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

Software and Documentation