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Celestron CGEM II 8 Inch Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope - 12010

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Item #CELE-12010

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  • $2,499.00
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  • Celestron’s venerable CGEM mount gets a new look and improved design with the CGEM II Equatorial Mount.
  • Paired with Celestron’s classic Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube, this versatile system is ready for visual observing or astroimaging.
  • CGEM II's lower profile design increases stability and rigidity, allowing the mount to handle payloads up to 40 lb.
  • Dual dovetail saddle accommodates both CGE/Losmandy and CG-5/Vixen style dovetails so you can use this mount with just about any optical tube.
  • Larger knobs and longer clutch levers make setting up your telescope and adjusting your polar alignment easier and more secure.
  • Low cog DC Servo motor with integrated optical encoders provides smooth, accurate tracking over long periods.
  • Permanent periodic error correction (PPEC) allows you train your mount for even better tracking accuracy.
  • 2” steel tripod legs feature height index marks for quick leveling.
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  • Description

    For years, the Celestron CGEM set the standard in affordable, high performance German equatorial mounts. After listening to customer feedback, Celestron’s design team has made this workhorse even more functional with a series of thoughtful upgrades. Meet CGEM II.

    Improved Design and Ergonomics

    The first thing you’ll notice about CGEM II is its lower profile and wider stance compared with CGEM. This new form factor anchors more securely to the ground for improved rigidity. Thanks to its super stable design, CGEM II can handle 40 lb of payload with ease.

    Other clever updates make CGEM II significantly easier to use in the field. Beefy 2” steel tripod legs feature height index marks to make setting up and leveling your telescope a breeze. Celestron has lengthened the clutch levers and updated the polar alignment knobs so that you can make adjustments with just a twist of the wrist—even after a long night in the cold.

    CGEM II features all internal cabling to prevent cable wrap and snags. Plus, for the first time ever, the hand control features an integrated USB port to make downloading software updates a breeze. You’ll also receive a new dual dovetail saddle so you can pair the CGEM II with virtually any optical tube; it accommodates both CGE/Losmandy and CG-5/Vixen style dovetails.

    Celestron’s Signature Optics

    Speaking of optical tubes, this telescope kit includes Celstron’s bestselling 8” Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube. Developed by Celestron’s founder Tom Johnson in the 1970s and perfected over decades, this optical design has withstood the test of time thanks to its compact form factor, versatility, and stunning views. All optical surfaces feature Celestron's StarBright XLT coating for maximum light transmission and bright, detailed views.

    Precision Tracking for Astroimaging

    If you’re ready to take your astrophotography to the next level, CGEM II can help you get there. The low cog DC servo motor with integrated optical encoders provides precise tracking while minimizing cogging even at the lowest speeds.

    All German equatorial mounts have periodic error in their worm gears, but CGEM II features permanent periodic error correction so you can train these errors out of your mount once and enjoy error-free performance for years to go come.

    Of course, you also get all of the innovative software technologies that make using a Celestron GEM mount so easy: SkyAlign and All Star Polar Alignment. SkyAlign allows you to center any three bright objects to align the telescope’s GoTo in minutes, while All Star gives you a super accurate polar alignment in a fraction of the time it takes to use a polar finderscope. Best of all, you don’t need a clear view of Polaris. Once you’ve set up your CGEM II, these automated procedures will have you ready to capture images in about 15 minutes.

    Whether you’re a serious visual observer, an experienced imager looking for a portable setup, or a newbie who wants to invest in a superior first telescope right out of the gate, you’ll love the performance and value of CGEM II.

    Supplier SKU

    12010

  • Dimensions & Specifications

    Optical Design

    Schmidt-Cassegrain

    Aperture

    203.2 mm (8 in)

    Focal Length

    2032 mm (80 in)

    Focal Ratio

    f/10

    Focal Length of Eyepiece 1

    25 mm (0.98 in)

    Magnification of Eyepiece 1

    81 x

    Finderscpoe

    6x30

    Star Diagonal

    1.35

    Optical Tube

    Aluminum

    Highest Useful Magnification

    480 x

    Lowest Useful Magnification

    29 x

    Limiting Stellar Magnitude

    14

    Resolution (Rayleigh)

    0.69 arc seconds

    Resolution (Dawes)

    0.57 arc seconds

    Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye)

    843 x

    Secondary Mirror Obstruction

    2.5 in (64 mm)

    Optical Coatings

    StarBright XLT

    Optical Tube Length

    17 in (432 mm)

    Optical Tube Weight

    12.5 lbs (5.67 kg)

    Dovetail Compatibility

    CGE Mount

    Mount Type

    German Equatorial Mount

    Tripod

    2” Steel tripod with graduated markings on lower section

    Optical Tube Dovetail Mount

    Directly connects to both CG-5 & CGE dovetail bars

    Payload Capacity

    40 pounds

    Latitude Range

    15 – 70 degrees

    Power Requirements

    12 VDC, 3.2 amps

    Ports

    1x Hand control port, 1x Auxiliary Port, 1x Auto guider port, 1 USB 2.0 port (on hand control)

    Motor Drive

    Low cog DC servo motors

    Slew Speeds

    9 slew speeds

    Tracking Rates

    Sidereal, Solar and Lunar

    Tracking Modes

    EQ North and EQ South

    Alignment Procedures

    AutoAlign, 2-Star Align, Quick Align, 1-Star Align, Last Alignment, Solar System Align

    Computerized Hand Control

    Double line, 16 character Liquid Crystal Display; 19 fiber optic backlit LED buttons, USB 2.0 port for PC connection

    Database

    40,000+ objects, 100 user defined programmable objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects

    Mount Weight

    40 pounds

    Tripod Weight

    20 pounds

    Weight of Counterweight

    17 pounds

    Total Weight of Mount Kit

    77 pounds

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    Manufacturer Warranty

    Default manufacturer warranty.

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