The Advanced VX (AVX) sets a new standard among mid-level telescopes, offering many features found in Celestron's more advanced German equatorial mounts at an exceptionally affordable price point. The Advanced VX 8” Schmidt Cassegrain telescope is perfect for both visual observers and imagers seeking a portable alternative to reflector or refractor telescopes. With its 8” optical tube, it provides 84% more light-gathering capability compared to a 6” telescope and eliminates chromatic aberration, making it an excellent choice for astroimaging. The Advanced VX mount incorporates Celestron's cutting-edge technologies, including All-Star Polar Alignment, Celestron PWI telescope control software, SkyAlign, and permanently programmable periodic error correction (PPEC).
Experienced imagers will appreciate the portability of this mount, allowing them to set up in remote dark sky locations and enjoy the benefits of a larger observatory mount. For beginners in imaging, the Advanced VX provides a solid foundation to start their astronomical journey and fulfill their needs for years to come.
Key Features:
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Computerized German Equatorial Mount: The Advanced VX represents Celestron's compact German equatorial mount lineup. Its computerized GoTo capability automatically tracks celestial objects as they traverse the night sky. The mount includes ports for a hand control, autoguider, and 2 AUX ports for optional accessories. The NexStar+ hand control simplifies operation with automatic slewing and user-friendly menu descriptions, making it accessible to astronomers of all levels. The mount also boasts an impressive tripod with 2” diameter steel legs for enhanced stability.
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Payload Capacity: The Advanced VX offers a substantial payload capacity of 30 lb, providing a stable platform for various Advanced VX optical tubes, even when equipped with optional accessories such as StarSense AutoAlign, Focus Motor, finderscope, or a camera. Note that Celestron's payload capacity specification does not account for the counterweights' weight.
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Dual Saddle Plate: Starting in early 2019, Advanced VX mounts come equipped with a dual saddle plate that accommodates both CG-5 and CGE-style dovetail bars. Switching between the two saddle plates is a straightforward process, enabling compatibility with a wide range of optical tubes within the mount's weight limit. The mount is compatible with Vixen format dovetails of 100mm or longer but does not support Losmandy D format plates.
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Software:
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Celestron PWI Telescope Control Software: Included with all current Celestron computerized telescopes, CPWI (Celestron PWI) is a comprehensive astronomy software suite co-developed with PlaneWave Instruments. It features a graphical planetarium interface with PointXP advanced mount modeling for precise alignment and tracking, making it ideal for remote observatory setups. CPWI also provides a complete ASCOM telescope interface for third-party software control.
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Starry Night Software: With your purchase, you receive a complimentary download of Celestron's Starry Night Special Edition Software. This advanced software by Simulation Curriculum offers in-depth information about celestial objects and assists in planning observing or imaging sessions. The Special Edition software allows you to control your telescope via a computer interface.
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Specifications
| OPTICAL TUBE INFO: | |
|---|---|
| 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): | .69 arc seconds |
| Resolution (Dawes): | .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 (5.9 kg) |
| Dovetail: | CG-5 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: | 1 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: | 59.5 lbs (27 kg) |
| Included Items: | Advanced VX Equatorial Head and tripod Accessory Tray 1 x 12 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. |