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Celestron Advanced VX 6" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph Telescope

SKU: CN12036 MFR: 12036
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Key Features

  • Capture stunning astrophotos with the 6" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph telescope.
  • Enjoy exceptional optical quality with StarBright XLT coatings for brighter, clearer views.
  • Computerized equatorial mount ensures stable tracking for long-exposure astrophotography.
  • Large 6" aperture gathers ample light for detailed observations of faint celestial objects.
  • Easily locate over 40,000 celestial objects with the NexStar+ hand control database.
  • Integrated cooling fan reduces thermal currents, ensuring sharp images for astronomy.
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On Backorder?Expected Availability: 10/2025
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Questions & Answers

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2025-01-07T22:23:56

Rated 5 out of 5

Awesome mount!

Love the mount! Easy to set up.

JUAN A.

2024-04-24T08:51:38

Rated 5 out of 5

Great mount

Very great product works well. Shipping was fast. I am truly impressed with this mount.

GEORGE M.

2023-03-05T16:37:40

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Mount

Easy to set up and use. Very happy.

Ken M.

2023-02-17T06:20:06

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Mount

Purchased to take advantage of increased weight capacity. Easy to use, works great. Weight is easily manageable. Very happy.

Ken M.

2023-01-06T07:08:44

Rated 5 out of 5

GREAT MOUNT FOR VISUAL OR IMAGING USE!

I purchased 3 AVX mounts along with several larger for heavier scopes. I needed more counterweights since this will hold a C11" and works well with that mount for visual use. It is superb with an 9.25" either visually or photographically. There is a post on FB SCTs that shows what a C9.25 and the AVX are capable of, suggest you check it out! And it was not the HD EDGE it was the XLT version, loses nothing photographically to the HD...interesting. I put a C9.25 on one of my AVX mounts and the damp time at 427x was only .5 seconds...this is sturdy! Alright, I put the SkySync GPS module on this and others, fabulous addition. A must have in my opinion. I like the AVX over the CGEMs that I have for three reasons, lighter weight but still very capable, the bearings in the DEC axis are sealed while in the CGEM (II) they are open to dust. There is a little friction in the axis that some might find objectionable, not so when loaded with a scope and it means that you can retain balance when switching eyepieces, e.g. a light 1 1/4" to a heavy 2". With the CGEMs it throws the entire balance off. I also added the Polar axis optical finder...it's great. If I set any mount up with a solid level and perfect polar alignment the gotos are perfect if I do a 2 star + a calibration star or two. Overall this mount is superb for imaging right up to a C9.25. Imagers would only want to put an 80mm APO on this but that's untrue. This IS a very capable mount! So, are there any takeaways? Yes...there is no level built into the mount. I made my own, see attached images and it works beautifully. Celestron needs to add a bubble level to the AVX. There are no other faults. The hand controller is more intuitive than the SkyWatcher controller. I have those mounts/controls as well and one must verify the GoTo several times before the scope will actually slew to the object, redundant. If you are in the market for a good mount that has a lot going for it then by all means the AVX is a great mount. Adorama sales are tops in the business as well!

BOB C.

2022-10-31T09:15:25

Rated 5 out of 5

Perfect mount

Perfect mount, been enjoying it immensely.

Jules C.

2022-10-31T09:14:54

Rated 5 out of 5

Perfection

Perfect mount, even at higher price. We?ve been struggling with a bad mount for several years. Finally decided to purchase this one and what a joy it?s been! Don?t hesitate and get it!

Jules C.

2022-10-25T13:02:46

Rated 4 out of 5

Good mount. Beware loose dec port inputs.

Good advanced mount. Easy to use and fairly lightweight for portability, recommend it over the CGEM2 mount for that reason for smaller tubes. Beware though the inputs for the declination motor control to motor are VERY loose. I returned one thinking the motor was faulty but it turns out the input was just loose enough to cut out when turning. Replacement has the same problem but not as bad. Feels odd to stick some tape on such a spendy mount.

Alexander G.

2022-02-08T08:53:38

Rated 5 out of 5

Celestron Advanced Mount

I upgraded my mount from a celestron evolution mount because I wanted to the ability to add a guide camera. The tracking is very steady, allowing for excellent images.

LAMONT B.

2022-01-31T11:01:07

Rated 5 out of 5

Thanks

Awesome mount, love it

David F.

2021-12-29T19:21:33

Rated 5 out of 5

Gateway to the sky

Easy to use. Satisfaction guaranteed with this purchase

Konstantinos B.

2021-12-04T07:18:24

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Lightweight Mount!

Perfect mount for my Lunt 60mm solar telescope.

James P.

2021-11-23T08:43:42

Rated 5 out of 5

Better than expected

love it got some nice Orion Nebula photos on my first try. Didn't expect that much but on the first try wow what a difference Thank you for shipping it quick so I can enjoy the night sky

Paul J.

2021-11-23T08:37:52

Rated 5 out of 5

VX mount

very well built, easy to interface with laptop once you download software

william s.

2021-11-10T07:36:42

Rated 5 out of 5

Avx to replace Evo

I purchased the Celestron AVX to replace my Celestron evo. So far it is working well. It is helpful to be able to easily polar line. This mount is slightly heavier than the evo mount slightly more work to set it up and more stable.

DAVID M.

2021-11-02T09:25:45

Rated 5 out of 5

Great mount

Excellent mount for my Celestron 8 se and accessories.

RAUL L.

2021-10-18T09:49:15

Rated 4 out of 5

VX mount

Works just fine so far, used it only 2x due to weather conditions. Looking forward to many nights and days for planetary and solar viewing!

David S.

2021-10-15T08:51:26

Rated 3 out of 5

Tripod with electric drive - lacks appropriate power supply.

Totally frustrated that the power supply for the drive is only designed to be plugged into a automobile cigarette lighter. There was no power brick to plug into line power. Kind of ridiculous. Rest of package was as expected.

MICHAEL K.

2021-10-15T08:49:15

Rated 5 out of 5

6" Refractor with kit

Great package. Could use with clearer instructions for setup, especially related to eyepieces.

MICHAEL K.

2021-09-02T11:43:05

Rated 4 out of 5

Great Mount

Excellent mount. Very easy to assemble. It's pretty heavy assembled but I'm able to move it pretty easy and don't have to take the head off the tripod.

C M.

2021-06-20T09:13:32

Rated 5 out of 5

Gracias

Gracias muy buenos el producto

FRANCISCO G.

2021-06-20T09:11:34

Rated 5 out of 5

Gracias

Gracias muy bueno el producto

FRANCISCO G.

2021-04-29T08:39:02

Rated 5 out of 5

Great quality

Great quality however I need to use it moving to Florida

JAMES D.

2021-04-07T13:25:50

Rated 4 out of 5

AVX Mount minus telescope.

The mount looks really good. However your online advertisement was a little misleading. Your ad still states that you are expecting these kits to come into your warehouse any day now. The same thing it said when I purchased the whole kit in mid march. The telescope is on backorder and from indications in talking with other telescope outlets it could be 2-6 months. So it is very hard to tell you how the mount works when the essential piece of the kit is backordered. It is hard to recommend something that I have not received yet.

RICHARD C.

2021-03-27T17:50:17

Rated 5 out of 5

Adorama Offers Great Service.

The AVX mount is even more substantial in weight, strength, and stability than I expected. It has plenty of capacity for my 8? SCT along with guide scope and other accessories. I added an extra counterweight for balanced slewing which it does smoothly. Couldn?t be happier with the service from Adorama and the speed at getting the product to me.

ROBERT M.

2021-03-19T10:28:07

Rated 5 out of 5

AVX mount for 8” HD SCT

Extremely sturdy, 30 lbs max capacity. Haven’t powered it on yet, still waiting on the OTA. I did get the polar scope and aligning it was a piece of cake.

matthew e.

2021-03-19T09:04:22

Rated 5 out of 5

A+

Great mount, timely delivery can’t wait for the ITS to be delivered.

matthew e.

2021-01-28T12:01:12

Rated 5 out of 5

very impressed

was somewhat skeptical with all the scopes on the market so went with the advanced vx mount with 8'' newtonion and i must say one of the best scopes i have ever used . once polar aligned tracking is spot on with the star sense auto align very pleased with my purchase.

Kennedy J.

2021-01-27T10:58:53

Rated 5 out of 5

Perfect flattener for Versa 108 ED APO

Great product. Back focus of 55mm works perfectly with it (hard to find that documented anywhere).

CHRIS I.

2021-01-24T06:47:40

Rated 5 out of 5

great low cost GEM

Great light weight low cost versatile mount

James H.

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Celestron Advanced VX Specifications

Optical Tube Info

Optical Tube Info

Jump to...
  • Material

    Aluminum

  • Optical Design

    Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph

  • Aperture

    5.98" (152mm)

  • Focal Length

    13.18" (335mm)

  • Focal Ratio

    f/2.2

  • Central obstruction diameter

    3.03" (77mm) (46% of aperture diameter)

  • Light Gathering Power

    472x (Compared to human eye)

  • Resolution

    Rayleigh: 0.91 arc seconds
    Dawes: 0.76 arc seconds

  • Image Circle

    0.63" (16mm) , 2.74 Degree

  • Useable field

    0.86" (22mm) , 3.76 Degree , only minimal performance loss at edge of FOV

  • Wavelength range

    400 - 700nm

  • Spot size

    < 1.5 microm RMS across image circle

  • Optical Coatings

    StarBright XLT

  • Off-axis Illumination

    91% at 0.31" (8mm) off-axis

  • Back focus with included camera adapter

    0.69" (17.5mm)

  • Focuser

    Standard Schmidt-Cassegrain focuser

  • Finderscope

    Not included

  • Other Features

    Air-cooling system, integrated filter mount

  • Dovetail

    CG-5 Dovetail Bar

  • Filter Drawer

    Accept 2" format filters, includes 1.25" filter adapter

  • Clear Filter

    2" filter, removable, AR coatings, 2mm glass thickness

  • Cooling Fan

    12V DC, MagLev

  • Camera Mounting Threads

    M42

  • Dimensions (Dia. X L)

    7 x 24" (177.8 x 609.6mm)

  • Weight

    8.4 lbs (3.8kg)

Mount Info

Jump to...
  • Mount Type

    Computerized Equatorial

  • Instrument load capacity

    30 lbs (13.6 kg)

  • Height adjustment range

    44 - 64" (1118 - 1626mm) (includes mount and tripod)

  • Tripod Leg Diameter

    2" (50.8mm) Stainless Steel

  • Latitude adjustment range

    7 Degree - 77 Degree

  • Accessory Tray

    Yes

  • Slew Speeds

    9 slew speeds - max speed 4 Degree /second

  • Tracking Rates

    Sidereal, Solar and Lunar

  • Tracking Modes

    EQ North and EQ South

  • Dovetail Compatibility

    Dual saddle plates (CG-5 and CGE saddle)

  • Number of Auxiliary Ports

    3 AUX Ports (1 hand control and 2 AUX Ports for optional accessories)

  • Autoguide Port

    Yes

  • USB Port

    Yes, input on Hand Control

  • Power Requirements

    12V DC 3.5A (tip positive)

  • Motor Drive

    DC servo motors

  • Alignment Procedures

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

  • Periodic Error Correction

    Yes

  • Computerized Hand Control

    NexStar+ hand control with LCD display, 19 fiber-optic backlit LED buttons

  • NexStar+ Database

    40,000+ objects, 100 user defined programmable objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects

  • Software

    Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software, CPWI, and SkyPortal App

  • Solar Warning

    Never look directly at the Sun with the naked eye or with an optic (unless you have the proper solar filter). Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result
    Never use your optic to project an image of the Sun onto any surface. Internal heat build-up can damage the optic and any accessories attached to it

  • Solar Warning (Contd.)

    Never leave your optic unsupervised. Make sure an adult who is familiar with the correct operating procedures is with your optic at all times, especially when children are present

  • Weight

    Tripod: 18 lbs (8.16kg)
    Mount Head: 17 lbs (7.71kg)
    Total Kit: 55.4 lbs (25.13kg)

Battery

Jump to...
  • Battery Info

    Required, included

  • Battery Material

    Lithium ion

  • Battery Type

    Non-universal

  • Battery Quantity

    1

  • UPC Code

    050234120364

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About Celestron Advanced VX

FEATURED REVIEWS

I bought it as a replacement for my old C8 to go with a C9.25 SCT, and I love it

By Josef P.

I bought it as a replacement for my old C8 to go with a C9.25 SCT, and I love it. GoTo beats the old system, and I mainly bought this configuration because no component weighs over about 20 pounds, so I can handle it by myself at 75. The second counterweight included by Adorama is needed for the 9.25, because the first one is barely enough for the scope alone without any other gear in the business end. After a few tries, I could take it down and stow everything for storage or travel mostly...

View full Review

Spectacular value for the price

By harrytraver

The mount is rock solid. Finish quality is very high. The cell and focuser are metal. The GOTO system is the most advanced yet with loads of extra features for visual observations and CCD imaging. So far, three star alignments center my targets in a 32 or 24 mm eyepiece to, at least, the manual's claimed 10 arc minute accuracy. The optical tube has a 2-1/2 second damp time from a sharp tap despite the tube's great moment arm. Field weight is 75lbs assembled. Tube 19lbs., Mount 16lbs. Tripod 1...

View full Review

Meet the Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) 6-a compact powerhouse that delivers spectacular astroimages, anywhere. Engineered with ultra-fast f/2.2 optics, the smallest member of the RASA family proves that you don't have to sacrifice performance for portability. Whether you're chasing dark skies in remote locations or elevating your backyard setup, RASA 6 opens the door to new possibilities.

RASA Performance for Everyone
For astrophotographers who demand speed, precision, and convenience in a compact package, the 6" RASA is the ultimate tool. Its f/2.2 design dramatically shortens exposure times, making it easier to capture crisp, detailed images of faint deep-sky objects without the heavy burden of extended tracking.

Since RASA technology debuted in 2014, it has become the trusted choice for space surveillance and satellite tracking, relied upon by defense contractors, professional researchers, and governments alike. Like its bigger brothers, RASA 6 features a flat field for sharp stars from edge to edge. With RASA 6, you get the same technology trusted by the pros, but at a price that's within reach for most, including those looking to add a second grab-and-go astrograph to their arsenal.

RASA 6 defies the limitations of smaller and slower instruments. It collects more light and provides higher resolution than the refractors in its price range, allowing you to capture faint details in galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters in less time.

Shorter Exposures for a "Near-Real Time" Experience
The magic of RASA 6 is in its speed. Its blazing f/2.2 optics mean that even faint objects can be imaged in short exposures. When paired with sensitive cameras and live-stacking software on your laptop, you can create an almost real-time imaging experience. Bright, detailed images appear on your laptop screen in just a few short exposures.

The system's ultra-fast focal ratio also eases the tracking demands on your mount. Since it allows using much shorter sub-exposures, you won't need to use an autoguider in many instances, so you'll spend less time dealing with equipment and more time exploring the universe.

RASA Optical Design: Engineering Excellence
The patented Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt optical design sets RASA 6 apart from other systems. This design features:

• A Schmidt corrector and a high-precision primary mirror that work in tandem to minimize optical aberrations
• A specialized three-element lens group using rare-earth glass, which ensures that more of the light emitted from celestial objects is sharply focused onto your sensor
• A removable 2" clear filter - engineered to maintain peak f/2.2 performance when you add a filter, as no extra glass is added into the light path
• StarBright XLT coating system for all refractive and reflective surfaces, guaranteeing maximum light transmission and superior field illumination
• The RASA optical design provides better overall performance and field illumination than a Schmidt-Cassegrain in the Fastar-style configuration
• Can be used with sensors up to 22mm diagonal to provide a wide 3.8 Degree while delivering sub-arcsecond resolution

Advanced Features & Versatility
Designed with the modern astroimager in mind, RASA 6 is loaded with features that enhance usability and adaptability:

Built-in Filter System
The integrated filter drawer accepts both 1.25" and 2" filters, giving you the flexibility to use various imaging filters. The removable 2" clear filter (i.e. optical window) allows you to add optional filters if desired, without introducing additional glass into the optical path that could compromise performance at f/2.2.

Integrated Cooling System
A 12V MagLev fan pulls air through mesh vents to rapidly cool the system to the ambient temperature to provide best images while keeping internal components dust-free.

M42 Camera adapter
The included camera adapter for the RASA 6 features standard M42 threads, making it easy to mount a wide variety of astronomical CMOS cameras.

Enhance your setup
To achieve the highest level of performance, we strongly recommend pairing this telescope with the Focus Motor, 6" Aluminum Dew Shield, 6" Dew Ring, and 6" RASA bag (all sold separately). The Focus Motor allows you to achieve sharp, precise focus electronically from the same computer used to control your camera. For dew prevention during long imaging sessions, the dew shield or dew ring will help keep your optics clear, especially in humid conditions. When your telescope is not in use, store your RASA in this protected, portable, grab-and-go case.

Advanced VX Mount & Intelligent Control
The RASA 6 is perfectly paired with the Advanced VX mount, Celestron's smallest and most versatile GoTo German equatorial mount. This mount is engineered to deliver:

Rock-Solid Stability
With a payload capacity of up to 30 lb, Advanced VX is a rigid, stable platform even when loaded with additional accessories like StarSense Autoguider (for long sub-exposures), dew prevention, or a focus motor.

Innovative Control Features
Equipped with All-Star Polar Alignment and permanently programmable periodic error correction (PPEC), the Advanced VX mount makes aligning and tracking effortless.

Its computerized GoTo capability, accessible via the NexStar+ hand control, lets you quickly locate and track celestial objects with intuitive menu-driven operations-ideal both beginners and experienced astronomers alike.

Together, the RASA 6 and Advanced VX form a synergistic system capable of delivering high-quality images in a truly portable design.

CPWI Software Integration
Every advanced imaging system needs equally advanced software, and this kit comes with Celestron PWI Telescope Control Software-a comprehensive software solution co-developed with PlaneWave Instruments. With CPWI, you gain:

• A graphical planetarium interface featuring PointXP advanced mount modeling, allowing you to add over 100 alignment points for pinpoint accuracy
• Seamless integration with ASCOM, providing control of your Advanced VX mount from a wide range of third-party applications
• Features perfect for observatory setups, such as saving and reloading your alignment and automatically parking your scope

A Universe of Possibilities in a Compact Package
The Advanced VX 6" RASA offers the perfect blend of speed, precision, and portability. Its game-changing optical design and robust mechanical features empower you to capture the night sky like never before. Embrace a grab-and-go astrograph that opens up a big, boundless universe.

Lightning-Fast Imaging
RASA's legendary ultra-fast f/2.2 optics let you capture deep-sky images with briefer sub-exposures and less total exposure time -often eliminating the need for autoguiding.

Mobile But Mighty
Weighing just 8.4 lb and featuring a versatile CG-5 dovetail, the RASA 6 is ready to image wherever you are.

Sub-Arcsecond Potential
With advanced optics capable of sub-arcsecond resolution, RASA 6 perfectly pairs with a high-resolution camera and favorable sky conditions to reveal fine structures in galaxies and nebulae.

Expansive Field of View
Designed for sensors up to 22mm diagonal, RASA 6 offers a generous 3.8 Degree view that effortlessly frames wide celestial targets.

Maximized Light Throughput
Celestron's proprietary XLT coatings ensure every image bursts with brightness and contrast.

Convenience & Customization
With built-in features like a filter drawer and cooling fan-and optional upgrades-RASA 6 adapts to your evolving astroimaging needs.

Advanced VX Mount
The perfect platform for RASA 6, this capable and portable German equatorial mount delivers rock-solid stability, precise tracking, and robust support for payloads up to 30 lb.

Celestron Advanced VX Features

  • Ultra-fast f/2.2 optics reduce exposure time for deep-sky imaging
  • Compact 6" astrograph delivers pro-level results in a portable form
  • Sub-arcsecond resolution reveals fine galactic and nebular structures
  • 3.8 Degree wide field easily frames large celestial objects in one shot
  • XLT coatings boost light transmission for brighter, sharper images
  • Built-in filter drawer supports 1.25" and 2" imaging filters
  • Quiet MagLev fan rapidly cools optics and prevents internal dust buildup
  • Advanced VX mount offers rock-solid stability and GoTo precision
  • CPWI software integration enables advanced modeling and remote control
  • Optimized for CMOS cameras with included M42 adapter compatibility

Warranty Information

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

Product Documents

User Manual

Key Features

  • Capture stunning astrophotos with the 6" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph telescope.
  • Enjoy exceptional optical quality with StarBright XLT coatings for brighter, clearer views.
  • Computerized equatorial mount ensures stable tracking for long-exposure astrophotography.
  • Large 6" aperture gathers ample light for detailed observations of faint celestial objects.
  • Easily locate over 40,000 celestial objects with the NexStar+ hand control database.
  • Integrated cooling fan reduces thermal currents, ensuring sharp images for astronomy.

What's in the box:

  • Celestron Advanced VX 6" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph Telescope
  • 42mm (1.65") T-Thread Camera Adapter
  • Fan Battery Pack
  • Filter Drawer with 2" Clear Filter
  • Celestron 2 Year Limited Warranty