{"title":"CGEM II Schmidt Cassegrain Telescopes","description":"\u003cspan style=\"display: none;\"\u003ehide::live::text\u003c\/span\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"cgem-ii-700-maksutov-cassegrain-telescope","title":"CGEM II 700 Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 700 Maksutov-Cassegrain CGEM II telescope (CGEM II 700 Mak) is a specialized instrument designed for detailed, high contrast views of smaller celestial objects like the planets. With the Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tube and sturdy equatorial mount and tripod, this kit will provide unparalleled views of the planets and up-close views of the lunar surface, including craters and maria, Maks are also well suited to hunting smaller, fainter, deep sky objects such as globular clusters and planetary nebulae.  Astronomers located in urban areas will appreciate the Mak’s ability to bring out more contrast in celestial objects. Transporting the entire system to a dark site is not a problem either. The optical tube, mount head, tripod, counterweight bar, and counterweight all disassemble, with no tools required, into separate manageable pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaksutov-Cassegrain Optical Design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mak is a catadioptric telescope, which means the optical design includes both a lens and a mirror. The light coming through a Mak passes through the corrector lens to the primary mirror and back to a spherical secondary mirror before it hits your eyepiece. Images are bright, sharp, and virtually free of chromatic aberration.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1935\/4371\/files\/MAKS_design.png?v=1538585693\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Maksutov-Cassegrain’s optical design offers several unique benefits. 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. Also, the secondary spot is significantly smaller than a traditional Schmidt-Cassegrain secondary mirror, giving the Mak its signature high-contrast views.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne important thing to note about Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes is that the larger, heavier Maksutov corrector plate takes longer to cool down and adjust to ambient air temperature compared to a Schmidt-Cassegrain of the same aperture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCGEM II Mount \u0026amp; Tripod\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCGEM II is a sturdy equatorial mount capable of rigidly supporting the 700 Mak. Its 40 lbs load capacity can handle the 19 lbs optical tube with ease, leaving lots of capacity to spare for your camera and any accessories. The heavy-duty adjustable height tripod has 2” diameter steel tripod legs with graduated markings that make it easy to extend the legs to the same height. The 700 Mak connects directly to the CGEM II with its CGE dovetail mounting bar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mount is packed with functionality and conveniences that make imaging with the 700 Mak easy. The fully computerized mount will automatically “GoTo” any of the 40,000+ astronomical objects selected from the NexStar+ hand controller’s database and automatically track the object as it appears to move across the night sky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned with imaging in mind, the CGEM II motor drive system accurately tracks during an exposure. At the heart of the system are low cog DC servo motors with integrated optical encoders. The low cog design helps the motors run smoothly, while the integrated optical encoders provide accuracy. The motors turn steel worm gears, which are supported by precision bearings, against brass worm wheels. These components also help to make the motor drive system operate smoothly and accurately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo track objects in the night sky, the mount must first be polar-aligned. Celestron makes this process easier than ever with the innovative All-Star Polar Alignment procedure. No extra equipment, such as a polar finder scope, is required. (An optional polar alignment finder scope is available if desired.) Best of all, the alignment can usually be completed in about 15 minutes, even without a clear view of Polaris.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll mounts have some amount of “periodic tracking error” inherent in them caused by tiny gear imperfections. To mitigate this, the CGEM II has Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC). This allows you to run a routine to record the periodic errors only once; the recording is kept in memory, and subsequently corrects for the mount’s periodic tracking error. If an even higher level of tracking accuracy is desired, the CGEM II also has a dedicated autoguider port to connect an autoguiding camera directly to the mount to correct for any residual tracking errors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConditions for imaging are best when celestial objects are at their highest point in the sky with the darkest background, called the meridian. But some German equatorial mounts have trouble tracking near the meridian because they need to perform a “meridian flip,” readjusting their position to avoid the tube striking the mount. CGEM II does not suffer from this problem, imaging through the meridian with ease and not requiring a meridian flip until the object is a full 20° past the meridian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe NexStar+ also has dozens of other functions to control every aspect of the mount’s behavior. These include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMultiple ways to align the mount to the night sky\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdjustable slew rates up to 5°\/second\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNorthern or Southern hemisphere compatibility\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdjustable autoguiding rates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHibernate mode so the mount can be powered down without loss of alignment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContinual firmware development, with new features added regularly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to the autoguider port, the CGEM II also has other ports to enhance and expand the capabilities of the mount. The hand controller has a USB 2.0 port for those who wish to control the mount with an external computer and optional third-party software. There is an AUX port on the mount that can support optional accessories such as StarSense AutoAlign.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen imaging, cable management can be a problem. The camera has a cable, the mount’s power source has a cable, and additional cables can come from a computer connection and augtoguider. To minimize cable management issues and prevent unwanted snags, all cabling for the mount is housed internally. This also eliminates the need to connect or disconnect an external Dec. motor cable when the mount is set up or broken down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccessories Included\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The CGEM II 700 Mak comes complete with a 2” Visual Back, a 2” Star Diagonal with 1.25” adapter, a 28 mm wide-field 2” eyepiece, and a large 8x50 straight-through finderscope. The optical tube accommodates the larger 2” accessories, such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.celestron.com\/products\/luminos-2in-25x-barlow-lens\"\u003e2” Barlow lenses\u003c\/a\u003e, the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.celestron.com\/products\/2in-eyepiece-and-filter-kit\"\u003e2” eyepiece and filter kit\u003c\/a\u003e, and larger wide-field eyepieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStarBright XLT Technology\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStarBright XLT is Celestron’s revolutionary optical coating system that outperforms any other coating in the commercial telescope market. There are three major components that make up our StarBright XLT high-transmission optical system design:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnique enhanced multi-layer mirror coatings made from precise layers of aluminum, SiO2 (quartz), TiO2 (titanium dioxide), and SiO2 (silicon dioxide). Reflectivity is fairly flat across the spectrum, optimizing it for both imaging and visual observing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMulti-layer anti-reflective coatings made from precise layers of MgF2 (magnesium fluoride) and HfO2 (hafnium dioxide). Hafnium—a rare element that costs nearly $2,000 per kilogram—gives us a wider band pass than the titanium used in competing coatings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-transmission water white glass is used instead of soda lime glass for the corrector lens. Water white glass transmits about 90.5% without anti-reflective coatings; that’s 3.5% better transmission than uncoated soda lime glass. When water white glass is used in conjunction with StarBright XLT’s anti-reflective coatings, the average transmission reaches 97.4%, an 8% improvement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaken together, these three components make StarBright XLT one of the finest optical coatings available. For more information about our patented StarBright XLT technology, visit \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.celestron.com\/university\/astronomy\/starbright-xlt-optical-coating-system\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCelestron’s Starry Night Special Edition Software\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStarry Night is a planetarium software package which provides easy-to-understand explanations and impressive visuals of all kinds of night sky phenomena. Use Starry Night to learn more about extra solar planets imagery, 3D Stars rendering, observation planning, telescope control, multiple-panel printing, and much more. Starry Night is available on macOS and Microsoft Windows. For more information about our Starry Night Software technology, visit \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.celestron.com\/pages\/celestron-starry-night-software\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Celestron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47324056486207,"sku":"12016","price":1530.64,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0842\/9840\/0063\/products\/12016_CGEM-II_700_Maksutov_Cassegrain_Telescope_01_8afdd094-4f81-4d6b-ab0d-556fcf543a5a.jpg?v=1700598315"},{"product_id":"cgem-ii-800-rowe-ackermann-schmidt-astrograph-rasa-telescope","title":"CGEM II 800 Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) Telescope","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis kit combines the 8” Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) with the CGEM II EQ mount. Simply add a camera and this package offers everything you need to take spectacular images of wide-field deep sky objects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRASA Performance Made for Everyone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCapture spectacular wide-field deep sky images in seconds with Celestron’s portable astrograph, the 8” Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA). This incredibly fast f\/2.0 system is the perfect companion to today’s color astronomical CMOS cameras, smaller CCD cameras, and mirrorless cameras. Thanks to its fast focal ratio and patented optical design, you can produce sharp, detailed images and, in many cases, skip the autoguider completely. Weighing in at just 17 pounds, it’s easy to transport your 8” RASA to the most remote dark sky locations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 8” RASA is an imaging telescope that delivers a flat field without optical aberrations for razor sharp stars across a wide field of view. It can capture stunning deep-sky astronomical images without the challenges typically presented by longer focal length instruments at a fraction of the cost of those systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe latest addition to the RASA family, this 8” version is a much more portable and affordable version of the heralded RASA 11, which was introduced to much acclaim in 2014. With the 8” RASA joining the lineup, a wider range of astroimagers can enjoy the benefits of the RASA design. It has many of the same thoughtfully designed features as its “big brother” RASA 11, including the integrated air-cooling system, internal filter mount, and sturdy CGE dovetail mounting bar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePurely designed for imaging, the 8” RASA cannot be used visually. The prime focus focal plane is located at the front of the optical system, so it cannot accommodate a traditional eyepiece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShorter Exposure Times and Virtual “Real-Time” Observing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince it is an F\/2.0 optical system, imagers can use shorter exposure times to capture detail in faint objects. When combined with sensitive cameras and the proper “live stacking” software, the 8” RASA can provide an almost real-time observing experience. View images on a computer instantly that are brighter and more detailed than can be seen in much bigger telescopes with the naked eye.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUltra-Stable Focus System\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the launch of the 8” RASA, Celestron is unveiling a focuser design that mitigates lateral movement of the primary mirror when focusing, slewing, or tracking with the astrograph. Focusing is easier, more accurate, and more stable than ever. The key to the Ultra-Stable Focus System is a precision linear ball bearing, which is tested during assembly to ensure optimal results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBuilt for Today’s Latest Cameras\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike the larger RASAs that work with DSLR and large CCD cameras, the 8” model was designed with color astronomical CMOS cameras, smaller CCD cameras, and mirrorless cameras in mind. The telescope does not work with standard DSLR cameras. It is optimized for sensors with up to a 22mm diagonal, but performs well with sensors up to 32mm diagonal. The APS-C sized sensors used in many mirrorless cameras are a good choice. 42mm full frame sensors will also work, but performance will be poor at the edges of the sensor and field illumination will be reduced. Additionally, we do not recommend pairing RASA 8 with any camera body more than 4” in diameter. See the chart below to determine if your camera is compatible with RASA 8.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"compatibility-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCamera\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompatible with RASA 8?\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAdapter required\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAstronomical CMOS\/CCD camera with C-mount\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eC-mount adapter (included)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAstronomical CMOS\/CCD camera with M42-thread mount\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eM42 adapter (included) with M42 extension tubes (not included)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAstronomical CMOS\/CCD camera with other mount\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCustom camera adapter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCanon mirrorless with APS-C sensor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.celestron.com\/products\/camera-adapter-for-canon-mirrorless-rasa-8\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCanon mirrorless adapter \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(sold separately)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSony mirrorless with APS-C sensor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.celestron.com\/products\/camera-adapter-for-sony-mirrorless-rasa-8\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSony mirrorless adapter \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(sold separately)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCanon mirrorless with full frame (42mm) sensor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes, but not optimized across the full sensor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.celestron.com\/products\/camera-adapter-for-canon-mirrorless-rasa-8\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCanon mirrorless adapter \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(sold separately)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSony mirrorless with full frame (42mm) sensor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes, but not optimized across the full sensor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.celestron.com\/products\/camera-adapter-for-sony-mirrorless-rasa-8\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSony mirrorless adapter \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(sold separately)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDSLR\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e--\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnique Optical Design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRASA’s optical design is patented (US 2016\/0299331 A1). The design consists of a Schmidt corrector, primary mirror, lens group, and optical window. The lens group contains 4 elements and utilizes rare-earth elements. Unlike many telescopes that only perform well over the visible spectrum (400-700nm), the 8” RASA’s optics are designed to perform over a wider spectral range, from 400-800nm. This allows more of the light emitted from the astronomical object to be sharply focused in the image.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith many imaging systems, adding an extra piece of flat glass such as a filter does not change optical performance. However, that is not the case with super-fast optical systems like the RASA. Our engineers addressed this by designing the RASA with a removeable optical window, so you can maintain peak optical performance if a filter is added or if a camera has its own optical window. Celestron offers a Light Pollution Imaging Filter designed specifically for the 8” RASA, which mounts in place of the optical window.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll refractive optical surfaces are coated with StarBright XLT coatings, while the primary mirror uses enhanced aluminum coatings. This maintains high light transmission through the entire optical system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen compared with “Hyperstar SCT” systems, the RASA 8 provides better optical performance and field illumination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCGEM II: An Excellent Platform for RASA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCGEM II is a sturdy equatorial mount capable of rigidly supporting the 8” RASA. Its 40 lb load capacity can handle the 17 lb optical tube with ease, leaving lots of capacity to spare for your camera and any accessories. The heavy-duty adjustable height tripod has 2” diameter steel tripod legs with graduated markings that make it easy to extend the legs to the same height. The 8” RASA connects directly to the CGEM II with its CGE dovetail mounting bar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mount is packed with functionality and conveniences that make imaging with the 8” RASA easy. The fully computerized mount will automatically “GoTo” any of the 40,000+ astronomical objects selected from the NexStar+ hand controller’s database and automatically track the object as it appears to move across the night sky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned with imaging in mind, the CGEM II motor drive system accurately tracks during an exposure. At the heart of the system are low cog DC servo motors with integrated optical encoders. The low cog design helps the motors run smoothly, while the integrated optical encoders provide accuracy. The motors turn steel worm gears, which are supported by precision bearings, against brass worm wheels. These components also help to make the motor drive system operate smoothly and accurately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo track objects in the night sky, the mount must first be polar-aligned. Celestron makes this process easier than ever with the innovative All-Star Polar Alignment procedure. No extra equipment, such as a polar finder scope, is required. (An optional polar alignment finder scope is available if desired.) Best of all, the alignment can usually be completed in about 15 minutes, even without a clear view of Polaris.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll mounts have some amount of “periodic tracking error” inherent in them caused by tiny gear imperfections. To mitigate this, the CGEM II has Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC). This allows you to run a routine to record the periodic errors only once; the recording is kept in memory, and subsequently corrects for the mount’s periodic tracking error. If an even higher level of tracking accuracy is desired, the CGEM II also has a dedicated autoguider port to connect an autoguiding camera directly to the mount to correct for any residual tracking errors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConditions for imaging are best when celestial objects are at their highest point in the sky with the darkest background, called the meridian. But some German equatorial mounts have trouble tracking near the meridian because they need to perform a “meridian flip,” readjusting their position to avoid the tube striking the mount. CGEM II does not suffer from this problem, imaging through the meridian with ease and not requiring a meridian flip until the object is a full 20° past the meridian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe NexStar+ also has dozens of other functions to control every aspect of the mount’s behavior. These include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMultiple ways to align the mount to the night sky\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdjustable slew rates up to 5°\/second\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNorthern or Southern hemisphere compatibility\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdjustable autoguiding rates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHibernate mode so the mount can be powered down without loss of alignment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContinual firmware development, with new features added regularly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to the autoguider port, the CGEM II also has other ports to enhance and expand the capabilities of the mount. The hand controller has a USB 2.0 port for those who wish to control the mount with an external computer and optional third-party software. There is an AUX port on the mount that can support optional accessories such as StarSense AutoAlign.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen imaging, cable management can be a problem. The camera has a cable, the mount’s power source has a cable, and additional cables can come from a computer connection and augtoguider. To minimize cable management issues and prevent unwanted snags, all cabling for the mount is housed internally. This also eliminates the need to connect or disconnect an external Dec. motor cable when the mount is set up or broken down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTransporting the entire system to a dark site is not a problem either. The optical tube, mount head, tripod, counterweight bar, and counterweight all disassemble, with no tools required, into separate manageable pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn summary, the CGEM II and RASA 8 work well together to attain stunning imaging results with minimal hassle. It’s the perfect kit for those who want to take the next step into deep-sky astroimaging.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Celestron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47324057010495,"sku":"12020","price":1644.77,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0842\/9840\/0063\/products\/12020_CGEMII_800_Rowe-Ackermann_Schmidt_Astrograph_01.jpg?v=1700598348"},{"product_id":"cgem-ii-1100-schmidt-cassegrain-telescope","title":"CGEM II 1100 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe CGEM II 1100 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope features Celestron’s premium StarBright XLT coated optics and the newly redesigned CGEM II computerized equatorial mount. With the optical tube assembly of the CGEM II 1100 weighing only 27.5 lbs., this telescope is still portable enough to be taken to dark skies, and it has 89% more light gathering power than an 8\" telescope and more than 40% more than the 9.25\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis telescope is especially at home as a solid platform for long exposure photography with optional CCD cameras or photographic equipment; it is a serious scientific research tool that comes with Celestron's premium StarBright XLT coatings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fresh update to the venerable CGEM mount, the CGEM II has a fresh, attractive, bold appearance and is capable of carrying Celestron’s higher-end SCT optical tubes (up to 11\") securely and vibration free, which is ideal for both imaging and visual observing. Capable of holding 40 lbs. of payload and slewing at 5° per second, you will be able to instantly point to any of the celestial objects in the database.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eERGONOMIC DESIGN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCGEM II was designed to be ergonomically friendly with large Altitude and Azimuth adjustment knobs for quick and easy polar alignment adjustment. The internal RA and DEC motor wiring provides a clean look and an easy and trouble free set up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eINNOVATION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe CGEM II series features Celestron’s innovative Polar alignment procedure called All-Star™. All-Star allows users to choose any bright star, while the software calculates and assists with polar alignment. Another great feature of the CGEM II sure to please astroimagers, is the Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PEC) which will allow users to train out the worm gears periodic errors, while the mount retains the PEC recordings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePERFORMANCE \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor objects near the Meridian (imaginary line passing from North to South), the CGEM II will track well past the Meridian for uninterrupted imaging through the most ideal part of the sky. The CGEM II mount has a robust database with over 40,000 objects, 100 user defined programmable objects and enhanced information on over 200 objects. Celestron's CGEM II mount is the perfect fit between the Advanced Series and CGE Series. 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