Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope SC 235/2350 CPC 925 GoTo (21534)

Despite its long focal length, this telescope features a short optical tube assembly (OTA), making it compact and highly portable. Light enters through an aspherically figured Schmidt corrector plate, is directed onto a spherical primary mirror, and then reflected to a secondary mirror. The secondary mirror redirects the light back through a central hole in the primary mirror to the focuser at the bottom of the OTA. This closed system prevents air turbulence, ensuring stable imaging and protecting the optics from dust. The Schmidt corrector plate is multi-coated, delivering bright, high-contrast images with minimal stray light.

Performance and Versatility
This telescope offers excellent image quality with high contrast and sharp definition, making it ideal for planetary observation. Its Schmidt-Cassegrain design is versatile, suitable for both visual observation and astrophotography, with a wide range of optional accessories available. It can also be used for occasional terrestrial observation, such as birdwatching. With an aperture ratio of f/10, it is well-suited for astrophotography. The main mirror focusing mechanism provides a large focus range, allowing compatibility with most common accessories. Pre-loaded ball bearings reduce "mirror shift," a common issue in simpler designs. High-quality materials like CNC-milled aluminum, cast steel, and stainless steel ensure durability while keeping the weight low, eliminating the need for heavy mounts.

Key Optical Features:

• Long focal length with a compact OTA

• Lightweight aluminum construction

• High-quality XLT multi-coating

• Closed system for dust protection

• Pre-loaded ball bearings to minimize mirror shift

Celestron CPC Mount
The CPC series telescopes are mounted on sturdy cast aluminum fork mounts. While the telescope tube cannot be swapped out, this design enhances portability by eliminating the need for heavy counterweights. The compact size and quick setup process make it highly user-friendly. Setup involves leveling the tripod with its built-in spirit level, attaching the fork mount using spring-loaded screws, and powering on the system.

SkyAlign Technology
The built-in 16-channel GPS receiver provides precise location, date, and time information. For alignment (SkyAlign), users simply point the telescope at three bright celestial objects (e.g., stars, planets, or the Moon) without needing to identify them. The telescope calculates its orientation by comparing these objects to its internal database using up to 120,000 operations in seconds. Once aligned, over 40,000 celestial objects become accessible in its database. Users can also save up to 100 custom objects in memory.

The system offers recommendations based on current conditions and displays detailed information about selected objects on its remote control. When paired with an optional equatorial wedge, advanced features like All-Star Polar Alignment allow precise polar alignment without requiring a view of Polaris.

CPC Mount Features:

• Quiet operation with large gears and quick-lock coupling

• Autoguider and PC connectivity

• SkyAlign: Align using three celestial objects without prior knowledge of their names

• Over 40,000 database objects with 100 customizable entries

• Ergonomic design for portability and ease of use

• Permanent periodic error correction (PEC) with optional equatorial wedge for astrophotography

Sturdy Tripod Design
The CPC telescope includes a robust tripod with stainless steel legs and a cast aluminum accessory shelf/tripod spreader for added stability. Spring-loaded screws and a central locking mechanism ensure quick setup. The tripod is height-adjustable for comfortable observations while seated or standing.

Specifications:

Optics:
Type: Reflector (Schmidt-Cassegrain)
Aperture: 235 mm
Focal Length: 2350 mm (f/10)
Resolving Capacity: 0.49 arcseconds
Limiting Magnitude: 13.7 mag
Light Gathering Power: 1130x compared to the human eye
Maximum Useful Magnification: 470x

Focuser:
Type: SC thread with 1.25" eyepiece connection

Mount:
Type: CPC azimuthal mount with GoTo control
Tracking Speeds: Multiple options (64x to 0.5x sidereal speed)

Power Requirements:
Voltage: 12V DC (900 mA consumption)

GoTo System:
Software: NexStar with SkyAlign alignment method
Database: Over 40,000 objects (supports German, English, French, Spanish, Italian languages)

Tripod:
Material: Stainless steel legs with adjustable height

Included Accessories:
Eyepiece: Plössl 40 mm (1.25")
Finder Scope: 8x50 finder scope for locating objects easily
Star Diagonal: 1.25", 90° diagonal

General Information:
Total Weight: 38.6 kg (including mount and tripod)
Series: CPC series telescopes

Applications:
This telescope is suitable for astrophotography, lunar/planetary observation, nature observation (e.g., birdwatching), and deep-sky exploration of nebulae and galaxies. However, solar observation is not recommended unless using an appropriate solar filter.

Recommended For:
Ideal for beginners and advanced users due to its ease of use and advanced features but not intended for permanent observatory setups.