About this product
Model: cel_cgx_800_sct_12050
Part Number: 12050-CGL
The CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope features Celestron’s premium StarBright XLT coated optics and the all-new state of the art CGX computerised equatorial mount.
It is the most lightweight and portable of the three size models. This telescope is especially at home as a solid platform for long exposure photography with optional CCD cameras or photographic equipment. With 8 inches of aperture and premium StarBright XLT coatings, the CGX 800 provides over 800 times more light gathering ability than the unaided eye.
For eight years, Celestron’s workhorse CGEM mount lineup has been the German Equatorial backbone for telescopes ranging from 6 to 11 inches of aperture. Since that time, many more astro-imagers and planetarium controlled setups have emerged as backyard telescope technology has evolved. Celestron’s engineering team applied their years of experience designing German Equatorial mounts to the all-new CGX EQ, a culmination of all the advancements made to Celestron’s technologies, value, and ease-of-use.
The new CGX was designed to support your telescope for both visual and astro-imaging pursuits. Key design goals included a lower profile EQ head for a more compact and therefore more stable setup; a better drive system; remote operation-friendly with home and limit optical sensors; easier polar alignment adjustments and better cable management. In addition, there are several mechanical and ergonomic improvements to make the mount sturdier, easier to use and transport.
CGX Intro Video
GENERAL FEATURES
- 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain Optical Tube Assembly
- Aluminum Optical Tube
- Celestron's premium StarBright XLT coatings
- 2032 mm focal length (f/10)
- 25 mm eyepiece included (81x)
- Visual back allows for use with 1.25" accessories
- 6x30 finderscope to help accurately find objects
- Star diagonal provides more comfortable viewing position when observing objects that are high in the sky
- Includes dovetail rail compatible with CGE mount
CGX MOUNT FEATURES
- All-new design. Sturdier and more rigid with quicker dampening time
- Increased load capacity to 55 lbs.
- Improved motors provide more torque, better slewing and tracking under heavy loads
- Heavy Duty belt-drive system minimises backlash while providing smooth motor operation under heavy loads
- Spring-loaded brass worm wheel and stainless steel worm gear reduce friction and provide optimum gear mesh
- Internal cabling for worry-free remote operation. Power input and accessory ports remain stationary while the mount slews to avoid snags
- Internal hard stops for both axes prevents cable tension and tripod strike
- Internal optical sensors on both axes for simple and safe remote operation
- Home sensors allow the mount to always start in the index position regardless of orientation before a power reset
- Limit sensors automatically shut off slewing or tracking before reaching the hard stop fail safe
- Brand new control software developed in conjunction with PlaneWave Instruments for professional level control operation and imaging
- Software includes multi-point mount modeling for extremely precise pointing accuracy and many more additional features for remote astroimaging
- Wider tripod stance for improved stability
- Adjustable EQ head position to optimize center of gravity over the tripod and fully utilize the increased 3º-65º latitude range
- Dual-fit CG-5/Vixen and CGE/Losmandy dovetail saddle
IMPROVED TRIPOD FEATURES
- 2" steel legs with height index marks for quick leveling
- "Jack of all trays" can hold three 1.25" eyepieces, two 2" eyepieces, your smartphone, or other accessories
- +20º of additional tracking past the meridian on either side
- Tripod legs can be collapsed with accessory tray installed for faster setup and transport
CGX MOUNT ERGONOMICS
- All-new ergonomically designed dovetail clamping knobs
- Innovative and improved polar alignment adjustment system
- All-new ergonomic latitude adjuster for smooth and easy adjustment under full loads
- Optional add-on polar axis finderscope - coming soon
CGX MOUNT ELECTRONICS
- All-new NexStar+ hand control with USB port
- Two AUX accessory ports to support wireless/WiFi alignment and operation with StarSense AutoAlign and SkyPortal WiFi Module accessories (sold separately)
- USB 2.0 port, used to connect directly to PC with included software
- Autoguider port
- PPEC ready
- Threaded 12VDC power input barrel connector
- Internal Real Time Clock (keeps time and site information saved)
What's in the box
- Telescope OTA
- 6x30 Finderscope
- 1.25" Star Diagonal
- 25mm Eyepiece
- CGX Equatorial Head
- CGX Tripod
- Accessory Tray
- 1x 7.7kg / 17lbs Counterweight
- NexStar+ Hand Control
- DC Power Cable (Cigar Plug)
Specifications
Optical Design | Schmidt-Cassegrain |
Aperture (mm) | 203.2 mm (8 in) |
Focal Length | 2032 mm (80 in) |
Focal Ratio | 10 |
Focal Length of Eyepiece 1 (mm) | 25 mm (0.98 in) |
Magnification of Eyepiece 1 | 81x |
Finderscope | 6x30 |
Star Diagonal | 1.25 |
Optical Tube | Aluminum |
Highest Useful Magnification | 480x |
Lowest Useful Magnification | 29x |
Limiting Stellar Magnitude | 14 |
Resolution (Rayleigh) | 0.69 arc seconds |
Resolution (Dawes) | 0.57 arc seconds |
Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye) | 843x |
Secondary Mirror Obstruction | 2.5 in (64 mm) |
Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Diameter | 31% |
Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Diameter | 9.77% |
Optical Coatings | StarBright XLT |
Optical Tube Length | 17 in (432 mm) |
Optical Tube Weight | 12.5 lbs (5.67 kg) |
Dovetail Compatibility | CGE Mount |
Mount | German Equatorial |
Instrument load capacity | 55lbs |
Tripod height adjustment range | 47.25” to 77.5” including EQ head |
Tripod leg diameter | 2" |
Latitude adjustment range | 3º-65º |
Tripod Weight | 19.2 lbs |
EQ Head Weight | 44 lbs |
Max Slew Speed | 5º/second (4º/second is default) |
Tracking Rates | Sidereal, Solar and Lunar |
Number of Auxiliary ports (for hand control and accessories) | 2 |
Autoguide port | Yes |
USB Port | Yes |
Software | New telescope control PC software |
Customer reviews
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