Under the umbrella of mid-level telescopes, the Advanced VX 6" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope stands out as a game-changer. This telescope, a product of Celestron, offers a plethora of features typically found on high-end German equatorial mounts, but at a fraction of the cost. This makes it an ideal choice for both astroimagers and visual observers seeking a portable yet powerful alternative to the standard reflector or refractor telescopes. The Advanced VX 6" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope boasts a 6" optical tube, providing a remarkable 40% more light gathering ability compared to a 5" telescope.
Its unique Schmidt-Cassegrain design effectively eliminates chromatic aberration, making it a perfect entry point for those venturing into astroimaging. The Advanced VX mount is engineered to deliver superior performance, leveraging Celestron's most innovative technologies. These include All-Star Polar Alignment, Celestron PWI telescope control software, SkyAlign, and permanently programmable periodic error correction (PPEC). Whether you're an experienced imager seeking a portable mount for dark sky sites, or a beginner in astroimaging, the Advanced VX is designed to meet your needs and grow with you. The Advanced VX is the smallest of Celestron's German equatorial mounts, featuring computerized GoTo capability for automatic tracking of celestial objects across the night sky.
The mount is equipped with ports for a hand control, an autoguider, and two AUX ports for optional accessories. The NexStar+ hand control provides easy access to all the mount's functions, with automatic slewing and menu descriptions that make mastering this mount a breeze, regardless of your astronomy experience level. The Advanced VX also features a robust tripod for its class, with 2" diameter steel tripod legs offering an extra-wide stance for enhanced stability. The payload capacity of the Advanced VX is an impressive 30 lbs, providing a sturdy platform for any of the Advanced VX optical tubes, even when used with optional accessories like StarSense AutoAlign, Focus Motor, a finderscope, and a camera.
As of early 2019, Advanced VX mounts now include a dual saddle plate that accommodates both CG-5 and CGE-style dovetail, making it compatible with virtually any optical tube within its weight limit. The Advanced VX 6" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope comes with Celestron PWI (CPWI), the most advanced astronomy software suite available with any consumer-grade telescope. Developed in collaboration with the engineers at PlaneWave Instruments, CPWI offers an all-in-one solution with features used on observatory-class telescopes. Your purchase also includes a free download of Celestron's Starry Night Special Edition Software, an advanced tool by Simulation Curriculum that provides detailed information about celestial objects and helps you plan your next observing or imaging session.
This software also allows you to control your telescope via computer.