Celestron CGEM II EQ Mount and Tripod

CGEM II Mount: 40 lb Payload Capacity on 2" Steel Legs

The core of the CGEM II is its substantial 40 lb (18 kg) instrument capacity, making it an ideal match for Schmidt-Cassegrain tubes up to 11 inches. This capacity ensures a vibration-free view and sharp, untrailed images. The mount head attaches to a heavy-duty tripod with 2" (50.8mm) diameter steel legs, providing the rigidity needed to handle the load without flexing. Graduated markings on the lower leg sections allow for precise, repeatable height adjustments every time you set up.

NexStar+ GoTo System: 40,000+ Objects and All-Star Alignment

At the heart of the CGEM II is the proven NexStar+ computerized system. The hand controller gives you access to a database of over 40,000 celestial objects, including planets, nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. Celestron's innovative All-Star Polar Alignment procedure allows you to use any bright star to achieve an accurate polar alignment, even if you can't see Polaris, saving critical time in the field. The dual saddle plate is compatible with both narrow (CG-5) and wide (CGE) dovetail bars, allowing you to mount a wide variety of telescopes without changing hardware.

Imaging-Ready Platform: Permanent PEC and Meridian Tracking

The CGEM II is engineered for astrophotography. It features Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC), which lets you train the mount to compensate for the minor tracking inaccuracies inherent in any worm gear system; the mount then remembers this training for future sessions. For imaging objects near the meridian, the CGEM II is designed to track well past this imaginary line, preventing an automatic meridian flip from interrupting your long exposures at the most critical moment. An autoguide port is standard for connecting a guide camera for maximum tracking precision.

Ergonomic Design: Tool-Free Adjustments and Clean Setup

Celestron designed the CGEM II for ease of use in the dark. Large, ergonomic knobs for both altitude and azimuth adjustments make the polar alignment process smooth and precise without requiring tools. The internal RA and DEC motor wiring provides a clean look and, more importantly, prevents cable snags as the mount slews across the sky. This thoughtful design simplifies setup and breakdown, letting you spend more time observing and less time managing your gear.

The Celestron Lineup: CGEM II vs. Advanced VX and CGX

The CGEM II occupies a strategic position in Celestron's equatorial mount family, offering a significant upgrade in stability and capacity over the entry-level Advanced VX mount while remaining more portable than the larger CGX.

• vs. Advanced VX: The CGEM II is the logical next step for imagers who have reached the limits of the AVX's 30 lb capacity. Its 40 lb payload, heavier build, and more robust 2" tripod legs provide the extra stability needed for larger optical tubes and heavier imaging trains.
• vs. CGX: The CGX offers a higher 55 lb payload and more advanced features like internal cabling and spring-loaded worm gears. The CGEM II provides much of the same core functionality and imaging capability in a lighter, more transportable package with a 40 lb mount head compared to the CGX's 44 lbs.