What is the advantage of the Celestron CGEM II 800's EdgeHD optics over a standard SCT?
The EdgeHD optical design is an aplanatic Schmidt-Cassegrain that corrects for both coma and field curvature. This results in a much flatter field of view, producing sharp, pinpoint stars across the entire image, which is crucial for astrophotography with modern camera sensors. A standard SCT will show some distortion and star elongation at the edge of the field.
Can the CGEM II 800 mount handle additional astrophotography gear?
Yes. The CGEM II mount has an instrument load capacity of 40 lbs (18 kg). The 8" EdgeHD optical tube weighs only 12.5 lbs (5.67 kg), leaving ample capacity for a guide scope, a DSLR or dedicated astronomy camera, a filter wheel, and an off-axis guider, making it an ideal platform for a complete imaging setup.
How does All-Star polar alignment on the CGEM II 800 work if I can't see Polaris?
Celestron's All-Star Polar Alignment is an innovative software routine that allows you to use any bright star in the sky for alignment. After performing an initial star alignment, you select a star from the hand control, and the software calculates the mount's polar alignment error. It then guides you to move the mount in altitude and azimuth to center the star, resulting in a precise polar alignment without needing a view of the celestial poles.
Is the Celestron CGEM II 800 portable enough for dark sky sites?
While a substantial system, it is designed to be transportable. The system breaks down into manageable components: the optical tube (12.5 lbs), the mount head (40 lbs), the tripod (20 lbs), and the counterweight (17 lbs). This modularity allows one person to transport and assemble the entire 90.5 lb telescope at a remote location.
How would the CGEM II 800 perform when imaging the Orion Nebula (M42) with a DSLR?
The CGEM II 800 is an excellent choice for imaging M42. The 2032mm focal length will frame the core of the nebula and the Trapezium cluster perfectly. The EdgeHD optics ensure that the dense starfield surrounding the nebula remains sharp across the entire frame, and the mount's Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PEC) will allow for long, unguided exposures to capture the faint outer nebulosity.
What can I expect to see of Jupiter's cloud bands with the CGEM II 800?
With its 0.57 arc-second Dawes resolution, the CGEM II 800 will provide highly detailed views of Jupiter. The included 25mm eyepiece (81x) will clearly show the primary equatorial belts and the four Galilean moons. Adding a 2x Barlow lens or a higher-power eyepiece will easily push the magnification towards the highest useful limit of 480x on nights of good seeing, revealing intricate details like festoons, barges, and the Great Red Spot.
