Celestron CGX Equatorial 1100 HD Telescope

EdgeHD Optics: A 42mm Flat-Field Aplanatic System

The core of this system is the 11" EdgeHD optical tube, an aplanatic Schmidt-Cassegrain designed to produce aberration-free images across a wide photographic field. Two small corrector lenses in the light path reduce more than off-axis coma, giving an astrograph-quality flat focal plane across a 42mm field, more than three times flatter than a standard Schmidt-Cassegrain.

With a limiting stellar magnitude of 14 and a Dawes resolution of 0.42 arc seconds, every EdgeHD should resolve double stars to the Dawes limit, and StarBright XLT coatings on every surface give maximum light throughput.

Imaging at f/10, with a 0.7x Reducer, and at f/2

At its native f/10, you get the image scale to capture the smallest deep-sky objects. The optional 0.7x reducer for the EdgeHD 1100 (#94241) widens the field without sacrificing optical performance, and a Barlow adds power for planetary, lunar and solar imaging.

The system is also Fastar-compatible, offering a third, ultra-fast configuration. The secondary mirror can be removed and replaced with a third-party lens accessory for ultra-fast f/2 wide-field imaging.

Imaging-Focused Tube Design: Mirror Clutches and Cooling Vents

The EdgeHD optical tube incorporates mechanical features designed for long-exposure astrophotography. Flexible tension clutches hold the primary mirror securely in place after focusing, minimizing image shift that can occur as the telescope tracks across the sky. Once engaged, these clutches support the mirror without putting pressure on the assembly, keeping the image centered on the sensor.

To ensure the optics perform at their best, cooling vents on the rear cell allow hot air to escape from behind the primary mirror. Each vent has an integrated 50-mesh filter that lets warm air out without letting dust in.

CGX Mount: A 55 lb Capacity Belt-Driven Platform

The CGX is Celestron's equatorial backbone for a wide range of telescopes. It carries 55 lbs (25 kg); the optical tube weighs 28 lbs. Its design goals included a lower profile head for a more compact, more stable setup, a better drive system, home and limit optical sensors for remote operation, easier polar alignment adjustments and better cable management. The tripod has 2" steel legs.

• Instrument Load Capacity (55 lbs): Carries the 28 lb optical tube with room for accessories.
• Latitude Adjustment Range (3° to 65°): Set with the altitude adjustment knob and scale.
• Dual Dovetail Saddle: The versatile saddle plate is compatible with both CGE and CG-5 style dovetail bars.

NexStar+ and CPWI: 40,000+ Objects and PC Control

Locating and tracking targets is managed by the proven NexStar+ hand controller and the powerful Celestron PWI (CPWI) software. The internal database contains over 40,000 objects, with 2-Star, 1-Star, Solar System, Quick and Last Alignment routines. The mount has an autoguide port and two AUX ports for accessories.

CPWI runs on a PC connected to the mount's USB port and offers multi-point mount modeling. The mount also has periodic error correction.

Astrograph-Ready: 146.05mm Back Focus and Autoguider Support

The EdgeHD 1100 is designed as a serious imaging platform. The optical system is optimized for a specific back focus distance of 146.05mm (5.75") from the rear cell's 3.29"-16 tpi male threads. This is a generous back focus.

The CGX mount provides the necessary support for precise, long-exposure work. An autoguide port takes a guide camera, and the motors drive the worm gears through a belt drive.

Visual Observing at 660x and System Portability

EdgeHD gives aberration-free images across a wide visual field as well. The highest useful magnification is 660x. The included 23mm eyepiece provides 122x magnification, and the 2" star diagonal offers comfortable viewing angles. The 9x50 finderscope makes locating objects simple.

The total kit weight is 124.2 lbs, but the system breaks down into manageable components for transport. The 28 lb optical tube, 44 lb mount head, and 19.2 lb tripod come apart separately, along with three 11 lb counterweights.

CGX 1100 HD vs. 925 HD: 40% More Light Gathering Power

The primary advantage of the 1100 HD over its 9.25" sibling is aperture. The 11" optical tube delivers 40% more light-gathering power, which directly translates to brighter images, shorter exposure times for astrophotography, and the ability to resolve fainter deep-sky objects and finer planetary detail. The 9.25" optical tube weighs 21 lbs.

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. 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.

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. 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.