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

Software and Documentation