What is the main advantage of the CGEM II 800 EdgeHD optics over a standard 8" SCT?
The key advantage of the EdgeHD design is its flat field. A standard Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope (SCT) has a curved focal plane, which means stars at the edge of the field of view can appear slightly out of focus in an astrophoto. The EdgeHD corrects for this, delivering sharp, pinpoint stars across its entire 42mm image circle, making it vastly superior for imaging with modern DSLR or dedicated astronomy cameras.
Is the 40 lb payload capacity of the CGEM II enough for the 800 EdgeHD and imaging gear?
Absolutely. The 8" EdgeHD optical tube weighs only 14 lbs. This leaves a generous 26 lbs of remaining capacity for your camera, autoguider, filter wheel, and other accessories. This ample margin ensures the mount operates well within its limits for stable, precise tracking during long-exposure astrophotography.
How does the CGEM II 800 EdgeHD's Fastar compatibility work for f/2 imaging?
The EdgeHD optical tube is Fastar-compatible, which means you can unscrew and remove the secondary mirror assembly from the front of the telescope. You can then install an optional third-party lens system, like the Starizona HyperStar, in its place. This converts the telescope from its native f/10 focal ratio to an incredibly fast f/2 wide-field imaging system, allowing you to capture huge areas of the sky with dramatically shorter exposure times.
How well can the CGEM II 800 EdgeHD resolve details on Jupiter?
With a theoretical resolution of 0.57 arc seconds (Dawes' Limit), the 800 EdgeHD is capable of resolving fine details on planets under good seeing conditions. On Jupiter, you can expect to clearly distinguish major atmospheric features like the primary cloud bands, the Great Red Spot, and shadow transits from its Galilean moons. Adding a Barlow lens to increase magnification will make these features even more apparent.
Can I do a polar alignment with the CGEM II 800 EdgeHD if my view of Polaris is blocked?
Yes. The CGEM II mount features Celestron's All-Star Polar Alignment procedure. This innovative software routine allows you to use any bright star in the sky to achieve an accurate polar alignment. The hand controller guides you through a simple process of centering a star, slewing the telescope, and then making mechanical adjustments to the mount, making it easy to set up even if you don't have a view of the celestial pole.
What software is included with the CGEM II 800 EdgeHD?
The telescope includes a free download of Celestron's Starry Night Special Edition Software, a powerful planetarium program for your PC or Mac. You can also connect your mobile device to the telescope using an optional accessory and control it with the Celestron SkyPortal app for iOS and Android.
