Embark on a celestial journey with the Celestron CGX 700 Maksutov Cassegrain Telescope, a powerful 700 Maksutov-Cassegrain system offering a f/15 focal ratio for exceptionally high-contrast views of planets and lunar landscapes. Ideal for serious planetary imagers and visual observers, this telescope is enhanced with Celestron’s premium StarBright XLT coatings for superior light transmission.

The CGX mount, supporting up to 55 lbs, is Celestron’s most advanced, technologically sophisticated computerized equatorial mount to date. It provides a solid, stable platform for the telescope, facilitating precise and smooth tracking and slewing. The drive system incorporates low cog DC Servo motors with integrated optical encoders, belt, and pulley connections, and spring-loaded steel worm gears supported by precision bearings and brass worm wheels, ensuring accurate and smooth tracking with minimal backlash.

This complete setup includes a 2” Visual Back, a 2” Star Diagonal with a 1.25” adapter, a 28mm eyepiece (2”), and an 8x50 finderscope. The CGX 700 Mak is specifically designed for detailed observations of smaller celestial bodies, offering high-contrast views and suited for both urban and remote dark sky locations. Its portability is a key feature, with each component – the optical tube, mount head, tripod, counterweight bar, and counterweight – easily disassembling into manageable pieces without the need for tools.

The Maksutov-Cassegrain design features a catadioptric system combining lens and mirror optics, resulting in bright, sharp images virtually free of chromatic aberration. The telescope’s unique secondary spot of reflective coating on the corrector plate eliminates frequent collimation needs and provides signature high-contrast views.

While this design takes longer to cool down and adjust to ambient air temperature compared to a Schmidt-Cassegrain of the same aperture, the benefits are substantial, especially in urban settings.

The CGX mount and tripod are engineered to the highest standards. With its compact design, the CGX mount keeps the instrument load closer to the R.A. axis, reducing torque and enhancing stability. Using Finite Element Analysis software, the mount's structure has been optimized for sturdiness, supporting more weight than similar mounts. The tripod’s heavy-duty adjustable legs ensure stability and easy leveling.

Equipped with Celestron’s All-Star Polar Alignment procedure and Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC), the mount offers easy alignment and accurate tracking. For those interested in remote imaging, the CGX features home position optical switches, internal cable wiring, hard stops on each axis, and a secure power jack connection, ensuring safe and reliable remote operation.

The mount supports various accessories and control functions, including multiple alignment methods, adjustable slew rates, hibernate mode, and continual firmware updates. The NexStar+ hand controller’s USB 2.0 port allows for external computer control with optional third-party software.

The CGX 700 Mak is the ultimate tool for astronomers who demand precision, portability, and versatility for both visual observation and astrophotography.

Specifications

OPTICAL TUBE INFO:
Optical Design:	Maksutov-Cassegrain
Aperture:	180mm (7.08")
Focal Length:	2700mm (106.3")
Focal Ratio:	f/15
Focal Length of Eyepiece 1:	28mm (1.1") 2" eyepiece
Magnification of Eyepiece 1:	96x
Finderscope:	8x50 Straight Through
Star Diagonal:	2" with 1.25" adapter
Optical Tube:	Aluminum
Highest Useful Magnification:	420x
Lowest Useful Magnification:	67x
Limiting Stellar Magnitude:	13.9
Resolution (Rayleigh):	0.64 arc seconds
Resolution (Dawes):	0.52 arc seconds
Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye):	661x
Secondary Mirror Obstruction:	40mm (1.57")
Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Diameter:	22%
Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Area:	5%
Optical Coatings:	StarBright XLT
Optical Tube Length:	571.5mm (22.5")
Optical Tube Diameter:	222.25mm (8.75")
Optical Tube Weight:	19 lbs (8.6 kg)
Dovetail:	CGE Dovetail Bar
MOUNT INFO:
Mount Type:	Computerized Equatorial
Instrument load capacity:	55 lbs (25 kg)
Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod):	1200.15mm - 1968.5mm (47.25" - 77.5")
Tripod Leg Diameter:	50.8mm (2") Steel tripod with graduated markings on lower section
Latitude adjustment range:	3° - 65°
Mount Head Weight:	44 lbs (20 kg)
Accessory Tray:	Yes
Tripod Weight:	19.2 lbs (8.7 kg)
Weight of Counterweights:	2 x 11 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:	2 AUX Ports (Hand Control can use either AUX Port)
Autoguide Port:	Yes
USB Port:	Yes, input for Mount and Hand Control
Power Requirements:	12V DC, 4 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:	CPWI Telescope Control Software, Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software, and SkyPortal App
Total Kit Weight:	104.2 lbs (47.26 kg)
Included Items:	Optical tube CGX Equatorial Head CGX Tripod Accessory Tray 2 x 11 lbs counterweights NexStar+ Hand Control 8mm Allen Wrench 12V DC Power Cable Hand Control Holster
Solar Warning	Never look directly at the Sun with the naked eye or with an optic (unless you have the proper solar filter). Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result. Never use your optic to project an image of the Sun onto any surface. Internal heat build-up can damage the optic and any accessories attached to it. Never leave your optic unsupervised. Make sure an adult who is familiar with the correct operating procedures is with your optic at all times, especially when children are present.
California Residents	WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Software and Documentation

MANUALS:
CGX Mount Manual
NexStar Plus Hand Control Manual
7" Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube Manual
SOFTWARE & FIRMWARE:
CPWI Software
Celestron Firmware Manager (CFM) Software
Periodic Error Correction Tool (PECTool)
OTHER PRODUCT FILES:
How to Align a Red Dot Finder to Your Telescope Video
Solar Safety Warning
Celestron NexStar+ Hand Control Troubleshooting Guide

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Celestron CGX 700 Maksutov Cassegrain

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