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Celestron CGX Equatorial 800 HD Telescope
Celestron CGX Equatorial 800 HD Telescope
Celestron CGX Equatorial 800 HD Telescope

Celestron CGX Equatorial 800 HD Telescope

by Celestron
SKU CEL-12055
CA$5,420.00 - CA$5,420.00
CA$5,420.00
CA$5,420.00 - CA$5,420.00
CA$5,420.00
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  • 8-inch (203.2mm) EdgeHD Aplanatic Schmidt-Cassegrain Optics
  • 55 lb (25 kg) Instrument Capacity CGX Equatorial Mount
  • StarBright XLT coatings for maximum light transmission
  • 42mm image circle illuminates full-frame sensors
  • Fastar compatible for ultra-fast f/2 wide-field imaging
  • NexStar+ hand control with a 40,000+ object database
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
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  • Warranty

  • Celestron CGX Equatorial 800 HD Telescope

    The Celestron CGX Equatorial 800 HD Telescope combines an 8-inch (203.2mm) EdgeHD optical tube with the robust CGX equatorial mount, which carries a 55 lb instrument load. At a native focal length of 2032mm and f/10, this system achieves a limiting stellar magnitude of 14 and resolves details down to 0.57 arc seconds. It gathers over 800 times the light of the unaided eye, and it is the lightest and most portable telescope in its class. A NexStar+ controller with a 40,000+ object database runs the mount.

    The 8-inch EdgeHD Optical System: A 42mm Flat-Field Astrograph

    The 8-inch EdgeHD optical system is an aplanatic, flat-field Schmidt-Cassegrain designed to produce aberration-free images across its entire 42mm image circle. It reduces more than off-axis star coma, giving an astrograph-quality flat focal plane to the edge of the field. Superior edge performance improves resolution and limiting magnitude compared with telescopes of equal aperture. The 8" is optimized for the central 28mm of its circle, the size of an APS-C chip.

    • Aplanatic Design: Reduces off-axis coma for rounder stars across the field.
    • Flat Field: The integrated corrector lens group produces a focal plane more than three times flatter than a standard Schmidt-Cassegrain.
    • StarBright XLT Coatings: Celestron's premium optical coatings are applied to every surface to maximize light throughput across the widest possible visual and photographic spectrum.

    Imaging Versatility at f/10, Optional f/7, and f/2

    EdgeHD is a flexible imaging platform.

    • Native f/10: At its native 2032mm focal length, the telescope gives the image scale to capture the smallest deep-sky objects.
    • Optional f/7 Reducer: The optional EdgeHD 800 0.7x focal reducer (#94242) widens the field without sacrificing optical performance.
    • Fastar at f/2: The secondary mirror is removable and can be replaced with a third-party lens accessory for ultra-fast f/2 wide-field imaging.

    Mechanical Design for Astrophotography: Clutches, Vents, and 133.35mm Back Focus

    Celestron redesigned the EdgeHD tube with features for long-exposure imaging.

    • Mirror Clutches: Flexible tension clutches hold the primary mirror in place and reduce image shift during long exposures, without putting force on the mirror assembly.
    • Cooling Vents: Integrated rear-cell vents with 50-mesh filters allow hot air to escape from behind the primary mirror, without letting dust in.
    • Optimal Back Focus: The EdgeHD 800 forms its best images 133.35mm (5.25") behind its standard 2"-24 tpi rear thread.

    The CGX Mount: A 55 lb Capacity Imaging Foundation

    The CGX carries 55 lbs on a lower profile head that gives a more compact, more stable setup. DC servo motors slew at up to 4°/second, and the mount has periodic error correction, easier polar alignment adjustments, better cable management and home and limit optical sensors for remote operation.

    • Heavy-Duty Drive System: The motors drive the worm gears through belts, which reduces backlash when the motor changes direction.
    • Dual-Fit Saddle: The dovetail saddle is compatible with both CGE (Losmandy D-style) and the narrower CG-5 (Vixen-style) dovetail bars.
    • Stable Tripod: The mount rests on a heavy-duty tripod with 2-inch diameter steel legs, and an accessory tray.

    NexStar+ and CPWI: A 40,000+ Object Universe at Your Fingertips

    Locating and tracking objects is managed by the proven NexStar+ system, featuring a database of over 40,000 celestial objects. For advanced users, the included CPWI Telescope Control Software runs on a PC connected to the mount's USB port, with a graphical interface and multi-point mount modeling.

    • NexStar+ Hand Control: Gives you the object database, alignment procedures and mount settings.
    • CPWI Telescope Control Software: Connect the mount to your PC via its USB port to control it from a computer.
    • Connectivity: The mount includes 2 AUX ports for accessories, a dedicated Autoguide port, and a USB port for PC connection.

    Setup and Alignment: Precision Pointing with All-Star Polar Alignment

    Setting up a German equatorial mount for imaging requires an accurate polar alignment. The CGX mount simplifies this critical step with Celestron's All-Star Polar Alignment routine. It needs no polar finder scope and can usually be completed in about 15 minutes, even without a clear view of Polaris.

    • All-Star Polar Alignment: After aligning on stars, the mount slews to where a bright star would be if accurately polar aligned, and you center it with the mount's altitude and azimuth knobs, not the hand control.
    • Multiple Alignment Options: In addition to All-Star, the NexStar+ controller offers 2-Star, 1-Star, Solar System, Last, and Quick Align procedures to suit any observing situation.
    • Latitude Range: The latitude range is 3° to 65°.

    Transport and Assembly: A 99.2 lb Kit in Manageable Parts

    The total kit weight is 99.2 lbs. The optical tube, mount head, tripod, counterweight bar and counterweights all come apart, with only the supplied hex key ever needed.

    • Optical Tube: 12.5 lbs (5.67 kg)
    • Mount Head: 44 lbs (20 kg)
    • Tripod: 19.2 lbs (8.7 kg)
    • Counterweights: 2 x 11 lbs

  • What is the advantage of the Celestron CGX 800 HD's EdgeHD optics over a standard SCT?

    The EdgeHD optical system provides a much flatter field of view and corrects for coma, unlike a standard Schmidt-Cassegrain. This means that stars will appear as sharp pinpoints all the way to the edge of your eyepiece or a full-frame camera sensor, which is critical for astrophotography.

    How well does the CGX mount handle the 12.5 lb optical tube?

    The CGX carries 55 lbs, far more than the 8" EdgeHD tube. The CGX serves as an equatorial backbone for a wide range of telescopes.

    What do I need to convert the CGX 800 HD to f/2 for wide-field imaging?

    A third-party Fastar lens accessory, sold separately, that takes the place of the removable secondary mirror for ultra-fast f/2 wide-field imaging.

    Is the CGX 800 HD portable enough to take to dark-sky sites?

    The mount head weighs 44 lbs and the tripod 19.2 lbs, and the total kit weighs 99.2 lbs. Everything comes apart, and the CGX has two carry handles; the CGX 800 HD is the lightest and most portable telescope in its class.

    How does the CGX 800 HD perform for planetary imaging of Jupiter or Saturn?

    Every EdgeHD should resolve double stars to the Dawes limit (0.57 arc seconds here), show subtle shadings in Jupiter's belts and reveal the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings on a night of good seeing. A Barlow lets imagers reach f/22 to f/32 for high-resolution planetary work.

    What is the image circle of the EdgeHD 8" optics and what cameras can I use?

    A flat 42mm image circle. Celestron optimized the 8" for the central 28mm, the size of an APS-C chip; with an APS-C camera, relative illumination falls to 84% at the extreme corners.

    What is All-Star Polar Alignment and why is it useful?

    All-Star Polar Alignment is a software-assisted routine built into the NexStar+ controller that allows you to achieve a precise polar alignment without needing to see the celestial pole or use a polar scope. After aligning on stars, you pick a bright star and center it with the mount's altitude and azimuth knobs. The routine usually takes about 15 minutes.

  • Optical Design EdgeHD
    Aperture 203.2mm (8")
    Focal Length 2032mm (80")
    Focal Ratio f/10
    Image Circle 42mm
    Optical Coatings StarBright XLT
    Finderscope 6x30
    Star Diagonal 1.25" Star Diagonal
    Highest Useful Magnification 480x
    Lowest Useful Magnification 29x
    Limiting Stellar Magnitude 14
    Resolution (Rayleigh) 0.69 arc seconds
    Resolution (Dawes) 0.57 arc seconds
    Light Gathering Power 843x (Compared to human eye)
    Secondary Mirror Obstruction 31% by Diameter, 9.77% by Area
    Optical Tube Length 432mm (17")
    Optical Tube Weight 12.5 lbs (5.67 kg)
    Dovetail CGE Dovetail Bar
    Mount Type Computerized German Equatorial
    Instrument Load Capacity 55 lbs (25 kg)
    Motor Drive DC servo motors
    Slew Speeds 9 speeds, max 4°/second
    Tracking Rates Sidereal, Solar, Lunar
    Tracking Modes EQ North, EQ South
    Dovetail Compatibility Dual saddle (CG-5 and CGE)
    Latitude Adjustment Range 3° - 65°
    Periodic Error Correction Yes
    Power Requirements 12V DC, 4 amps
    Ports 2x AUX, 1x Autoguide, 1x USB
    Tripod 2" Steel Legs
    Mount Head Weight 44 lbs (20 kg)
    Tripod Weight 19.2 lbs (8.7 kg)
    Counterweights 2 x 11 lbs
    Hand Control NexStar+, USB upgradable
    Database 40,000+ objects
    Alignment Procedures 2-Star, 1-Star, Solar System, Last, Quick Align
    Software Included CPWI, Celestron Starry Night Special Edition, SkyPortal App
    Required back focus (native, with built-in corrector) 133.35mm
    Rear / camera-side connection SCT 2in-24tpi Male
    Tube outer diameter 238mm (9.37")

    • 8" EdgeHD Optical Tube Assembly

      × 1

    • CGX Equatorial Head

      × 1

    • CGX Tripod

      × 1

    • 11 lb Counterweight

      × 2

    • Accessory Tray

      × 1

    • NexStar+ Hand Control

      × 1

    • Hand Control Holster

      × 1

    • 8mm Allen Wrench

      × 1

    • 12V DC Power Cable

      × 1

    • 25mm Eyepiece (1.25")

      × 1

    • 1.25" Star Diagonal

      × 1

    • 6x30 Finderscope

      × 1

  • Celestron 2-Year Telescope Warranty