The Celestron CGX-L 1100 EQ 11" f/2.2 Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph combines a powerful astrophotography optical tube assembly (OTA) and a ultra heavy-duty research-quality equatorial mount to give users the ability to capture images of near and deep-sky objects like the Moon, planets, nebulae, galaxies, clusters, and binary stars. The optical tube weighs 43 pounds, leaving plenty of pounds in the mount's 75-pound payload capacity for guide scopes, imaging rigs, and just about any other accessories.
Celestron 11" f/2.2 Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph v.2 (OTA only)
This updated second-generation Celestron 11" f/2.2 Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph v.2 builds on the success and performance of its earlier iteration with the addition of an improved Ultra-Stable Focus System that minimizes both focus shift and mirror flop to improve image quality.
The RASA system is specifically designed for astrophotography and astroimaging with a large 11" aperture and fast f/2.2 focal ratio. The optical tube assembly (OTA) is being offered by itself without a mount and comes with a Celestron CGE-style dovetail plate for use on mounts that accept the larger Losmandy-size mounting system.
Using 4-element rare-earth optical glass lenses ensures accurate color rendition and eliminates aberrations such as coma and field curvatures. The StarBright XLT multi-coating system, which includes anti-reflection coatings on the lenses and highly reflective coatings on the mirrors, increases light transmission throughout the entire optical path. A 12VDC MagLev fan reduces cooldown time and provides optimal airflow through the optical tube while filtering harmful dust from the interior.
The 43.3mm imaging circle is made to cover today's large DSLR and CCD imaging sensors to capture full-frame shots without vignetting, while a fast focal ratio reduces exposure times and background noise without sacrificing image quality and gives you more time for multiple shots of the same object with different filters for later post processing and stacking. Since this OTA is designed as an imaging scope, a 42mm T-thread camera adapter and 48mm camera adapter are provided. Other adapters are available separately if required.
Optical Performance
- 11" diameter wide-field aperture enables detailed images to be captured of even the faintest deep-sky objects like wispy nebulae
- 620mm focal length is optimized for wide-field imaging, creating huge mosaics of the night sky, surveying, and comet hunting
- Fast f/2.2 focal ratio requires significantly shorter exposures versus slower f/10 OTAs with reduced background noise—this allows more images to be captured, especially with different filters, for post-processing and stacking
- Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) design is purpose built for astrophotography and imaging performance and cannot be used for visual observation
- Proprietary StarBright XLT fully multi-coated optical system
- Four-element rare-earth glass for true color rendition without aberrations like off-axis coma and field curvature across the entire field of view
- 42mm T-thread and M48 camera adapters included for attachment to CCD and DSLR cameras
- Wide 400-700nm spectral range improves images of deep-space objects like galaxies and nebulae
- Internal Ultra-Stable Focus System
- Image circle: 43.3mm (1.7")
- Resolution: 0.49 arcsec (Rayleigh), 0.41 arcsec (Dawes)
- Back focus: 55mm (2.16") with included camera adapter, 72.8mm (2.86") from top of threaded collar
- Optical window can be removed and replaced with optional filters such as a light pollution filter
- 12 VDC MagLev fan reduces cooldown time, provides airflow, and filters dust—runs on eight user-supplied AA batteries or an optional 12VDC power adapter
StarBright XLT Coating System
- Multi-layer mirror coatings made from layers of aluminum, SiO2 (silicon dioxide), and TiO2 (titanium dioxide)
- Reflectivity is flat across the light spectrum, for both astrophotography/astroimaging and visual observation
- Multi-layer anti-reflective coatings made from layers of MgF2 (magnesium fluoride) and HfO2 (hafnium dioxide)
- High-transmission water white glass corrector lens with 97.4% light transmission
Ultra-Stable Focus System
- Utilizes a linear ball bearing that moves the primary mirror to achieve focus
- Minimizes focus shift—unwanted lateral motion of the primary mirror during focusing that causes shifting of the image
- Minimizes mirror flop—movement of the primary mirror when the telescope is pointing to different positions in the sky
- Compatible with an optional focus motor for even more precise focus control
Mounting
- OTA only—mount and tripod required for proper use
- Large CGE (Losmandy) dovetail plate makes it compatible with a wide variety of heavy-duty mount heads
- OTA weight: 43 pounds; ensure mount and tripod can support this weight plus any additional gear like imaging systems and guide scopes
Celestron CGX-L GoTo EQ Mount with Tripod
With an upgraded payload capacity, tripod, and internal gears, the Celestron CGX-L GoTo EQ Mount improves on their venerable CGX platform to provide users with a heavy-duty research-quality mount for larger optical tube assemblies (OTAs), accessories, and imaging rigs. Engineered to carry a 75 lb payload, and outfitted with high-torque motors and a heavy-duty belt-drive system to improve tracking stability and reduce backlash, it is able to smoothly and accurately track near- and deep-sky objects for extended periods of time.
The Vixen/Losmandy dual dovetail saddle has also been lengthened to 10.6" to improve stability and offer greater security for larger OTAs. To provide a solid platform for the mount and your OTA, a heavy-duty stainless steel tripod is included, sporting massive 2.75"-diameter legs, an accessory tray that doubles as a stabilizer, and an adjustment range from 35.75" to 52.75". The minimum height has been lowered almost a foot versus the earlier CGX model to accommodate a wider range of users and different observation positions.
The brain of the CGX-L is the venerable NexStar+ computer controller. Equipped with a database of 40,000 objects, including the planets, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and the complete Messier catalog, it can also be programmed with up 200 custom user-defined objects with filters added for custom object lists. Its intuitive menu-driven user interface gives you the power to observe the heavens with nine slew speeds, three tracking rates, anti-backlash compensation, and Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) for smoother movements in the motors and improved tracking over time. Features such as guided tours, extended information on 200 popular objects, and multiple alignment options make the NexStar+ controller easy to use and invaluable to both new users and experienced stargazers.
Mount Head
- German equatorial mount
- Lower profile head design provides improved stability and portability
- Head can be set on the tripod in three different positions to optimize the center of balance over the tripod or to provide more clearance when needed at lower latitudes
- 75 lb payload capacity, excluding counterweights
- 3-65° latitude adjustment range
- 20° of additional tracking past the meridian allows for longer observation time when viewing from a rise or hill
- Two autoguider ports provide greater cable management to avoid wire wrap
- 10.6" (27cm) Vixen/Losmandy dovetail saddle, compatible with CG-5 and CGE bars
- Long clutch levers make tightening and loosening of clutches easier for manual movement
- Strong 1.25" (31.5mm) stainless steel counterweight shaft to handle additional counterweight load
- Includes one 22 lb counterweight
- Home sensors allow the mount to always start in the index position regardless of orientation before a power reset
- Internal cabling reduces snags and other hazards
- Stationary latitude knob and linkage system that reduces the amount of friction during polar alignment
- Power input and lower accessory ports remain stationary while the mount slews to avoid snags
- Integrated handles for easy transport and setup/breakdown
- "Real Time Clock" keeps time and site information saved when power is disconnected
- On/Off rocker switch with red LED
Motors and Drives
- Dual-axis servo motors with optical encoders for smooth tracking and quiet operation
- High-torque motors provide smooth tracking and slewing for heavy OTAs and accessories
- Internal belt-drive system provides smooth, vibration-free tracking while minimizing backlash
- Spring-loaded brass worm wheel and stainless steel worm gear reduce friction and improve gear meshing
- Limit sensors automatically shut off slewing or tracking before reaching the hard stop fail safe
- Internal hard stops for both axes prevent cable tension and tripod strike
- Autoguider capable for making corrections while astroimaging
- Large 144mm-diameter worm wheels to better and more accurately drive heavier loads
- Low-friction Teflon bearings on azimuth adjustment to make adjustments easy under full load
- USB 2.0 port to connect directly to PC with PWI software
- Threaded power input barrel connector eliminates accidental disconnection
- Runs on included 12 VDC, 4A car/vehicle power supply
NexStar+ Hand Controller
- Features:
- Intuitive menu-driven user interface
- PWI telescope control software features multi-point mount modeling for extremely precise pointing accuracy
- Nine slew speeds: 1/2x, 1x, 4x, 8x, 16x, 64x (0.3°/sec), 1.0°/sec, 2°/sec, 3°/sec
- Multiple tracking rates: Sidereal, Lunar, and Solar
- Anti-backlash correction trains out intrinsic play in gears for smoother movement and tracking
- Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC): Improves tracking precision for long-exposure astrophotography and imaging
- Database:
- 40,000-object database
- 200 user-defined objects for customization
- Filters for creating custom object lists
- Solar system: All seven planets plus the Moon, Sun, and Pluto
- Custom lists of all the brightest stars, double stars, variable stars, and asterisms
- Custom lists of all the best galaxies, nebulae, and clusters
- Complete Messier catalog
- Select NGC objects
- Functions
- "All-Star Polar Alignment" software allows quick and precise polar alignment without extra polar alignment accessories, apps, or other assistance
- Additional alignment options: One- or Two-star, Solar system, Quick, and Last
- Sky Tour: Based on location, date, and time, the system shows the best objects in the sky and automatically slews to them
- Object info: Provides useful information about the selected object such as magnitude and constellation; includes extended information about 200 popular objects
- Physical characteristics:
- 2-line, 18-character LCD window with red backlighting for comfortable viewing without affecting night-adjusted vision
- 19 function keys, backlit in red
- Mini USB port: Connect to a computer for use with software programs for point-and-click slewing capability and updating firmware via PC
Tripod
- Stainless steel legs
- Adjustable height from 35.75" to 52.75"
- Large 2.75"-diameter leg sections provide stability and vibration reduction
- Legs can be collapsed with accessory tray installed for faster setup and transport
- Hand controller holster attaches with a hook-and-loop strap so it can be moved from leg to leg and avoid wire wrap
- Accessory tray holds 1.25 and 2" eyepieces with a smartphone stand
- Tray doubles as upper leg spreader/lock
- Lower leg spreader provides additional stability
- Weight: 46.2 lbs
Celestron 12-Pound Counterweight for Advanced VX
The 12 lb Counterweight for Advanced VX from Celestron helps to counterbalance the mass of a Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube mounted on the Advanced VX equatorial mount. This telescope accessory is useful for off-setting the additional weight of imaging accessories like a camera or tele-converter.
