Celestron CGX-L 11" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph V2
Introducing the Celestron CGX-L 11" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph V2, a pinnacle in astroimaging technology at an unbeatable price. The CGX-L 1100 RASA telescope is an advanced-level imaging system, setting new...
Introducing the Celestron CGX-L 11" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph V2, a pinnacle in astroimaging technology at an unbeatable price. The CGX-L 1100 RASA telescope is an advanced-level imaging system, setting new standards in the field. It features the Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA), known for its rapid image capture capabilities, significantly reducing the time needed compared to other telescopes.
The CGX-L mount, tailored for larger telescopes, incorporates Celestron's most sophisticated technologies, including All-Star Polar Alignment, Celestron PWI telescope control software, Starry Night Special Edition software, SkyAlign, and permanently programmable periodic error correction (PPEC). This makes it an ideal choice for experienced imagers seeking the functionality of a large observatory mount in a dark sky setting.
Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph Features:
The RASA V2 is adept at capturing stunning deep-sky images, perfect for use with high-end DSLR or astronomical CCD cameras. Its fast, wide-field f/2.2 system allows for shorter exposure times, maintaining high resolution without demanding extensive tracking accuracy from the equatorial mount. This feature, coupled with a short focal length, reduces tracking demands, often eliminating the need for autoguiding.
The RASA 11 V2 builds upon Celestron’s legacy in astrophotography, offering a 43.3mm optimized image circle to accommodate the largest imaging chips, ensuring pinpoint stars. Its optical performance is exceptional, even for sensors up to 52mm diagonal.
With a 620mm focal length, the RASA 11 V2 excels in wide-field imaging, suitable for creating extensive sky mosaics, surveying, and comet hunting. It features 4-element rare-earth glass optics, delivering images free of chromatic aberrations, coma, and field curvature. This level of optical quality and spot size across the image circle is unmatched in its price range.
Advanced Features:
The RASA 11 V2 incorporates the Ultra-Stable Focus System (USFS), centered around a precision linear ball bearing, minimizing focus shift and mirror flop. It's compatible with Celestron’s optional Focus Motor (#94155-A) and features a 12V DC MagLev fan for reduced cooldown times and optimal airflow, complete with a dust-filtered optical tube.
Designed as a comprehensive astroimaging system, every element of the RASA 11 V2 is optimized for peak performance with DSLR and CCD cameras. From the thickness of the glass in the fully-multicoated optical window to the optional imaging filter, each component works in harmony. The Dovetail CGE bars on the optical tube enable easy attachment of accessories like a guidescope.
CGX-L Mount Features:
Celestron's CGX-L computerized equatorial mount is a flagship in equatorial mount technology. Designed to support Celestron’s largest optical tubes effortlessly, the CGX-L is ideal for backyard observatories and remote imaging, offering an exceptional load capacity to weight ratio, compact design, and innovative features. It supports large telescopes and the latest wireless tech accessories.
Key design features include larger 144mm diameter worm wheels for smoother operation, a longer 270mm dovetail saddle for larger tubes, and features suited for remote operation, such as home and limit optical sensors. The mount offers easy polar alignment adjustments, improved cable management, and has undergone mechanical and ergonomic improvements, making it sturdier, more user-friendly, and easier to transport.
Specifications
OPTICAL TUBE INFO: | |
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Optical Design: | Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph |
Aperture: | 279mm (11") |
Focal Length: | 620mm (24.4") |
Focal Ratio: | f/2.2 |
Central obstruction diameter: | 114mm (4.48") (41% of aperture diameter) |
Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye): | 1588x |
Resolution (Rayleigh): | 0.49 arc seconds |
Resolution (Dawes): | 0.41 arc seconds |
Image Circle: | 43.3mm (1.7") Ø , 4.0° |
Useable field: | 52mm (2.04") Ø , 4.8° only minimal performance loss at edge of FOV |
Wavelength range: | 400 - 700 nm |
Spot size: | < 4.4 μm RMS across FOV |
Optical Coatings: | StarBright XLT |
Off-axis Illumination: | 83% at 21mm (.82") off-axis |
Optical Window: | 68mm (2.67") Ø |
Back focus with included camera adapter: | 55mm (2.16") |
Back focus from top of threaded collar: | 72.8mm (2.86") |
Optical Tube: | Aluminum |
Optical Tube Length: | 838.2mm (33") |
Optical Tube Diameter: | 330.2mm (13") |
Focuser: | Ultra-Stable Focus System |
Finderscope: | Not included |
Optical Tube Weight: | 43 lbs (19.5 kg) |
Other Features: | Ventilation fan, dual dovetail mounting bars |
Included items: | 42mm (1.65") T-thread camera adapter 48mm (1.89") camera adapter Dust cover Fan battery pack |
Dovetail: | CGE Dovetail Bar |
MOUNT INFO: | |
Mount Type: | Computerized Equatorial |
Instrument load capacity: | 75 lbs (34 kg) |
Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod): | 1524mm - 1955.8mm (60" - 77") |
Tripod adjustment range (tripod only): | 838.2mm - 1397mm (33" - 55") |
Equatorial height alone: | 609.6mm (24") |
Tripod Leg Diameter: | 69.85mm (2.75") Steel tripod |
Latitude adjustment range: | 3° - 65° |
Mount Head Weight: | 52.6 lbs (23.8 kg) |
Accessory Tray: | Yes |
Tripod Weight: | 46.2 lbs (21 kg) |
Weight of Counterweights: | 2 x 22 lbs |
Slew Speeds: | 9 slew speeds - max speed 3°/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: | 4 AUX Ports (Hand Control can use any AUX Port, 2 are located near the dovetail saddle for optional accessories) |
Autoguide Port: | Yes, 2 Ports (one is located near the dovetail saddle) |
USB Port: | Yes, input for Mount and Hand Control |
Power Requirements: | 12V DC, 3 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 |
Computer 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: | 185.8 lbs (84.2 kg) |
Included Items: | CGX-L Equatorial Head CGX-L Tripod Accessory Tray 2 x 22 lb counterweight NexStar+ Hand Control DC Power Cable (item# 18769) Counterweight Shaft Hand Control Holster 8mm Allen wrench (contained in rear carry handle) |
Solar Warning |
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California Residents | View Proposition 65 Warning |
Software and Documentation
MANUALS: |
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RASA 11" V2 Manual |
Whitepaper RASA |
SOFTWARE & FIRMWARE: |
Periodic Error Correction Tool (PECTool) |
DRAWINGS: |
RASA 11" Optical Tube Assembly Dimensional Drawings |
OTHER PRODUCT FILES: |
Camera Adapter requirements |
How to Align a Red Dot Finder to Your Telescope Video |
Solar Safety Warning |