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Questions & Answers

FAQ

What is the weight of the optical tube assembly of the CGEM II 1100, 11" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope?

The optical tube assembly of the CGEM II 1100, 11" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope weighs 27.5 lbs.

What is the light gathering power of the CGEM II 1100, 11" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope compared to other telescopes?

The CGEM II 1100, 11" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope has 89% more light gathering power than an 8" telescope and over 40% more than the 9.25".

What is the All-Star polar alignment procedure in the CGEM II 1100, 11" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope?

The All-Star polar alignment procedure allows users to choose any bright star, with the software calculating and assisting with polar alignment.

How many celestial objects does the database of the CGEM II 1100, 11" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope hold?

The CGEM II 1100, 11" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope has a robust database with over 40,000 celestial objects, 100 user-defined programmable objects, and enhanced information on over 200 objects.

What is the payload capacity of the CGEM II 1100, 11" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope?

The CGEM II 1100, 11" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope has a payload capacity of 40 lbs.

Shopper : Why Did You Choose This?MICHAEL H : biggest telescope that is still portable

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2021-07-01T08:57:29

Rated 5 out of 5

Very impressive telescope, good value, good service.

Adorama's service was excellent. They shipped it within a few days of ordering and it was received in good shape. The telescope is well designed and well made. I have been amazed at what this scope can do and I have been able to view and photograph deep sky nebulae and galaxies I have never been able to capture before. The tripod and equatorial mount are a bit heavy but very manageable when separately handled. It helps to have some basic knowledge of astronomy and telescopes to get the most out of this telescope as there is a learning curve. I would recommend this telescope for anyone who has a 'starter scope' and wishes to upgrade.

DONALD M.

2020-02-20T06:36:33

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Piece of Equipment

Well built piece of equipment. Looks exactly like in the picture. Upgrades available for the firmware (See Celestron website). The combined weight of this equipment is HEAVY!

Michael P.

2017-10-10T10:58:32

Rated 5 out of 5

great service

Your service is very very good.

AARON R.

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Celestron CGEM II Telescope Specifications

  • Optical Design

    Schmidt-Cassegrain

  • Aperture (mm)

    279.4 mm (11 in)

  • Focal Length

    2800 mm (110 in)

  • Focal Ratio

    10

  • Focal Length of Eyepiece 1 (mm)

    40 mm (1.57 in)

  • Magnification of Eyepiece 1

    70 x

  • Finderscope

    9X50

  • Star Diagonal

    2" w/ 1.25" adapter

  • Highest Useful Magnification

    660 x

  • Lowest Useful Magnification

    40 x

  • Limiting Stellar Magnitude

    14.7

  • Resolution (Rayleigh)

    0.5 arc seconds

  • Resolution (Dawes)

    0.42 arc seconds

  • Light Gathering Power

    1593 X

  • Secondary Mirror Obstruction

    3.75in (95 mm)

  • Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Diameter

    34%

  • Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Area

    12%

  • Optical Coatings

    Starbright XLT Coating

  • Optical Tube Length

    24 in (610 mm)

  • Optical Tube Weight

    27.5 lbs (12 kg)

  • Dovetail Compatibility

    CGE / CGX Mount

  • Mount Type

    Computerized Equatorial

  • Tripod

    2" Steel tripod with graduated markings on lower section

  • Dovetail Mount

    Directly connects to both CG-5 & CGE dovetail bars

  • Payload capacity

    40 lbs.

  • Latitude Adjustment Range

    15 to 70 Degree

  • Power Requirements

    12 VDC, 3.2 amps

  • Ports

    1x Hand control port, 1x Auxiliary Port, 1x Auto guider port, 1 USB 2.0 port (on hand control)

  • Motor Drive

    Low cog DC servo motors

  • Slew Speed

    9 Slew Speeds

  • Tracking Rates

    Sidereal, Solar and Lunar

  • Tracking Modes

    EQ North and EQ South

  • Alignment Procedures

    AutoAlign, 2-Star Align, Quick Align, 1-Star Align, Last Alignment, Solar System Align

  • Computerized Hand Control

    Double line, 16 character Liquid Crystal Display; 19 fiber optic backlit LED buttons, USB 2.0 port for PC c onnection

  • Database

    Database 40,000+ objects, 100 user defined programmable objects. En hanced information on over 200 objects

  • Mount Weight

    40 pounds

  • Tripod Weight

    20 pounds

  • Weight of Counterweight

    17 Pounds

  • Total Weight of Mount Kit

    77 Pounds

  • UPC Code

    050234120128

4 Accessories for Celestron CGEM II 1100, 11" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope

  • All Accessories (4)
  • Batteries & Power Supply (3)
  • Power Supplies (1)

About Celestron CGEM II Telescope

FEATURED REVIEWS

Very impressive telescope, good value, good service.

By DONALD M.

Adorama's service was excellent. They shipped it within a few days of ordering and it was received in good shape. The telescope is well designed and well made. I have been amazed at what this scope can do and I have been able to view and photograph deep sky nebulae and galaxies I have never been able to capture before. The tripod and equatorial mount are a bit heavy but very manageable when separately handled. It helps to have some basic knowledge of astronomy and telescopes to get the ...

View full Review

Great Piece of Equipment

By Michael P.

Well built piece of equipment. Looks exactly like in the picture. Upgrades available for the firmware (See Celestron website). The combined weight of this equipment is HEAVY!

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.

Celestron CGEM II Telescope Features

  • 11" Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube assembly
  • Celestron's premium StarBright XLT coatings
  • 2800 mm focal length (f/10)
  • 40 mm eyepiece included (70x)
  • Visual back allows for use with 1.25" accessories
  • 9x50 finderscope to help accurately center alignment objects
  • Star diagonal provides more comfortable viewing position when observing objects that are high in the sky
  • Includes large CGE style dovetail mounting bar

Warranty Information

This product has a limited warranty of 24 months for parts and 24 months for labor.

Product Documents

User Manual

Key Features

  • Explore deep-sky wonders with the Celestron CGEM II 1100 telescope's impressive 11-inch aperture.
  • Enjoy exceptional views with Starbright XLT coatings, maximizing light transmission for brighter images.
  • The computerized equatorial mount and NexStar hand control make celestial navigation a breeze.
  • Capture stunning astrophotos with the telescope's stable platform & autoguider port integration.
  • Observe planets and nebulae in incredible detail thanks to the powerful 70x magnification eyepiece.
  • Easily align your telescope using AutoAlign, 2-Star Align, and other convenient alignment procedures.

What's in the box:

  • 40mm 1.25" Eyepiece
  • 9X50 Finderscope
  • Finderscope Bracket
  • Visual Back (1.25")
  • 1.25" 90-Degree Mirror Diagonal
  • Dovetail Slide Bar
  • Lens Caps
  • CGEM Motorized Equatorial Telescope Mount with Tripod
  • NexStar Hand Controller
  • Counterweight Shaft
  • 17 lb Counterweight
  • Tripod
  • 2-Year USA Warranty