Celestron CGEM II 1100 SCT

11-Inch Schmidt-Cassegrain: 1593x Light Gathering Power

The 11" Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube is the core of this system's imaging capability, providing 89% more light gathering than an 8" model. This significant increase in aperture allows you to resolve faint detail in distant galaxies and nebulae, pushing the limiting magnitude to 14.7. Celestron's StarBright XLT coatings maximize light transmission through the corrector and mirrors, while the 0.42 arc second Dawes resolution makes it possible to resolve fine details like the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings or cloud bands on Jupiter.

CGEM II Mount: A 40 lb Payload Capacity for Stable Imaging

A fresh update to the venerable CGEM, the CGEM II mount provides an exceptionally stable platform for long-exposure astrophotography. Its 40 lb instrument capacity easily handles the 27.5 lb optical tube, leaving ample margin for a guide scope, camera, and other accessories without compromising tracking accuracy. The foundation is a heavy-duty tripod with 2" diameter steel legs, ensuring vibrations are minimized for sharp, pinpoint stars.

• DC Servo Motors: Smooth, quiet motors with a max slew speed of 4.5° per second quickly and accurately center any object in the eyepiece or on your camera sensor.
• Dual Saddle Plate: The mount is compatible with both CGE and CG-5 style dovetails, offering flexibility for mounting different optical tubes.
• 34 lb Counterweight: Two 17 lb counterweights are included to precisely balance the optical tube and imaging payload for optimal tracking.

NexStar+ GoTo with All-Star: 40,000 Objects and PEC

The CGEM II is built for both precision and ease of use, featuring Celestron's advanced control software. The NexStar+ database contains over 40,000 objects, while innovative alignment and tracking technologies streamline the process of setting up for an imaging session.

• All-Star Polar Alignment: Celestron's innovative alignment routine allows you to use any bright star to achieve an accurate polar alignment, a crucial feature when Polaris is obstructed from view.
• Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PEC): Train the mount to remember and correct for the periodic errors inherent in the worm gears. The mount retains these corrections, dramatically improving tracking for unguided long exposures.
• Meridian Tracking: The mount is designed to track well past the meridian, allowing for uninterrupted imaging through the most ideal part of the sky without requiring an immediate meridian flip.

Field-Ready Design: 2-inch Steel Legs and Easy Adjustments

Celestron designed the CGEM II with practical, real-world use in mind. Large, ergonomic knobs for altitude and azimuth adjustments make the polar alignment process smooth and tool-free. The internal routing for the RA and DEC motor cables provides a clean setup, minimizing the risk of snags during a long night of slewing and tracking. The 2" steel tripod legs feature graduated markings, making it easy to set the tripod to the same height every time.

CGEM II 1100 vs. 9.25": The 40% Aperture Advantage

While the CGEM II mount is also available with a 9.25" optical tube, the 1100 model offers a substantial step up in optical performance. The 11" aperture gathers over 40% more light than the 9.25" version, a difference that is immediately apparent when observing or imaging faint deep-sky objects.

This increase in light grasp translates directly to brighter images, shorter exposure times, and the ability to resolve finer details in galactic structures. The primary trade-off is weight; the 11" optical tube weighs 27.5 lbs, requiring more effort to transport and set up. For the dedicated imager seeking maximum resolution and light gathering on the proven CGEM II platform, the 1100 is the definitive choice.