Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope SC 356/3910 CGX-L 1400 GoTo

Celestron SC telescopes:

Despite the long focal length of these telescopes, 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. Thus 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 provides a lot of pleasure when planetary observing. The Schmidt-Cassegrain design provides a good all-round system suitable for both observing and astrophotography and with an enormous range of optional accessories available. Using the bottom end of the OTA to look through means easy orientation. The system is also optimal for occasional terrestrial observing, e.g. birdwatching at close range. Celestron SC telescopes have an aperture ratio of around 1:10 which, so astrophotography is also very easily possible.

Main mirror focusing means a very large range of focus is made available, which allows virtually any common accessory to be used. Two pre-loaded ball bearings are used in the main mirror focus positioning mechanism in order to prevent ´mirror shift´ - a typical problem when using simple bushings. The use of high quality materials such as CNC-milled aluminium components, cast steel and stainless steel guarantees extreme robustness with low weight. This means that a very heavy mount is unnecessary, not always the case for other telescope designs.

Features of these telescopes:

long focal length with short OTA

low weight aluminium OTA

high quality XLT multi-coating

closed system

pre-loaded ball bearings for low mirror shift main mirror focusing

CGX-L Equatorial Mount and Tripod:

For eight years, Celestron’s workhorse CGEM mount lineup has been the German Equatorial backbone for telescopes ranging from 6 to 11 inches of aperture. Since that time, many more astro-imagers and planetarium controlled setups have emerged as backyard telescope technology has evolved. Celestron’s engineering team applied their years of experience designing German Equatorial mounts to the all-new CGX EQ, a culmination of all the advancements made to our technologies, value, and ease-of-use.

All-new design:

Sturdier and more rigid with quicker dampening time

Improved motors provide more torque, better slewing and tracking under heavy loads

Heavy Duty belt-drive system minimizes backlash while providing smooth motor operation under heavy loads

Spring-loaded brass worm wheel and stainless steel worm gear reduce friction and provide optimum gear mesh

Internal cabling for worry-free remote operation. Power input and accessory ports remain stationary while the mount slews to avoid snags

Internal hard stops for both axes prevents cable tension and tripod strike

Home sensors allow the mount to always start in the index position regardless of orientation before a power reset

Limit sensors automatically shut off slewing or tracking before reaching the hard stop fail safe

Adjustable EQ head position to optimize center of gravity over the tripod and fully utilize the increased 3º-65º latitude range

Dual-fit CG-5/Vixen and CGE/Losmandy dovetail saddle

New improved tripod:

2.8" steel legs with height index marks for quick leveling

"Jack of all trays" can hold three 1.25" eyepieces, two 2" eyepieces, your smartphone, or other accessories

Tripod legs can be collapsed with accessory tray installed for faster setup and transport

Electronics:

All-new NexStar+ hand control with USB port

Two AUX accessory ports to support wireless/WiFi alignment and operation with StarSense AutoAlign and SkyPortal WiFi Module accessories (sold separately)

USB 2.0 port, used to connect directly to PC with included software

Autoguider port

PPEC ready

Threaded 12VDC power input barrel connector

Internal Real Time Clock (keeps time and site information saved)

The new CGX-L was designed to better support your telescope for both visual and astro-imaging pursuits. Key design goals included a lower profile EQ head, which provides a more compact and therefore more stable setup; a better drive system; remote operation-friendly with home and limit optical sensors; easier polar alignment adjustments; and better cable management. In addition to that, Celestron has made mechanical and ergonomic improvements throughout to make the mount sturdier, easier to use, and transport. The CGX is Celestron´s new equatorial backbone to support a wide range of telescopes.