Celestron CGX Equatorial 1100 HD Telescope

11" EdgeHD Optics: A 0.42 Arc Second Flat-Field System

The core of this system is the 11" EdgeHD, an aplanatic Schmidt-Cassegrain that delivers aberration-free stars across a 42mm image circle, fully illuminating full-frame camera sensors. Unlike standard Schmidt-Cassegrains, the EdgeHD design produces a focal plane three times flatter, ensuring that stars at the edge of your image are as sharp as those in the center. With a Dawes limit of 0.42 arc seconds and StarBright XLT coatings maximizing light transmission, this optical system reveals fine detail in planetary cloud bands and resolves individual stars in distant globular clusters.

Imaging Versatility: From Native f/10 to Ultra-Fast f/2

The EdgeHD 1100 is engineered for multiple imaging configurations without compromising quality. At its native 2800mm focal length (f/10), you have the image scale needed for small galaxies and planetary nebulae. For wider perspectives, the optical tube is Fastar-compatible; by replacing the secondary mirror with an optional HyperStar lens assembly, you can transform the telescope into an f/2 imaging system. This ultra-fast configuration captures deep-sky objects in a fraction of the time required at f/10, making it ideal for capturing faint, expansive targets like the North American Nebula (NGC 7000).

• Mirror Clutches: Flexible tension clutches hold the primary mirror securely to reduce image shift during long exposures, ensuring your guide star remains locked.
• Tube Vents: Vents on the rear cell allow the primary mirror to reach thermal equilibrium with the ambient air more quickly, improving image stability and sharpness.

CGX Mount: A 55 lb Capacity Platform for Remote Imaging

The CGX mount is Celestron's workhorse, designed for stability and remote-operation reliability. It supports a 55 lb (25 kg) payload, easily handling the 28 lb optical tube plus a full astrophotography setup of cameras, filter wheels, and guiders. Low-cog DC servo motors and a belt-drive system provide smooth tracking with minimal backlash, critical for unguided and autoguided exposures. The lower-profile head and heavy-duty 2" steel tripod legs create a stable platform that dampens vibrations quickly. Thoughtful cable management and home/limit sensors make it an ideal choice for backyard observatories and remote imaging sessions.

NexStar+ and CPWI: 40,000+ Objects and Advanced Telescope Control

Locating and tracking objects is managed by the proven NexStar+ hand controller and the powerful Celestron PWI (CPWI) software. The internal database contains over 40,000 objects, from planets to distant quasars, all accessible via a simple alignment process. For advanced users, CPWI provides a complete observatory control interface for your PC, featuring an all-sky model for superior pointing accuracy. With features like Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) and multiple alignment routines, the CGX can be precisely dialed in for any observing or imaging task.

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

While sharing the same high-performance CGX mount, the choice between the 1100 HD and its 9.25" sibling comes down to aperture. The 11" optical tube delivers 40% more light-gathering power than the 9.25" model. This translates directly to brighter images, shorter exposure times for astrophotography, and the ability to resolve fainter deep-sky objects and finer detail. While the 28 lb optical tube is heavier than the 9.25" version, it remains manageable for transport to dark-sky sites, offering a significant jump in performance for a modest increase in weight.