Celestron merges their large 8" aperture/long focal length optical tube assembly (OTA) and their larger & sturdier EQ mount in the CGX EQ 800 8" f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain GoTo Telescope. This complete observational rig gives you the ability to make detailed observations of the Moon and planets within our solar system with the capacity to reach into deep sky to discover brighter galaxies, nebulae, clusters, and stars. Complementing the aperture and focal length is the proprietary StarBright XLT multi-coating system. With this system, light transmission is increased throughout the entire optical path with anti-reflection multi-coated lenses, highly reflective multi-coated mirrors, and crown optical glass elements. While the focal ratio is a relatively slow f/10, the scope's precision tracking system allows it to be a competent astrophotography/astroimaging platform.
The CGX GoTo EQ Mount improves on their venerable CGEM platform to provide users with a heavy-duty research-quality mount for larger OTAs, accessories, and imaging rigs. Engineered to carry a 55-pound payload and outfitted with high-torque motors with 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 long periods of time with little noticeable error. To provide a stable platform for the mount and OTA, a heavy-duty stainless steel tripod is included that sports large 2" legs, an accessory tray that doubles as a stabilizer, and a height-adjustment range from 47.25 to 77.5" including the head. Its wide stance provides additional stability with reduced vibration, especially on rough or uneven ground.
The brain of the system is the NexStar+ computer controller. Outfitted with a database of over 40,000 objects, including the planets, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and the complete Messier catalog, it can also be programmed with up to 100 custom user-defined objects and filters for custom object lists. Its intuitive menu-driven user interface puts the power to observe the heavens in the palm of your hand with nine slew speeds and three tracking rates, plus 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 new users and experienced stargazers alike.
Optical Tube Assembly
- Large 8" aperture
- f/10 focal ratio
- Long 2032mm focal length
- Schmidt-Cassegrain optical path configuration
- StarBright XLT optical coatings: Multi-layer aluminum/SiO2 (quartz)/TiO2 (titanium dioxide) mirror coatings with flat reflectivity across the light spectrum for both astrophotography/astroimaging and visual observation
- Resolution: Rayleigh, 0.69 arcsec; Dawes, 0.57 arcsec
- Secondary mirror obstruction: 2.5" (6.4cm), 31% by diameter, 9.77% by area
CGX Mount
- German equatorial mount
- 55-pound payload capacity
- 3-35° latitude-adjustment range
- 20° of additional tracking past the meridian provides greater usability
- Dual-axis servo motors with optical encoders for smooth tracking and quiet operation
- High-torque motors provide smooth tracking and slewing for heavy OTAs
- 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 port for making corrections while astroimaging
- Dual Vixen/Losmandy dovetail saddle, compatible with CG-5 and CGE bars, respectively
- Long clutch levers make tightening and loosening of clutches easier for manual movement
- Internal "Real Time Clock" keeps time and site information saved when power is turned off
- Internal cables/wires for snag-free operation
- Runs on included 12 VDC, 4A car/vehicle power supply
NexStar+ Hand Controller
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- Intuitive menu-driven user interface
- Nine slew speeds: 2x, 4x, 8x, 16x, 32x, 0.3°/sec, 1.0°/sec, 2°/sec, 4°/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
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- 40,000-object database
- 100 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 as well as the complete Messier catalog and select NGC objects
- 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
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- 2-line, 18-character LCD window with red backlighting for comfortable viewing without affecting night-adjusted vision
- 19 function keys, backlit in red
- Micro USB port: Connect to a computer, for use with software programs for point-and-click slewing capability and updating firmware via PC
Included Accessories
- 1.25" 25mm eyepiece yields 81x power
- 1.25 90° star diagonal puts eyepiece in comfortable position when OTA is pointed at or near the zenith
- 6x30 finderscope with bracket
Tripod
- Stainless steel legs
- Adjustable-height 47.25-77.5", including head
- Heavy-duty 2" diameter
- Wide leg stance provides greater stability, especially on uneven ground
- Accessory/eyepiece holder tray that doubles as leg spreader/lock
- Weight: 19.2 pounds
