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Celestron CGEM II 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope

SKU CGEM II 800 SCT
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Original price $3,768.95 USD
Original price $3,768.95 USD - Original price $3,768.95 USD
Original price $3,768.95 USD
Current price $2,899.00 USD
$2,899.00 USD - $2,899.00 USD
Current price $2,899.00 USD

The Celestron CGEM II 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope combines an 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube, Celestron’s premium StarBright XLT coated optics, and the redesigned CGEM II computerized equatorial mount to create a capable platform for both detailed visual observation and long-exposure astrophotography. With its 8-inch aperture and StarBright XLT coatings, the CGEM II 800 provides over 800 times the light-gathering power of the unaided eye. This substantial light-gathering capability makes the telescope well suited to observing celestial objects with greater detail while giving astrophotographers a strong optical platform for capturing astronomical images. The telescope is particularly well suited to long-exposure photography when paired with optional CCD cameras or photographic equipment. The redesigned CGEM II mount provides a solid platform for imaging, while its ability to securely carry Celestron’s higher-end Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tubes up to 11 inches makes the mount suitable for demanding visual and imaging applications.

The CGEM II computerized equatorial mount brings a fresh design to the established CGEM platform while providing a 40 lb payload capacity. This gives the mount the capacity to securely support substantial optical equipment, with the system designed for both imaging and visual observing. With a slew speed of up to 5° per second, the CGEM II can move quickly across the sky, helping you point towards celestial objects contained within its database without lengthy manual searching. This computerized capability makes navigating the night sky more convenient while allowing you to spend more time observing or imaging. The CGEM II 800 is also the lightest and most portable of the three size models, making it a practical choice when portability is an important consideration. Combined with its 8-inch aperture, StarBright XLT optics, computerized equatorial mount, 40 lb payload capacity, and long-exposure imaging capability, it provides a versatile setup for astronomers looking to explore both visual astronomy and astrophotography.

Features

  • 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube assembly
  • Celestron's premium StarBright XLT coatings
  • 40 lbs payload capacity
  • Dual-fit Vixen/CG-5 and Losmandy/CGE dovetail saddle
  • 2" steel legs with height index marks for quick leveling
  • Internal cabling throughout for worry-free remote operation
  • Able to track past the meridian allowing seamless imaging
  • USB hand control to control the telescope via a personal computer


Standard shipping

Estimated delivery time: 7-10 days, unless otherwise  noted

Specifications

Optical Tube Info:

Optical Design: EdgeHD
Aperture: 203.2mm (8")
Focal Length: 2032mm (80")
Focal Ratio: f/10
Focal Length of Eyepiece 1: 25mm (.98")
Magnification of Eyepiece 1: 81x
Finderscope: 6x30
Star Diagonal: 1.25" Star Diagonal
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: 64mm (2.5")
Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Diameter: 31%
Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Area: 9.77%
Optical Coatings: StarBright XLT
Optical Tube Length: 432mm (17")
Optical Tube Diameter: 238mm (9.37")
Optical Tube Weight: 12.5 lbs (5.67 kg)
Dovetail: CGE Dovetail Bar

Mount Info:

Mount Type: Computerized Equatorial
Instrument load capacity: 40 lbs (18 kg)
Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod): 1346mm - 1651mm (53" – 65")
Tripod Leg Diameter: 50.8mm (2") Steel tripod with graduated markings on lower section
Latitude adjustment range: 15° - 70°
Mount Head Weight: 40 lbs (18.14 kg)
Accessory Tray: Yes
Tripod Weight: 20 lbs (9 kg)
Weight of Counterweights: 1 x 17 lbs
Slew Speeds: 9 slew speeds - max speed 4.5°/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: 2 AUX Ports (1x Hand control Port and 1x AUX Port for optional accessories)
Autoguide Port: Yes
USB Port: Yes, input on Hand Control
Power Requirements: 12V DC, 3.2 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
Computerized 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: Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software and SkyPortal App
Total Kit Weight: 90.5 lbs (41 kg)

Included Items:

CGEM II Equatorial Head
Tripod
Accessory Tray
1 x 17 lbs counterweight
NexStar+ Hand Control
DC Power Cable (item#18769)
Hand Control Holster

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