The Celestron CGX 1100 11" f/2.2 RASA GoTo Telescope is an excellent advanced-level imaging setup, producing images in a fraction of the time compared to other optical tubes. The CGX mount provides superior performance for larger telescopes while taking advantage of Celestron's most advanced technologies: All-Star Polar Alignment, Celestron PWI telescope control software, Starry Night Special Edition software, SkyAlign, and permanently programmable periodic error correction (PPEC). If you're an experienced imager, you'll love taking this portable mount to a dark sky site and enjoying all the conveniences of a larger observatory mount.
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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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's CGX GoTo EQ Mount Head improves on their venerable CGEM platform to provide users with a heavy-duty research-quality mount for large optical tube assemblies (OTAs), accessories, and imaging rigs. Engineered to carry a 55-pound payload, it has high-torque motors and heavy-duty belt-drive system to improve tracking stability and reduce backlash which enable it to smoothly and accurately track near- and deep-sky objects for long periods of time. Its Vixen/Losmandy dual dovetail saddle makes the mount compatible with most plates in use today.
The brain of the CGX EQ is the 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 to 100 user-defined objects and filters for custom lists. Its intuitive menu-driven user interface allows you to observe the heavens 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 for new users and experienced stargazers.
- German equatorial mount, when properly polar aligned, provides precise tracking on the Right Ascension axis allows the optical tube to follow objects without field rotation—making it ideal for astrophotography and imaging
- 55 lb payload capacity
- 3 to 65° 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
- 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
- Intuitive menu-driven user interface
- Nine slew speeds: 2x, 4x, 8x, 16x, 32x, 0.3°/sec, 1.0°/sec, 2°/sec, 4°/sec
- Three 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
- 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
- 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
- 40,000-object database
- 400 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
Designed to support their CGX equatorial mount, the Celestron CGX Tripod has large 2" diameter legs to provide a solid and sturdy platform for the mount head plus an optical tube assembly and accessories. To accommodate a variety of users, optical tube styles, and viewing positions, the legs can adjust from 47.25 to 77.5" and terminate with spikes to provide solid footing. Graduated markings on the lower leg sections enable you to accurately repeat settings, saving setup and leveling time if you observe from the same location every night. Adding greater stability and vibration suppression, the center accessory tray acts as a leg spreader to lock them in-place while providing a convenient place to keep eyepieces, filters, or your phone safe and close to hand. Two 11-pound counterweights come in the box to assist in properly balancing your OTA on the mount head.
Use the Celestron 11 lb Counterweight by itself or with other weights to balance your OTA and accessories on Celestron CG-5, CGEM, CG-4 mounts; or any similar mount with a 0.75" (19mm) center bore hole. A large thumbscrew allows you to lock the weight anywhere along the counterweight shaft to allow for precise balance.