Celestron CGX 700 Maksutov Cassegrain Telescope

The Celestron CGX 700 Maksutov-Cassegrain combines Celestron's powerful CGX computerized equatorial mount with its 7-inch Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope. With an optical tube assembly weighing only 19 pounds, this telescope is still portable enough to be taken to dark sites. For astrophotography, the CGX mount offers a sturdy, stout platform, with a smooth, heavy-duty belt drive system, electronic and ergonomic features that favor worry-free remote operation, plus software. The Celestron CGX 700 Mount is designed to better support your telescope for both visual and astro-imaging pursuits. A lower profile EQ head provides a compact and more stable setup. The CGX includes a better drive system; remote operation-friendly with home and limit optical sensors; easy polar alignment adjustments; and better cable management. Advanced Features of the Celestron CGX 700 Telescope Maksutov-Cassegrain Features Designed for detailed, high contrast views of smaller celestial objects like planets, globular clusters, and planetary nebulae. The optical design includes both a lens and a mirror, providing bright, sharp images virtually free of chromatic aberration. Optics are coated with Celestron's StarBright XLT coatings, providing optimal light transmission and bright views. Instead of a secondary mirror, the Mak features a “secondary spot” of reflective coating applied directly to the inside of the corrector plate. Because of this, the telescope does not require frequent collimation like a Schmidt-Cassegrain or Newtonian design. Computerized Mount Features  Load capacity of up to 55 pounds. Motors provide more torque, better slewing and tracking under heavy loads. Heavy Duty belt-drive system minimizes 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. Celestron PWI 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 astro-imaging. Wider tripod stance for improved stability. Adjustable EQ head position to optimize center of gravity over the tripod and fully utilize the increased 3 degrees to 65 degrees latitude range. Dual-fit CG-5/Vixen and CGE/Losmandy dovetail saddle. Refined Tripod 2-inch steel legs with height index marks for quick leveling. Can hold three 1.25-inch eyepieces, two 2-inch eyepieces, your smartphone, or other accessories. Plus 20 degrees of additional tracking past the meridian on either side. Tripod legs can be collapsed with accessory tray installed for faster setup and transport. Ergonomic Design  Two handles for easy pickup and transport. 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. Mechanical Highlights 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).   This telescope package is a ready-to-use system for visual astronomy and easily adaptable for astrophotography. The heavy-duty German Equatorial mount ensures heavy customization of your optical system. Enjoy crisp, colorful images and accurate data with the f/15 7-inch Maksutov-Cassegrain OTA design. 7-inch Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube with CGE Dovetail Bar. 2-inch Visual Back. 2-inch Star Diagonal with 1.25-inch adapter. 28 mm wide-field 2-inch eyepiece. 8x50 straight-through finderscope and bracket. CGX Equatorial mount and tripod. Two 11-pound counterweights. 12V DC Power Cable. NexStar+ Hand Controller and holster.