The CGEM II 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope boasts Celestron's top-tier StarBright XLT coated optics, paired with the newly revamped CGEM II computerized equatorial mount. Among the three available size models, it stands out as the most lightweight and portable. This telescope excels as a stable platform for long exposure photography, accommodating optional CCD cameras or photographic equipment. With its 8-inch aperture and premium StarBright XLT coatings, the CGEM II 800 offers more than 800 times the light gathering power of the unaided eye.
The CGEM II mount has received a contemporary update, showcasing a fresh, eye-catching design. It is fully capable of securely supporting Celestron's higher-end SCT optical tubes, accommodating sizes of up to 11 inches, and ensuring minimal vibrations—a feature highly desirable for both imaging and visual observation. With a remarkable payload capacity of 40 lbs. and a swift slew rate of 5° per second, you can effortlessly point to any celestial object found in the extensive database.
Ergonomic Design
The CGEM II was carefully crafted with user comfort in mind, incorporating generously sized Altitude and Azimuth adjustment knobs for rapid and straightforward polar alignment adjustments. The internal RA and DEC motor wiring contribute to a tidy appearance while facilitating a hassle-free setup.
Innovation
The CGEM II series introduces Celestron's groundbreaking Polar alignment procedure, aptly named All-Star™. This innovative feature allows users to select any bright star, with the software then calculating and assisting with polar alignment. Astroimagers will particularly appreciate the Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PEC), enabling users to mitigate periodic errors in the worm gears while retaining the PEC recordings.
Performance
When it comes to objects near the Meridian—an imaginary line extending from North to South—the CGEM II excels by providing robust tracking capabilities well beyond the Meridian. This ensures uninterrupted imaging during the most favorable part of the night sky. With an extensive database housing over 40,000 objects, support for 100 user-defined programmable objects, and enhanced information on more than 200 objects, Celestron's CGEM II mount strikes a perfect balance between the portability of the Advanced Series and the precision of the CGE Series. This makes it an ideal choice for both amateur astronomers and astrophotographers alike.
Specifications
| Optical Design: | Schmidt-Cassegrain |
| Aperture: | 203.2mm (8") |
| Focal Length: | 2032mm (80") |
| Focal Ratio: | f/10 |
| Focal Length of Eyepiece 1: | 25mm (.98") |
| Magnification of Eyepiece 1: | 81x |
| Finderscope: | 6x30 |
| Star Diagonal: | 1.25" Star Diagonal |
| 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: | 64mm (2.5") |
| Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Diameter: | 31% |
| Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Area: | 9.77% |
| Optical Coatings: | StarBright XLT |
| Optical Tube Length: | 432mm (17") |
| Optical Tube Diameter: | 238mm (9.37") |
| Optical Tube Weight: | 12.5 lbs (5.67 kg) |
| Dovetail: | CGE Dovetail Bar |
| MOUNT INFO: | |
|---|---|
| Mount Type: | Computerized Equatorial |
| Instrument load capacity: | 40 lbs (18 kg) |
| Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod): | 1346mm - 1651mm (53" – 65") |
| Tripod Leg Diameter: | 50.8mm (2") Steel tripod with graduated markings on lower section |
| Latitude adjustment range: | 15° - 70° |
| Mount Head Weight: | 40 lbs (18.14 kg) |
| Accessory Tray: | Yes |
| Tripod Weight: | 20 lbs (9 kg) |
| Weight of Counterweights: | 1 x 17 lbs |
| Slew Speeds: | 9 slew speeds - max speed 4.5°/second |
| Tracking Rates: | Sidereal, Solar and Lunar |
| Tracking Modes: | EQ North and EQ South |
| GPS: | N/A |
| Dovetail Compatibility: | Dual saddle plates (CG-5 and CGE saddle) |
| Number of Auxiliary Ports: | 2 AUX Ports (1x Hand control Port and 1x AUX Port for optional accessories) |
| Autoguide Port: | Yes |
| USB Port: | Yes, input on Hand Control |
| Power Requirements: | 12V DC, 3.2 amps |
| Motor Drive: | DC servo motors |
| Alignment Procedures: | 2-Star Align, 1-Star Align, Solar System Align, Last Alignment, Quick Align |
| Periodic Error Correction: | Yes |
| Computerized Hand Control: | 2 line x 18 character backlit Liquid Crystal Display, 19 LED backlit buttons, USB 2.0 Port for PC connection |
| NexStar+ Database: | 40,000+ objects, 100 user defined programmable objects Enhanced information on over 200 objects |
| Software: | Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software and SkyPortal App |
| Total Kit Weight: | 90.5 lbs (41 kg) |
| Included Items: | CGEM II Equatorial Head Tripod Accessory Tray 1 x 17 lbs counterweight NexStar+ Hand Control DC Power Cable (item#18769) Hand Control Holster |
| Solar Warning |
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| California Residents |
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. |