Celestron CGEM II 1100, 11" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope

For astronomy enthusiasts and professional stargazers alike, the CGEM II 1100, 11" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope is a top-tier choice, offering a blend of superior performance, innovative features, and ergonomic design. This advanced telescope is equipped with Celestron's premium StarBright XLT coated optics, ensuring crystal-clear, high-contrast images of celestial bodies. The CGEM II 1100 is a lightweight yet robust telescope, with the optical tube assembly weighing a mere 27.5 lbs. Despite its portability, it boasts an impressive 89% more light gathering power than an 8" telescope, and over 40% more than the 9.25".

This makes it an ideal tool for both amateur and professional astronomers seeking to explore the dark skies in detail. The redesigned CGEM II computerized equatorial mount is a standout feature of this telescope. It's capable of securely holding Celestron's higher-end SCT optical tubes (up to 11"), providing a vibration-free platform that's perfect for long exposure photography with optional CCD cameras or other photographic equipment. The CGEM II 1100 is not just about power and performance; it's also designed for user-friendly operation. The large Altitude and Azimuth adjustment knobs allow for quick and easy polar alignment adjustment, while the internal RA and DEC motor wiring ensures a clean look and trouble-free setup.

Innovation is at the heart of the CGEM II series, featuring Celestron's unique All-Star polar alignment procedure. This allows users to choose any bright star, with the software calculating and assisting with polar alignment. Additionally, the Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PEC) lets users train out the worm gears' periodic errors, while the mount retains the PEC recordings. The CGEM II 1100 also offers seamless tracking for objects near the Meridian, ensuring uninterrupted imaging through the most ideal part of the sky. With a robust database of over 40, 000 objects, 100 user-defined programmable objects, and enhanced information on over 200 objects, this telescope is a treasure trove for celestial exploration.

The CGEM II mount is a perfect blend of portability and precision, bridging the gap between the Advanced Series and CGE Series. It features a 40 lbs payload capacity, dual-fit Vixen/CG-5 and Losmandy/CGE dovetail saddle, and 2" steel legs with height index marks for quick leveling. The telescope also comes with a USB 2.0 port on the hand control for direct links to a PC via ASCOM supported software, internal cabling throughout for worry-free remote operation, and a low cog DC Servo motor with integrated optical encoders for smooth, quiet operation.

The CGEM II 1100, 11" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope is a testament to Celestron's commitment to innovation, performance, and user-friendly design, making it a valuable tool for anyone passionate about exploring the cosmos.