The CGEM II 800 HD pairs Celestron's newly revamped CGEM II computerized equatorial mount with the renowned EdgeHD optical system, featuring an 8-inch aperture and premium StarBright XLT coatings. This telescope provides over 800 times the light gathering power of the naked eye and stands as the lightest and most portable telescope in its class.

Optical Tube Information:

Experience the Universe in High Definition EdgeHD is an aplanatic, flat field Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope designed to produce aberration-free images across a broad visual and photographic field of view. This optical system goes beyond addressing off-axis star coma; it delivers an astrograph-quality flat focal plane extending to the edge of the field of view.

True Astrograph Quality Many optical designs claiming to be "astrographs" only deliver pinpoint stars over a curved focal plane. While this might suffice for some visual observation, it results in out-of-focus stars at the edge when used with the flat chip sensor of a digital camera. EdgeHD optics provide a focal plane more than three times flatter than standard Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes and significantly flatter than competing coma-free designs. This ensures sharp stars across some of the largest CCD chips available today. Find out more about EdgeHD technology.

Enhanced Performance Superior edge performance not only yields rounder, more aesthetically pleasing stars but also enhances resolution and limiting magnitude compared to telescopes of similar aperture. With Celestron's StarBright XLT optical coatings on all surfaces, EdgeHD optics offer maximum light transmission across the widest visual and photographic spectrum.

Mechanical Features Apart from EdgeHD's optimized optical design, the telescope tube has been redesigned to optimize its performance every night.

Mirror clutches - Flexible tension clutches securely hold the mirror in place, reducing image shift during long exposure astro-images. Once focused, flexible rods allow the mirror to stay in position without exerting force or pressure on the mirror assembly, keeping the image centered in the eyepiece (or on the sensor).

Tube vents - Cooling vents located on the rear cell allow hot air to escape from behind the primary mirror. Each vent incorporates an integrated 50-mesh filter, ensuring the release of warm air while preventing dust from entering.

Fastar versatility - EdgeHD stands as the most versatile imaging telescope currently available. At its native f/10, you can achieve the necessary image scale for capturing the smallest deep sky objects. Incorporating the optional reducer lens, custom-designed for your specific EdgeHD tube size, allows you to expand your field of view without compromising optical performance. A Barlow lens offers added power for high-resolution planetary, lunar, and solar imaging. All EdgeHD optical tubes support Fastar compatibility, enabling the removal of the secondary mirror and its replacement with a third-party lens accessory for ultra-fast f/2 wide field imaging.

Individually Tested Every EdgeHD undergoes rigorous testing for surface quality on each optical component. Furthermore, it is tested with a camera and artificial star to ensure the imaging system meets stringent quality standards. This "final acceptance test" guarantees the EdgeHD's field performance and its ability to deliver high-quality astroimages.

Mount Information:

A Fresh Take on the Reliable CGEM Mount The CGEM II is an updated version of the dependable CGEM mount, featuring a fresh, bold appearance. It offers secure and vibration-free support for Celestron's higher-end SCT optical tubes, accommodating models with apertures of up to 11". This feature makes it ideal for both imaging and visual observation. With a payload capacity of 40 lbs. and a slew rate of 5° per second, you can effortlessly point to any celestial object in the extensive database.

Ergonomic Design

The CGEM II was designed with user comfort in mind, featuring large Altitude and Azimuth adjustment knobs for quick and easy polar alignment adjustments. The internal RA and DEC motor wiring ensures a clean and uncluttered appearance, simplifying setup and reducing potential issues.

Innovation

The CGEM II series introduces Celestron's innovative Polar alignment procedure called All-Star™. All-Star allows users to select any bright star while the software calculates and assists with polar alignment. Another notable feature of the CGEM II is the Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PEC), allowing users to calibrate the worm gears' periodic errors while retaining the PEC recordings.

Performance

For objects near the Meridian (the imaginary line from North to South), the CGEM II provides excellent tracking well beyond the Meridian, allowing uninterrupted imaging during the most favorable part of the night sky. The CGEM II mount boasts a comprehensive database with over 40,000 objects, supports 100 user-defined programmable objects, and provides enhanced information on more than 200 objects. Celestron's CGEM II mount strikes a balance between the portability of the Advanced Series and the precision of the CGE Series, making it an ideal choice for astrophotography and visual astronomy alike.

Specifications

Software and Documentation