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 and CGEM-DX mounts
Astro photographers have been waiting a long time for this. The combination of Celestron's proven SC optics with an inexpensive, German mount that is easy to transport, mechanically precise and has outstanding drive electronics.
Sturdy construction, precise mechanical design "Made in the USA" and patented software result in the ideal mount for DSLR astrophotography with high load capacity and the necessary accuracy in positioning and tracking! From the solid connection between the tripod and the mount pole block, to the large azimuth and polar height screws, to the selected worm gears and the 3" tube prism clamp, everything has been mechanically rethought and improved. High-quality servo motors with planetary gears provide the drive technology basis for photographic tracking accuracy. Internal motor cabling and encapsulated, cold-resistant drive electronics help to prevent cable clutter and short circuits in field use. The Celestron drive software with patented All-Star Alignment procedure allows accurate alignment of the mount in a few minutes, even without a view of the North Star. A 16-channel GPS receiver is available as an option. Several pointing and periodic worm correction methods are available. Precise tracking is supported mechanically and by software up to 30° above the meridian. The dreaded "swing-through" of other mounts from east to west is eliminated. The price includes the ASCOM-compatible NexRemote pointing software on CD, which allows all functions to be controlled from home or in the car via a laptop. However, connections for SBIG or LVI SmartGuider also enable sub-arc second CCD tracking correction for DSLR photography without a PC or laptop.
Combination options:
A standardised 3" prism clamp allows secure and torsion-free mounting of telescopes of all types. The CGEM mount is therefore ideally suited for - and available in a discounted set with - Schmidt Cassegrain optics from 8 to 11 inches with maximum transmission (XLT coating).
All data at a glance:
- Positioning speeds: 5°/sec, 2°/sec, 1°/sec, 64x, 16x, 8x, 4x, 1x, .5x
- Tracking speeds: sidereal, solar and lunar
- Alignment for northern and southern skies
- Alignment routines: Auto Align, 2-Star Align, Quick Align, 1-Star Align, last alignment, (Hibernate = park position), Solar System Align
- Database with 40,000 objects and 400 programmable objects, extended information on an additional 200 objects.
- Flash upgradeable control software and motor control for downloading product updates via the Internet
- Meridian tracking – photography up to 30° above the meridian without interruption
- New "All-Star Alignment" for precise alignment without a polar star or pole finder
- New software with the following enhancements: Mount calibration, database filtering, last alignment (Hibernate), five alignment routines and programmable tracking speeds
- Special database with all popular deep sky objects, catalogued by name and catalogue number; the most famous double, triple and quadruple stars as well as variable stars and objects in the solar system
- Permanently programmable periodic error correction (PEC)
- Double-line, 16-character LCD hand controller with backlit LED buttons
- Includes NexRemote telescope control software for more advanced control of the mount via PC
- ASCOM and LX200 compatible.
About the mount:
- CGEM computer-controlled parallactic mount
- Ultra-stable 2" steel tripod with accessory tray
- Large 3" clamping device for mounting the telescope
- Tracking motors - DC servo motors with integrated optical encoders provide smooth and quiet operation and long life
- Internal cabling for easy setup and transport
- Optional GPS receiver can be retrofitted
- Power supply: 12V / 1.5Ah
- Steel worm gear and brass worm, 90 mm worm gear diameter
- Precisely manufactured pole shaft with 40 mm diameter supported by tapered roller bearings and ball bearings
- Connections: ST-4 / LVI-compatible autoguider port for external tracking cameras, Aux port for Internet software updates, autoguider and Aux port on the mount's electronics cover, RS-232 port on the hand controller for controlling the instrument with a PC, 12V safety power connection guarantees a secure hold of the plug
- Load capacity: 18 kg, the DX version even carries 22 kg
- Weight of mount without tripod and counterweights: 18.6 kg
Included in delivery:
- Counterweight 7.7 kg, for the DX version: 10 kg
- 12V car power cable
- NexRemote software incl. RS-232 cable
Please note: The counterweight bar and weights of the CGEM and CGEM-DX are not compatible, as the DX version has a thicker counterweight bar.
It not only matters which telescope you buy but also where you buy it. Our additional services:
- We are a leading telescope dealer and know the devices we sell. Our customer service team will gladly help you after your purchase if you have problems with assembly or operation.
- We provide a copy of the 80-page Telescope ABC beginners handbook with every telescope.
