Celestron Advanced VX 11" SCT

11" Schmidt-Cassegrain Optics: 0.42 Arc Second Resolution

At the heart of this system is the 11-inch SCT optical tube, an aperture that marks a significant step up in deep-sky and planetary capability. With 1593 times the light-gathering power of the naked eye and a limiting stellar magnitude of 14.7, this telescope reveals faint details in distant galaxies and nebulae. The Schmidt-Cassegrain design provides sharp, high-contrast views free of chromatic aberration, while Celestron's StarBright XLT coatings maximize light transmission for brighter images.

• High-Resolution Views: The 2800mm focal length and 0.42 arc second Dawes resolution are ideal for resolving fine details like the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings or the cloud bands on Jupiter.
• Bright, Aberration-Free Images: The SCT design corrects for color fringing, making it an excellent choice for both visual observation and astroimaging where color fidelity is critical.
• Large Aperture Advantage: The 280mm aperture collects enough light to make faint deep-sky objects, like globular clusters and planetary nebulae, appear bright and detailed.

Advanced VX Mount: A 30 lb Capacity GoTo Platform

The Advanced VX (AVX) mount is engineered to provide observatory-level features in a portable package. Its 30 lb payload capacity solidly handles the 27.5 lb optical tube, while the tripod's 2" diameter stainless steel legs create a wide, stable footprint. This combination of strength and precision engineering minimizes vibration for sharper visual and photographic results.

• Payload Capacity: The 30 lb instrument capacity supports the 11" OTA, though imagers should note the tight weight budget when adding heavy cameras and accessories.
• Dual Dovetail Saddle: A dual-format saddle plate accepts both narrow (CG-5/Vixen) and wide (CGE/Losmandy) dovetail bars, allowing you to use virtually any optical tube with the mount.
• Heavy-Duty Tripod: The 2" steel legs provide significantly more rigidity than smaller 1.75" or 1.5" tripods, a critical factor for supporting a large telescope.

NexStar+ Controller: 40,000+ Objects and All-Star Polar Alignment

The computerized GoTo system makes navigating the night sky simple. The included NexStar+ hand control provides access to a database of over 40,000 objects, including galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, and all the planets in our solar system. Celestron's advanced software features, like All-Star Polar Alignment, allow you to achieve precise polar alignment without needing a clear view of Polaris.

• Extensive Object Database: The NexStar+ database contains over 40,000 objects, with enhanced information available for 200 of the best deep-sky and solar system targets.
• All-Star Polar Alignment: Use any bright star to polar align the mount, a crucial feature for observers in the southern hemisphere or those with an obstructed northern horizon.
• Permanently Programmable PEC: Train the mount to correct for periodic error in the worm gears, a vital step for taking long-exposure, unguided images.

Advanced VX 11" vs. 9.25" SCT: A 41% Light-Gathering Advantage

While the 9.25" SCT is a highly capable instrument, the jump to an 11" aperture provides a dramatic 41% increase in light-gathering ability. This isn't a minor improvement; it's the difference between merely detecting a faint galaxy and clearly resolving its spiral structure. For the visual observer or imager focused on deep-sky objects, this extra aperture is the single most important factor for seeing more detail.

The additional light grasp means you can resolve fainter stars within globular clusters like the Hercules Cluster (M13) and see more intricate nebulosity in targets like the Orion Nebula (M42). For imagers, this translates to shorter exposure times or a stronger signal-to-noise ratio in the final image.

Engineered for Imaging with PPEC and Autoguider Support

The AVX mount was designed with astrophotography in mind. It includes an autoguider port for connecting a guide camera, allowing for multi-minute exposures. The permanently programmable periodic error correction (PPEC) lets you train out tracking errors in the mount's gears, improving tracking accuracy even before adding a guider. With the included Celestron PWI and Starry Night software, you have a complete solution for telescope control and session planning from your computer.

• HyperStar Compatibility: By replacing the secondary mirror with an optional Starizona HyperStar lens, you can convert the telescope into an ultra-fast f/2 imaging system for capturing wide-field deep-sky images.
• Dedicated Autoguide Port: Easily connect a dedicated guide camera to enable precise, long-exposure tracking for capturing faint deep-sky objects.
• PC Control Software Suite: Includes Celestron PWI for advanced mount modeling and Starry Night Special Edition for planetarium control and planning.