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Celestron CGX-L 1100 RASA Equatorial Telescope
Celestron CGX-L 1100 RASA Equatorial Telescope
Celestron CGX-L 1100 RASA Equatorial Telescope
Celestron CGX-L 1100 RASA Equatorial Telescope
Celestron CGX-L 1100 RASA Equatorial Telescope
Celestron CGX-L 1100 RASA Equatorial Telescope
Celestron CGX-L 1100 RASA Equatorial Telescope

Celestron CGX-L 1100 RASA Equatorial Telescope

by Celestron
SKU CEL-12074
$7,499.00 USD - $7,499.00 USD
$7,499.00 USD
$7,499.00 USD - $7,499.00 USD
$7,499.00 USD
Price Match Policy!
  • 279mm (11") Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph
  • Ultra-fast f/2.2 focal ratio for reduced exposure times
  • 620mm focal length for wide-field imaging
  • 43.3mm optimized image circle covers large format sensors
  • CGX-L Mount with 75 lb instrument load capacity
  • Dual saddle plates compatible with CGE and CG-5 dovetails
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See exactly how your targets fit with the Celestron CGX-L 1100 RASA Equatorial Telescope, on real sky survey data.

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Check which filter and adapter sizes clear the sensor with the Celestron CGX-L 1100 RASA Equatorial Telescope, and how much light the corners lose.

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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Celestron CGX-L 1100 RASA Equatorial Telescope

    The Celestron CGX-L 1100 RASA combines a 279mm (11") astrograph with a 75 lb capacity equatorial mount, an advanced-level system for wide-field imaging. Its Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt optics deliver an incredibly fast f/2.2 focal ratio at a 620mm focal length, producing a 43.3mm optimized image circle. The CGX-L mount's 144mm worm wheels give smoother operation and drive heavier loads more accurately, in Celestron's words, all controlled by a NexStar+ hand controller with a 40,000+ object database.

    Solar Warning: Never look directly at the Sun with the naked eye or with an optic (unless you have the proper solar filter). Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result. Never use your optic to project an image of the Sun onto any surface. Internal heat build-up can damage the optic and any accessories attached to it. Never leave your optic unsupervised. Make sure an adult who is familiar with the correct operating procedures is with your optic at all times, especially when children are present.

    RASA f/2.2 Optics: A 4-Element Astrograph Design

    The Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) optical design produces images in a fraction of the time compared to other optical tubes. Light passes through a Schmidt corrector, reflects off the primary mirror, and passes through a 4-element rare-earth glass lens group at the front of the tube, where the camera mounts. The result is images free of false color and aberrations like coma and field curvature, with minimal vignetting.

    This design delivers pinpoint stars with a spot size of less than 4.4 μm RMS across the entire field. The optics use StarBright XLT coatings and are designed for 400 to 700 nm.

    A 43.3mm Image Circle from a 279mm f/2.2 System

    The RASA 11 pairs its large 279mm aperture with a 620mm focal length, resulting in an f/2.2 system that gathers light 1588x faster than the human eye. It allows shorter exposure times compared to traditional f/10 imaging, without sacrificing resolution; because shorter sub-exposures are possible and the short focal length lessens tracking demands, autoguiding will not be required in many cases.

    The optical system produces a 43.3mm optimized image circle, to capture pinpoint stars on the largest imaging chips, and performance for sensors with diagonals up to 52mm is still excellent. With the 620mm focal length it suits wide-field imaging, huge mosaics, surveying and even comet hunting.

    USFS Focuser, 12V Cooling, and 55mm Back Focus

    To maintain image sharpness, the RASA 11 incorporates Celestron's Ultra-Stable Focus System (USFS). This mechanism supports the primary mirror on a precision linear ball bearing, minimizing both focus shift during adjustments and mirror flop as the telescope slews across the sky. The USFS is compatible with the optional Celestron Focus Motor (#94155-A).

    An integrated 12V DC MagLev fan reduces cooldown time and provides airflow through the dust-filtered tube; it runs from the included 8 AA battery pack (batteries not included) or a 12V DC supply. The included M42 and wider M48 camera adapters both allow 55mm from the adapter to the sensor, and the M48 can be used with full frame cameras with minimal vignetting.

    CGX-L Mount: 75 lb Capacity Driven by 144mm Worm Wheels

    The CGX-L is the pinnacle of Celestron's computerized equatorial mounts, capable of carrying the company's largest optical tubes with ease. The instrument load capacity is 75 lbs and the RASA tube weighs 43 lbs. Design goals included larger 144mm worm wheels, a longer 270mm dovetail saddle, easier polar alignment adjustments and improved cable management.

    Two AUX ports and an autoguider port sit near the saddle, and home and limit optical sensors make the mount remote-operation friendly.

    Stability and Versatility: 2.75" Tripod and Dual Saddle

    A stable mount requires an equally stable tripod. The CGX-L tripod has 2.75" diameter steel legs, adjustable height and an accessory tray, and weighs 46.2 lbs.

    The CGX-L head features a long dual dovetail saddle that accommodates both CGE (Losmandy D-style) and CG-5 (Vixen-style) dovetail bars. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of optical tubes, including the CGE bar supplied with the RASA 11.

    NexStar+ Controller: A 40,000+ Object Database

    At the core of the CGX-L is the proven NexStar+ hand controller, which puts a database of over 40,000 celestial objects at your fingertips. It offers several alignment procedures, including All-Star Polar Alignment.

    The mount has two autoguide ports and four AUX ports for the hand control and accessories such as StarSense AutoAlign. It needs 12V DC with at least 3 amperes; Celestron's optional AC to 12V DC 5A supply has the recommended threaded barrel connector, and portable 12V field batteries also work.

    All-Star Alignment, PPEC, and CPWI Software Control

    Celestron's All-Star Polar Alignment procedure makes accurate setup fast and straightforward, so you do not need a view of Polaris. The mount also has permanently programmable periodic error correction (PPEC).

    The included Celestron PWI (CPWI) telescope control software connects through the mount's USB port and gives you a graphical interface and advanced mount modeling from a PC.

  • What cameras are compatible with the RASA 11's 55mm back focus?

    The included M42 and M48 adapters allow 55mm from the adapter to the sensor. DSLRs need a T-ring for their make and model; astronomical cameras with less backfocus need a spacer. Sensors larger than 43mm diagonal need a custom adapter. Deeply recessed sensors, common in DSLRs, can show vignetting in the steep f/2.2 light cone.

    Is autoguiding necessary with the f/2.2 RASA system?

    Often not. Because shorter sub-exposures are possible and the short focal length lessens tracking demands, autoguiding will not be required in many cases. The CGX-L has two autoguide ports when you need them.

    Can I use the RASA 11 for visual observing or planetary imaging?

    No, the RASA is a dedicated photographic instrument. There is no provision for an eyepiece or diagonal. Its optical design, including the 41% central obstruction, is optimized for capturing wide, flat fields of deep-sky objects, not the high-magnification views required for planets.

    What is the benefit of the CGX-L's 144mm worm wheels?

    The larger 144mm diameter worm wheels provide smoother operation and can more accurately drive heavier loads.

    How do I use filters with the RASA 11?

    Remove the RASA's optical window when adding a filter to the light path, because extra flat glass affects performance at f/2.2. Celestron's Light Pollution Imaging Filter for the RASA 11 mounts in place of the optical window.

    What is Celestron's All-Star Polar Alignment?

    It lets you polar align without seeing Polaris. After aligning the mount, you select a bright star and the mount slews to where it would be if accurately polar aligned; you then center it with the mount's latitude and azimuth adjustments, not the hand control.

    How do I transport the 185.8 lb Celestron CGX-L 1100 RASA?

    The system breaks down into manageable components for transport. The heaviest individual parts are the 52.6 lb mount head, the 46.2 lb tripod, and the 43 lb optical tube. The two 22 lb counterweights are also handled separately.

    What is the difference between the autoguide port and the USB port on the CGX-L mount?

    The Autoguide Port is for connecting an autoguiding camera, The mount has two. The USB Port on the mount head is for connecting to a PC to use the CPWI software for full telescope control. The NexStar+ hand control has its own USB 2.0 port as well.

  • Optical Design Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph
    Aperture 279mm (11")
    Focal Length 620mm (24.4")
    Focal Ratio f/2.2
    Image Circle 43.3mm (1.7") Optimized
    Useable Field 52mm (2.04")
    Resolution (Dawes) 0.41 arc seconds
    Resolution (Rayleigh) 0.49 arc seconds
    Spot Size < 4.4 μm RMS across field of view
    Central Obstruction 114mm (41% of aperture diameter)
    Light Gathering Power 1588x (compared to human eye)
    Wavelength Range 400 - 700 nm
    Optical Coatings StarBright XLT
    Back Focus 55mm with included adapters; 72.8mm from threaded collar
    Focuser Ultra-Stable Focus System (USFS)
    Cooling 12V DC MagLev Ventilation Fan
    Optical Tube Length 838.2mm (33")
    Optical Tube Weight 43 lbs (19.5 kg)
    Mount Type Computerized Equatorial
    Instrument Load Capacity 75 lbs (34 kg)
    Mount Head Weight 52.6 lbs (23.8 kg)
    Tripod 2.75" Steel Legs, 46.2 lbs (21 kg)
    Dovetail Compatibility Dual saddle (CG-5 and CGE)
    Worm Wheels 144mm diameter
    Motor Drive DC Servo Motors
    Slew Speeds 9 speeds, max 3°/second
    Tracking Rates Sidereal, Solar, Lunar
    Latitude Adjustment Range 3° – 65°
    Alignment Procedures All-Star Polar Alignment, 2-Star Align, 1-Star Align, etc.
    Periodic Error Correction Yes, permanently programmable (PPEC)
    Power Requirements 12V DC, 3 Amps
    Hand Control NexStar+, USB 2.0 Port
    Object Database 40,000+ objects
    Autoguide Port Yes (2)
    Auxiliary Ports Yes (4)
    USB Port Yes (Mount and Hand Control)
    Software Included CPWI Telescope Control Software, Starry Night Special Edition
    Tube outer diameter 330.2mm (13")
    Dovetail included CGE dovetail bar
    Elements / glass 4-element rare-earth glass corrector
    Rear / camera-side connection M42 T-thread and 48mm camera adapters (included)
    Weight 185.8 lbs (84.2 kg) total kit

    • 11" Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph OTA

      × 1

    • Dust Cover

      × 1

    • 42mm T-thread Camera Adapter

      × 1

    • 48mm Camera Adapter

      × 1

    • Fan Battery Pack

      × 1

    • CGX-L Equatorial Head

      × 1

    • CGX-L Tripod

      × 1

    • Counterweight Shaft

      × 1

    • 22 lb Counterweight

      × 2

    • NexStar+ Hand Control

      × 1

    • Hand Control Holster

      × 1

    • DC Power Cable

      × 1

    • Accessory Tray

      × 1

    • 8mm Allen Wrench

      × 1

  • Celestron 2-Year Telescope Warranty