Celestron CGX-L Equatorial 1400 EdgeHD 14" Schmidt-Cassegrain GoTo Telescope

Celestron put together the CGX-L Equatorial 1400 EdgeHD 14" f/11 Schmidt-Cassegrain GoTo Telescope to provide a complete observational platform that includes a large-aperture optical tube assembly (OTA), the NexStar+ computer hand controller, an updated motorized equatorial mount and tripod, plus an array of accessories to get you set up and observing the Moon, planets, and especially deep-sky subjects like nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters.

EdgeHD 14" f/11 Aplanatic Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope

Engineered to deliver sharp and clear distortion-free views, the Celestron EdgeHD 14" f/11 Aplanatic Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope represents the largest aperture in the EdgeHD series and is an ideal choice for observation, astrophotography, and imaging objects beyond our solar system with exceptional sharpness and resolution, as well as magnification potential. It features an aplanatic Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system consisting of a corrector plate, a spherical primary mirror, and a secondary mirror along with a set of field-flattening lenses integrated into the baffle tube. Complementing the EdgeHD system is the proprietary StarBright XLT optical coating system, which improves light transmission and reflectivity across the entire visual spectrum. The combination of EdgeHD and StarBright XLT produces bright and clear high-resolution images with true color rendition across the entire field of view without distortion, aberrations, or off-axis comas.

Optimized for imaging, the internal focusing system features a mirror support clutches to ensure proper alignment and mirror locks to avoid accidental defocusing during long-exposure astrophotography. The optical tube is outfitted with an oversized 2" visual back to ensure large imaging sensors are completely covered to avoid vignetting. For visual observations, a 2" star diagonal is included along with a 23mm wide-angle eyepiece that yields a respectable 170x power. A reducer adapter is provided to allow the use of smaller and more common 1.25" eyepieces and accessories. The EdgeHD 14 is offered here without a mount or tripod for users who already have a reliable support system and are looking to upgrade or add to their existing gear, but it comes with a large CGE dovetail plate that is compatible with Losmandy saddles.

Optical Tube

• 14" (356mm) aperture
• f/11 focal ratio
• 3910mm effective focal length
• Aplanatic Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design
• EdgeHD field-flattener aplanatic design eliminates spherical aberration, field curvature, and off-axis star coma to improve resolution, sharpness, and clarity across the entire field of view, especially at the edges
• Diffraction-limited SCHOTT glass reduces internal light loss to improve color, clarity, and sharpness
• StarBright XLT optical coatings
• Flexible tension clutches hold the primary mirror in place to reduce image shift without putting any force or pressure on the mirror assembly, keeping subjects centered
• Internal mirror locks prevent accidental adjustment to focus—important during long-exposure astrophotography
• Integrated 95-micron mesh filter allows hot air to be released from behind the primary mirror without dust getting in, to prevent mirror distortion due to uneven surface temperatures
• Resolution: 0.39 arcsec (Rayleigh); 0.33 arcsec (Dawes)
• Secondary mirror obstruction: 4.5" (114 mm); 32% by diameter; 10% by area

StarBright XLT System

• Maximizes light transmission through optical path
• Improves color rendition, contrast, sharpness, resolution, and brightness
• Broadband system provides flat wavelength transmission across the entire visual spectrum
• Multi-layer mirror coatings with layers of aluminum, SiO2 (quartz), and TiO2 (titanium dioxide)
• Multi-layer anti-reflective corrector plate coatings with layers of MgF2 (magnesium fluoride) and HfO2 (hafnium dioxide); hafnium has a wider band-pass than the commonly used titanium
• High-transmission water white glass corrector plate limits light loss due to internal absorption

Mounting

• OTA only; mount and tripod required for proper use
• Large CGE (Losmandy-style) dovetail plate

Included Accessories

Visual Back:

• Standard Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope (SCT) threads
• 2" eyepiece/accessory holder
• Use for prime focus or projection astrophotography with optional adapters

Eyepiece:

• Luminos-series wide-angle
• 82° field of view
• 2"-diameter barrel
• Accepts most 2" eyepiece filters
• 23mm focal length yields 170x power
• Parfocal with all Luminos eyepieces, allowing it to be changed out with other Luminos eyepieces without having to adjust the focus
• Retractable eyecup for use with or without eyewear

Reducer adapter:

• 2"-to-1.25" reducer adapter allows the use of smaller eyepieces and accessories in visual back or diagonal

Diagonal:

• 90° angle puts head in comfortable viewing position
• Threaded for direct connection to OTA without the need for the visual back
• 2" eyepiece/accessory holder
• Star diagonal corrects image horizontally, but not vertically

Finderscope:

• Low 9x magnification preserves wide field of view to more easily find alignment or guide stars
• Large 50mm aperture helps to see dimmer objects and stars for easier star-hopping navigation

CGX-L GoTo EQ Mount with Tripod

With an upgraded payload capacity, tripod, and internal gears, the Celestron CGX-L GoTo EQ Mount improves on their venerable CGX platform to provide users with a heavy-duty research-quality mount for larger optical tube assemblies (OTAs), accessories, and imaging rigs. Engineered to carry a 75 lb payload, and outfitted with high-torque motors and a heavy-duty belt-drive system to improve tracking stability and reduce backlash, it is able to smoothly and accurately track near- and deep-sky objects for extended periods of time.

The Vixen/Losmandy dual dovetail saddle has also been lengthened to 10.6" to improve stability and offer greater security for larger OTAs. To provide a solid platform for the mount and your OTA, a heavy-duty stainless steel tripod is included, sporting massive 2.75"-diameter legs, an accessory tray that doubles as a stabilizer, and an adjustment range from 35.75" to 52.75". The minimum height has been lowered almost a foot versus the earlier CGX model to accommodate a wider range of users and different observation positions.

The brain of the CGX-L is the venerable 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 200 custom user-defined objects with filters added for custom object lists. Its intuitive menu-driven user interface gives you the power to observe the heavens with nine slew speeds, three tracking rates, 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 and invaluable to both new users and experienced stargazers.

Mount Head

• German equatorial mount
• Lower profile head design provides improved stability and portability
• Head can be set on the tripod in three different positions to optimize the center of balance over the tripod or to provide more clearance when needed at lower latitudes
• 75 lb payload capacity, excluding counterweights
• 3-65° latitude adjustment range
• 20° of additional tracking past the meridian allows for longer observation time when viewing from a rise or hill
• Two autoguider ports provide greater cable management to avoid wire wrap
• 10.6" (27cm) Vixen/Losmandy dovetail saddle, compatible with CG-5 and CGE bars
• Long clutch levers make tightening and loosening of clutches easier for manual movement
• Strong 1.25" (31.5mm) stainless steel counterweight shaft to handle additional counterweight load
• Includes one 22 lb counterweight
• Home sensors allow the mount to always start in the index position regardless of orientation before a power reset
• Internal cabling reduces snags and other hazards
• Stationary latitude knob and linkage system that reduces the amount of friction during polar alignment
• Power input and lower accessory ports remain stationary while the mount slews to avoid snags
• Integrated handles for easy transport and setup/breakdown
• "Real Time Clock" keeps time and site information saved when power is disconnected
• On/Off rocker switch with red LED

Motors and Drives

• Dual-axis servo motors with optical encoders for smooth tracking and quiet operation
• High-torque motors provide smooth tracking and slewing for heavy OTAs and accessories
• 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 capable for making corrections while astroimaging
• Large 144mm-diameter worm wheels to better and more accurately drive heavier loads
• Low-friction Teflon bearings on azimuth adjustment to make adjustments easy under full load
• USB 2.0 port to connect directly to PC with PWI software
• Threaded power input barrel connector eliminates accidental disconnection
• Runs on included 12 VDC, 4A car/vehicle power supply

NexStar+ Hand Controller
Features:

• Intuitive menu-driven user interface
• PWI telescope control software features multi-point mount modeling for extremely precise pointing accuracy
• Nine slew speeds: 1/2x, 1x, 4x, 8x, 16x, 64x (0.3°/sec), 1.0°/sec, 2°/sec, 3°/sec
• Multiple 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

Database:

• 40,000-object database
• 200 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
• Complete Messier catalog
• Select NGC objects
• Functions
• "All-Star Polar Alignment" software allows quick and precise polar alignment without extra polar alignment accessories, apps, or other assistance
• Additional 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

Physical characteristics:

• 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

Tripod

• Stainless steel legs
• Adjustable height from 35.75" to 52.75"
• Large 2.75"-diameter leg sections provide stability and vibration reduction
• Legs can be collapsed with accessory tray installed for faster setup and transport
• Hand controller holster attaches with a hook-and-loop strap so it can be moved from leg to leg and avoid wire wrap
• Accessory tray holds 1.25 and 2" eyepieces with a smartphone stand
• Tray doubles as upper leg spreader/lock
• Lower leg spreader provides additional stability
• Weight: 46.2 lbs

CGE PRO Counterweight - 22 lb

This 22 lb/9.9 kg CGE PRO Counterweight from Celestron is designed specifically for use with their CGE PRO telescope mount.