The Celestron CGX 700 Maksutov-Cassegrain combines Celestron's powerful CGX computerized equatorial mount with its 7-inch Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope. With an optical tube assembly weighing only 19 pounds, this telescope is still portable enough to be taken to dark sites.

For astrophotography, the CGX mount offers a sturdy, stout platform, with a smooth, heavy-duty belt drive system, electronic and ergonomic features that favor worry-free remote operation, plus software.

The Celestron CGX 700 Mount is designed to better support your telescope for both visual and astro-imaging pursuits. A lower profile EQ head provides a compact and more stable setup. The CGX includes a better drive system; remote operation-friendly with home and limit optical sensors; easy polar alignment adjustments; and better cable management.

Advanced Features of the Celestron CGX 700 Telescope

Maksutov-Cassegrain Features

• Designed for detailed, high contrast views of smaller celestial objects like planets, globular clusters, and planetary nebulae.
• The optical design includes both a lens and a mirror, providing bright, sharp images virtually free of chromatic aberration.
• Optics are coated with Celestron's StarBright XLT coatings, providing optimal light transmission and bright views.
• Instead of a secondary mirror, the Mak features a “secondary spot” of reflective coating applied directly to the inside of the corrector plate. Because of this, the telescope does not require frequent collimation like a Schmidt-Cassegrain or Newtonian design.

Computerized Mount Features 

• Load capacity of up to 55 pounds.
• Motors provide more torque, better slewing and tracking under heavy loads.
• Heavy Duty belt-drive system minimizes backlash while providing smooth motor operation under heavy loads
• Spring-loaded brass worm wheel and stainless steel worm gear reduce friction and provide optimum gear mesh
• Internal cabling for worry-free remote operation. Power input and accessory ports remain stationary while the mount slews to avoid snags.
• Internal hard stops for both axes prevents cable tension and tripod strike.
• Internal optical sensors on both axes for simple and safe remote operation.
• Home sensors allow the mount to always start in the index position regardless of orientation before a power reset.
• Limit sensors automatically shut off slewing or tracking before reaching the hard stop fail-safe.
• Celestron PWI developed in conjunction with PlaneWave Instruments for professional level control operation and imaging.
• Software includes multi-point mount modeling for extremely precise pointing accuracy and many more additional features for remote astro-imaging.
• Wider tripod stance for improved stability.
• Adjustable EQ head position to optimize center of gravity over the tripod and fully utilize the increased 3 degrees to 65 degrees latitude range.
• Dual-fit CG-5/Vixen and CGE/Losmandy dovetail saddle.

Refined Tripod

• 2-inch steel legs with height index marks for quick leveling.
• Can hold three 1.25-inch eyepieces, two 2-inch eyepieces, your smartphone, or other accessories.
• Plus 20 degrees of additional tracking past the meridian on either side.
• Tripod legs can be collapsed with accessory tray installed for faster setup and transport.

Ergonomic Design 

• Two handles for easy pickup and transport.
• All-new ergonomically designed dovetail clamping knobs.
• Innovative and improved polar alignment adjustment system.
• All-new ergonomic latitude adjuster for smooth and easy adjustment under full loads.
• Optional add-on polar axis finderscope.

Mechanical Highlights

• All-new NexStar hand control with USB port.
• Two AUX accessory ports to support wireless/WiFi alignment and operation with StarSense AutoAlign and SkyPortal WiFi Module accessories (sold separately).
• USB 2.0 port, used to connect directly to PC with included software
• Autoguider port.
• PPEC ready.
• Threaded 12VDC power input barrel connector.
• Internal Real Time Clock (keeps time and site information saved).

• This telescope package is a ready-to-use system for visual astronomy and easily adaptable for astrophotography.
• The heavy-duty German Equatorial mount ensures heavy customization of your optical system.
• Enjoy crisp, colorful images and accurate data with the f/15 7-inch Maksutov-Cassegrain OTA design.

• 7-inch Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube with CGE Dovetail Bar.
• 2-inch Visual Back.
• 2-inch Star Diagonal with 1.25-inch adapter.
• 28 mm wide-field 2-inch eyepiece.
• 8x50 straight-through finderscope and bracket.
• CGX Equatorial mount and tripod.
• Two 11-pound counterweights.
• 12V DC Power Cable.
• NexStar Hand Controller and holster.