo Telescope
is a powerful astronomical tool that remains manageable and portable.
Combining a large-aperture catadioptric optical tube assembly (OTA) with
the strong and stable Advanced VX mount produces an observational and
imaging rig that can reveal stunning details of the moon and planets
with the ability to resolve dimmer deep-sky objects and split close
double stars.
The Maksutov design exchanges the
conventional front corrector plate of a Schmidt with a convex meniscus
lens, resulting in a smaller secondary mirror that limits obstruction
and increases contrast, while eliminating the need for periodic
collimation. This modified optical path results in a slower focal ratio
and narrower field of view versus a similar Schmidt, but the optical
benefits, when coupled with the larger aperture and StarBright XLT
optical coatings, make it more than capable for long-exposure
photography techniques.
The motorized and computer-controlled
equatorial mount is engineered to carry a 30-pound payload, and with the
OTA weighing under 20 pounds there is plenty of payload capacity for
all your observation or imaging gear. Dual DC servo motors enable it to
smoothly and accurately go to, slew, and track objects all night—this is
especially important during long-exposure astrophotography. To provide a
stable platform for the mount and OTA, a heavy-duty stainless steel
tripod is included that sports large 2" legs and an accessory tray that
doubles as a stabilizer.
The brain of the whole system is the
NexStar+ computer controller. Equipped with a database of 40,000
objects, including the planets, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and the
complete Messier catalog, it can also be programmed with up 100 custom
user-defined objects with filters added for custom object lists. Its
intuitive menu-driven user interface provides the power to observe the
heavens with nine slew speeds and three tracking rates, plus
anti-backlash compensation and Permanent Periodic Error Correction
(PPEC) for smoother movements in the motors and improved tracking over
time. Features such as guided tours, extended information on 200 popular
objects, and multiple alignment options make the NexStar+ controller
easy to use and invaluable to new users and experienced stargazers.
This
OTA's compact form factor belies its observation power and resolution
and is ideally suited as a grab-and-go option for quick observation
sessions or heading out to remote locations.
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