Celestron CGX 700 Maksutov Cassegrain Telescope

180mm f/15 Maksutov-Cassegrain Optics: High-Contrast Planetary Views

The Maksutov-Cassegrain design is purpose-built for high-magnification, high-contrast observing. This 180mm optical tube features a minimal secondary mirror obstruction of just 22% by diameter, significantly less than comparable Schmidt-Cassegrain designs. This results in sharper, higher-contrast images that reveal subtle details in Jupiter's cloud bands, Saturn's rings, and fine lunar craters.

The Mak design uses a spherical secondary mirror spot coated on the inside of the corrector lens, which eliminates the need for periodic secondary collimation. While the thick corrector plate requires more time to acclimate to ambient temperatures, the reward is exceptionally sharp and color-pure views, making it a powerful tool for urban astronomers or anyone prioritizing planetary and double-star observation.

CGX Mount: A 55 lb Capacity Imaging Foundation

The CGX mount is engineered for stability, providing a vibration-free foundation for serious imaging. Its 55 lb load capacity offers a massive performance margin for the 19 lb optical tube, ensuring rigidity even when loaded with a guide scope, camera, and other accessories. The heavy-duty tripod, with its 2" diameter steel legs and wide stance, eliminates flexure and dampens vibrations quickly.

Designed for portability, the entire system breaks down into manageable components without tools. The mount head weighs 44 lbs, the tripod 19.2 lbs, and the two 11 lb counterweights are easily handled. Ergonomic carry handles and a tripod accessory tray that nests into the collapsed legs make transport and setup efficient, even for a single person.

DC Servos and PPEC: Sub-Arcsecond Tracking for Long Exposures

At the heart of the CGX are low-cog DC servo motors with integrated optical encoders, delivering smooth, precise tracking essential for long-exposure astrophotography. A belt-and-pulley system connects the motors to the worm gears, minimizing the gear backlash common in lesser mounts. This ensures your guide camera makes fewer, smaller corrections.

Celestron’s All-Star Polar Alignment routine allows for a quick and accurate setup without a polar scope, even if you can't see Polaris. Once aligned, you can train the mount's Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) to remove inherent tracking errors from the worm gear, resulting in rounder stars and sharper images. For ultimate precision, a dedicated autoguide port is standard.

Imaging Intelligence: Meridian Freedom and Remote Safety: Designed for Unattended Imaging

The CGX is built for modern, computer-controlled astrophotography. The mount can track an object up to 20° past the meridian before needing to perform a meridian flip, allowing you to capture data on your target during its optimal position in the sky. Built-in optical switches on each axis automatically stop the motors if a physical strike is imminent, protecting your equipment during remote or unattended sessions.

With a USB port on both the mount and hand control, plus two auxiliary ports, the CGX is fully controllable via a PC. The included CPWI Telescope Control Software gives you a powerful interface for operating your entire setup, making the CGX a future-proof platform ready for backyard or remote observatory use.

CGX 700 Mak vs. an 8" SCT: The Choice Between Contrast and Light-Gathering

Choosing between the 7" Maksutov and a classic 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain involves a key trade-off between image contrast and raw light-gathering power. The best choice depends entirely on your primary targets.

• Celestron 8" SCT Advantage: The larger 8" (203mm) aperture and faster f/10 focal ratio give the SCT an edge in gathering light from faint deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae. It provides a wider true field of view at a given eyepiece focal length.
• CGX 700 Mak Advantage: The Mak's smaller secondary obstruction (22% vs. ~34% for a typical SCT) delivers noticeably higher contrast, which is critical for resolving fine planetary and lunar detail. Its design also requires no secondary mirror collimation, simplifying setup and maintenance. For observers focused on the solar system, the Mak often provides a more satisfying, razor-sharp view.