Celestron CGEM II 700 Maksutov Cassegrain

The Celestron 700 Maksutov-Cassegrain CGEM II Telescope is designed for astronomers who want detailed, high-contrast views of smaller celestial targets, particularly the planets and the Moon. Its Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tube works with a sturdy equatorial mount and tripod to provide a focused observing experience, bringing planetary features and lunar details into clear view. The 700 Mak is especially well suited to planetary observation, allowing you to explore the Moon up close and examine features such as craters and maria. Its optical design is also well suited to hunting smaller, fainter deep-sky objects, including globular clusters and planetary nebulae, giving observers the opportunity to explore beyond the brightest celestial targets. For astronomers observing from urban areas, the Maksutov-Cassegrain design can help bring out greater contrast in celestial objects, making it particularly useful where observing conditions are affected by city environments. This makes the telescope a practical choice for detailed astronomical observation without requiring every session to take place at a dark-sky location. When you do want to travel to a darker observing site, the system is designed for convenient transportation. The optical tube, mount head, tripod, counterweight bar, and counterweight can all be separated into individual, more manageable pieces without requiring tools. This makes it easier to handle the telescope system as separate components when transporting it between locations. With its combination of a Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tube, equatorial mount, sturdy tripod, high-contrast planetary viewing, deep-sky capability, and tool-free disassembly, the CGEM II 700 Mak provides a versatile setup for astronomers focused on detailed observation of the Moon, planets, globular clusters, and planetary nebulae.

Features

• 700 Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope with f/15 focal ratio provides high contrast views of the planets and lunar landscapes, perfect for serious planetary imagers and visual observers.
• Celestron’s premium StarBright XLT coatings ensure maximum light transmission.
• The CGEM II, with its 40 lbs load capacity, is the latest update to the venerable CGEM mount and provides a sturdy and rigid platform.
• The drive system, consisting of low cog DC Servo motors with integrated optical encoders, steel worm gears supported by precision sealed bearings, and brass worm wheels, ensures smooth and accurate slewing and tracking.
• Accessories included: 2” Visual Back, 2” Star Diagonal with 1.25” adapter, 28mm eyepiece (2”), 8x50 finderscope