Celestron CGX-L 11" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph V2 Telescope

This updated second-generation Celestron 11" f/2.2 Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph v.2 builds on the success and performance of its earlier iteration with the addition of an improved Ultra-Stable Focus System that minimizes both focus shift and mirror flop to improve image quality.

The RASA system is specifically designed for astrophotography and astroimaging with a large 11" aperture and fast f/2.2 focal ratio. The optical tube assembly (OTA) is being offered by itself without a mount and comes with a Celestron CGE-style dovetail plate for use on mounts that accept the larger Losmandy-size mounting system.

Using 4-element rare-earth optical glass lenses ensures accurate color rendition and eliminates aberrations such as coma and field curvatures. The StarBright XLT multi-coating system, which includes anti-reflection coatings on the lenses and highly reflective coatings on the mirrors, increases light transmission throughout the entire optical path. A 12VDC MagLev fan reduces cooldown time and provides optimal airflow through the optical tube while filtering harmful dust from the interior.

The 43.3mm imaging circle is made to cover today's large DSLR and CCD imaging sensors to capture full-frame shots without vignetting, while a fast focal ratio reduces exposure times and background noise without sacrificing image quality and gives you more time for multiple shots of the same object with different filters for later post processing and stacking. Since this OTA is designed as an imaging scope, a 42mm T-thread camera adapter and 48mm camera adapter are provided. Other adapters are available separately if required.

With an upgraded payload capacity, tripod, and internal gears, the Celestron CGX-L GoTo EQ Mount improves on their venerable CGX platform to provide users with a heavy-duty research-quality mount for larger optical tube assemblies (OTAs), accessories, and imaging rigs. Engineered to carry a 75 lb payload, and outfitted with high-torque motors and a heavy-duty belt-drive system to improve tracking stability and reduce backlash, it is able to smoothly and accurately track near- and deep-sky objects for extended periods of time.

The Vixen/Losmandy dual dovetail saddle has also been lengthened to 10.6" to improve stability and offer greater security for larger OTAs. To provide a solid platform for the mount and your OTA, a heavy-duty stainless steel tripod is included, sporting massive 2.75"-diameter legs, an accessory tray that doubles as a stabilizer, and an adjustment range from 35.75" to 52.75". The minimum height has been lowered almost a foot versus the earlier CGX model to accommodate a wider range of users and different observation positions.

The brain of the CGX-L is the venerable 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 200 custom user-defined objects with filters added for custom object lists. Its intuitive menu-driven user interface gives you the power to observe the heavens with nine slew speeds, three tracking rates, 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 both new users and experienced stargazers.