The Celestron Advanced VX (AVX) sets a new benchmark for mid-range telescopes by incorporating features commonly found in Celestron’s more sophisticated German equatorial mounts, all at a highly competitive price point. Its 11-inch Schmidt Cassegrain optical tube not only makes it one of the most portable 11-inch scopes around but also offers 41% more light-gathering ability compared to its 9.25-inch counterpart. The optical design effectively minimizes chromatic aberration, making it an excellent entry point for astroimaging.
The AVX mount comes packed with some of Celestron's most advanced tech, including All-Star Polar Alignment, Celestron PWI telescope control software, SkyAlign, and Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC). So whether you're an experienced astro-imager looking for a portable solution or a newcomer, the AVX has you covered for years to come.
In terms of mount features, the AVX is the most compact in Celestron’s German equatorial lineup. Its computerized GoTo system smoothly tracks celestial objects, making it user-friendly for astronomers of any level. Connectivity isn't an issue either, with ports for a hand control, autoguider, and two AUX ports for extra gadgets. Its NexStar+ hand control puts a range of functions right at your fingertips, allowing for quick mastery of the mount. Additionally, the 2-inch diameter steel tripod legs provide exceptional stability.
Payload Capacity The AVX mount can support up to 30 lbs, offering a robust platform for various optical tubes and additional equipment like StarSense AutoAlign, Focus Motor, a finderscope, and a camera. Note that this capacity doesn’t include counterweights.
Dual Saddle Plate From early 2019, the AVX features a dual saddle plate compatible with both CG-5 and CGE-style dovetails. Switching is as easy as repositioning the hand knobs. The mount is compatible with Vixen format dovetails that are 100mm or longer but does not support Losmandy D format plates.
Software Offerings The AVX comes with Celestron PWI (CPWI), an advanced telescope control software suite co-developed with PlaneWave Instruments. This all-encompassing software offers functionalities commonly seen in observatory-grade telescopes.
Features include:
- Graphical planetarium interface with PointXP advanced mount modeling for ultra-precise tracking and pointing.
- Ideal for remote observatory setups with features like saving your alignment and parking your telescope.
- Full ASCOM telescope interface for third-party software integration.
Moreover, your purchase includes a free download of Celestron's Starry Night Special Edition Software by Simulation Curriculum, which provides in-depth information about celestial bodies and helps plan your observing sessions. It also enables computer control of your telescope.
Specifications
| Optical Design: | Schmidt-Cassegrain |
| Aperture: | 280mm (11") |
| Focal Length: | 2800mm (110") |
| Focal Ratio: | f/10 |
| Focal Length of Eyepiece 1: | 40mm (1.57") |
| Magnification of Eyepiece 1: | 70x |
| Finderscope: | 9x50 |
| Star Diagonal: | 1.25" Star Diagonal |
| Optical Tube: | Aluminum |
| Highest Useful Magnification: | 660x |
| Lowest Useful Magnification: | 40x |
| Limiting Stellar Magnitude: | 14.7 |
| Resolution (Rayleigh): | .5 arc seconds |
| Resolution (Dawes): | .42 arc seconds |
| Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye): | 1593x |
| Secondary Mirror Obstruction: | 95mm (3.75") |
| Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Diameter: | 34% |
| Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Area: | 12% |
| Optical Coatings: | StarBright XLT |
| Optical Tube Length: | 610mm (24") |
| Optical Tube Diameter: | 312.42mm (12.3") |
| Optical Tube Weight: | 27.5 lbs (12.4 kg) |
| Dovetail: | CGE Dovetail bar |
| MOUNT INFO: | |
|---|---|
| Mount Type: | Computerized Equatorial |
| Instrument load capacity: | 30 lbs (13.6 kg) |
| Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod): | 1118mm - 1626mm (44" – 64") |
| Tripod Leg Diameter: | 50.8mm (2") Stainless Steel |
| Latitude adjustment range: | 7° - 77° |
| Mount Head Weight: | 17 lbs (7.71 kg) |
| Accessory Tray: | Yes |
| Tripod Weight: | 18 lbs (8.16 kg) |
| Weight of Counterweights: | 3 x 12 lbs |
| Slew Speeds: | 9 slew speeds - max speed 4°/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: | 3 AUX Ports (1 hand control and 2 AUX Ports for optional accessories |
| Autoguide Port: | Yes |
| USB Port: | Yes, input on Hand Control |
| Power Requirements: | 12V DC 3.5A (tip positive) |
| 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: | 98.5 lbs (44.67 kg) |
| Included Items: | Advanced VX Equatorial Head and tripod Accessory Tray 3 x 12 lbs counterweights NexStar+ Hand Control DC Power Cable (item# 18769) Hand Control Holster |
| Solar Warning |
|
| California Residents |
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. |
Software and Documentation