Celestron Maksutov telescope MC 180/2700 CGEM II 700 GoTo (61738)

Maksutov telescopes are compact and portable, making them ideal for travel and outdoor use. Their enclosed optics and collimation stability ensure durability and robustness. Despite their small size, Maksutovs feature a long focal length, making them excellent for observing the Moon and planets. However, their field of view is narrower compared to achromatic refractor telescopes. When equipped with an Amici prism, Maksutovs are also well-suited for nature observation and photography.

Maksutov-Cassegrain vs. Schmidt-Cassegrain:
The Maksutov-Cassegrain (Mak) is a catadioptric telescope that combines lenses and mirrors in its optical design. Light passes through the corrector lens to the primary mirror, reflects back to a spherical secondary mirror, and then reaches the eyepiece. Maks produce bright, sharp images with virtually no chromatic aberration. Unlike Schmidt-Cassegrains, Maks feature a reflective "secondary spot" applied directly to the inside of the corrector plate instead of a traditional secondary mirror. This design reduces the need for frequent collimation and provides high-contrast views due to the smaller secondary obstruction.

One consideration with Maksutov telescopes is that their heavier corrector plates take longer to cool down and adjust to ambient air temperature compared to Schmidt-Cassegrains of similar aperture.

Additional Features:
Celestron SC optics allow the secondary mirror to be replaced with a Hyperstar optic, transforming the telescope into a Schmidt camera with a fast aperture ratio. However, this modification is not possible with Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes due to their integrated secondary spot design.

CGEM II Mount

The CGEM II mount is an upgraded version of Celestron’s popular CGEM mount, offering improved ergonomics, dual dovetail compatibility (Losmandy and Vixen standards), a USB port, and a sturdier tripod. It is designed for astrophotography and can support OTAs up to 11 inches (279mm) in aperture. The mount is also compatible with refractors and medium-sized Newtonian telescopes.

The dual saddle clamp securely holds telescopes without damaging the dovetail rail. The mount features All-Star Polar Alignment, allowing alignment using any star without requiring a polar finder or direct visibility of Polaris. With its advanced tracking capabilities and large celestial database, the CGEM II is ideal for astrophotography enthusiasts.

Additional Advantages of the CGEM II:

• Marked tripod legs for consistent height adjustment

• All-Star Polar Alignment for easy setup without Polaris visibility

• Large celestial database including deep-sky objects, double stars, and solar system objects

• Permanently Programmable Periodic Error Correction (PPEC)

• Backlit hand controller with USB port for firmware updates and PC connectivity

• Meridian tracking up to 30° for uninterrupted long-exposure astrophotography

The CGEM II sits between Celestron’s AVX and CGX mounts in terms of capacity and performance. It provides an excellent balance of carrying capacity, advanced features, and affordability, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced astrophotographers.

Specifications:

Optics:

• Type: Reflector

• Type of Build: Maksutov-Cassegrain

• Aperture: 180 mm

• Focal Length: 2700 mm

• Aperture Ratio (f/): 15

• Resolving Capacity: 0.77 arcseconds

• Limiting Magnitude: 13 mag

• Light-Gathering Capacity: 660x compared to the naked eye

• Maximum Useful Magnification: 360x

Tube:

• Material: Aluminum

• Length: 572 mm

• Weight: 8.6 kg

• Diameter: 222 mm

Reflector:

• Secondary Mirror Obstruction (%): 22%

• Secondary Mirror Diameter: 39.9 mm

Focuser:

• Gear Reduction: No

• Connection to Eyepiece: 2 inches

Mount:

• Type of Build: Equatorial (CGEM II)

• GoTo Control: Yes

• Polar Elevation Setting Range: 15°–70°

• Motors: Servomotors with encoders

Tripod:

• Material: Steel tripod with 51mm diameter legs

• Weight: 9 kg

GoTo System:

• Software Included: NexStar+ Hand Controller with USB connectivity

• Alignment Methods: 2-Star Align, Quick Align, Solar System Align, Last Alignment, etc.

• Database: Over 40,000 celestial objects

Included Accessories:

• Counterweights: 1 × 7.7 kg

• Finder Scope: 8×50 finder scope

• Eyepiece: 28mm (2-inch format)

• Deviating Optics: 2", 90° star diagonal

• Cigarette Lighter Adapter: Yes

General Information:

• Series: CGEM II

• Total Weight (Mount + Tripod): 41 kg

• Load Capacity: Up to 18 kg

Applications:

• Moon & Planets: Excellent performance

• Nebulae & Galaxies: Yes

• Nature Observation: Not recommended

• Astrophotography: Yes (suitable for advanced users)

• Sun Observation: Not recommended (requires appropriate solar filter)

Recommended Use: This telescope is suitable for both beginners and advanced users looking for high-quality optics and robust astrophotography capabilities but is not designed for observatory-level applications.

Manufacturer Details:
The CGEM II telescope system offers exceptional performance for astronomers seeking reliable equipment with advanced features at an affordable price point.