Celestron SC 280/2800 telescope:
The telescope has Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with a 280mm aperture and 2800mm focal length. Despite the long focal length of the telescope, the OTA itself has a very short length, making the system a compact telescope which is extremely easy to transport.
Light first hits an aspherically figured Schmidt corrector plate and is then thrown onto a spherical main mirror. This reflects the light back up, throwing it onto a secondary mirror which subsequently throws it back in the direction of main mirror. The light then passes through a central hole in the main mirror and into the focuser at the bottom of the OTA. The system is closed and hence does not suffer from air turbulence which could degrade the image. Of course this also means that the system is optimally protected from dust. The Schmidt plate is multi-coated, ensuring bright images which do not suffer from stray light reflections.
This telescope provides a very good image, boasting high contrast and definition and is provides a lot of pleasure when planetary or deep-sky observing.
The Schmidt-Cassegrain system gives a wide field of view, which is ideal for observing extended deep sky objects. The optics are designed to have an aperture ratio of 1:10 which means astrophotography is also eminently possible (an optional polar wedge also allows much longer exposures).
Main mirror focusing means a very large range of focus, which allows virtually any accessory to be used.
The advantages in a nutshell:
- gives an excellent image excelling in sharpness and contrast
- compact and portable design
- Schmidt corrector plate
The CGEM mount 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 over 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.
Ergonomic Design - CGEM 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.
Innovation - The CGEM series has a new 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 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.
Performance - For objects near the Meridian (imaginary line passing from North to South), the CGEM will track well past the Meridian for uninterrupted imaging through the most ideal part of the sky. The CGEM 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 mount is the perfect fit between the Advanced Series and CGE Series. Offering the portability of the Advanced Series and the precision of the CGE.
