Product Description
For planetary imaging and brighter deep-sky objects, many astroimagers say there’s no better choice than a refractor. Unlike Schmidt-Cassegrain or Newtonian telescopes that have a secondary mirror, refractors offer no obstruction of the aperture, giving you the highest possible contrast. This refractor setup features an f/8 objective lens. As you grow in your hobby, you can continue to enjoy all the high-level features of the Advanced VX computerised goto system that allows you to explore thousands of objects via the onboard database.
Computerized German equatorial mount
The Advanced VX is the smallest of Celestron’s German equatorial mounts. The computerized GoTo capability automatically tracks objects as they move across the night sky. The Advanced VX mount includes ports for a hand control, an autoguider, and 2 AUX ports for optional accessories. The NexStar+ hand control gives you instant access to all the functions your mount has to offer. With automatic slewing and menu descriptions, any level of astronomer can master this mount in just a few observing sessions. The Advanced VX also has an impressive tripod for its class with a 2” diameter steel tripod legs providing an extra-wide stance for improved stability.
Dual saddle plate
Advanced VX mounts include a dual saddle plate that accommodates both CG-5 and CGE-style dovetail. Switching between the two saddle plates is as simple as moving the hand knobs into a separate set of holes. You can use an Advanced VX mount with virtually any optical tube within its weight limit. Compatible with Vixen format dovetails 100mm or longer, not compatible with Losmandy D format plates (regardless of plate manufacturer).
Starry Night Software
Included with your purchase is a free download of Celestron’s Starry Night Special Edition Software. This advanced software by Simulation Curriculum offers detailed information about celestial objects and helps you plan your next observing or imaging session. The Special Edition software also allows you to control your telescope via computer.
Optical Tube Info:
Optical Design: Refractor
Aperture: 150mm (6")
Focal Length: 1200mm (47")
Focal Ratio: f/8
Focal Length of Eyepiece 1: 20mm (.8")
Magnification of Eyepiece 1: 60x
Finderscope: 9x50
Star Diagonal: 1.25" Star Diagonal
Optical Tube: Aluminum
Highest Useful Magnification: 354x
Lowest Useful Magnification: 21x
Limiting Stellar Magnitude: 13.4
Resolution (Rayleigh): .93 arc seconds
Resolution (Dawes): .77 arc seconds
Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye): 459x
Secondary Mirror Obstruction: None
Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Diameter: None
Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Area: None
Optical Coatings: Fully Multi-Coated
Optical Tube Length: 1295mm (51")
Optical Tube Diameter: 171.45mm (6.75")
Optical Tube Weight: 19 lbs (8.62 kg)
Dovetail: CG-5 Dovetail bar
Mount Info:
Mount Type: Computerized Equatorial
Instrument load capacity: 30 lbs (13.6 kg)
Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod): 1118mm - 1626mm (44" - 64")
Tripod Leg Diameter: 50.8mm (2") Stainless Steel
Latitude adjustment range: 7° - 77°
Mount Head Weight: 17 lbs (7.71 kg)
Accessory Tray: Yes
Tripod Weight: 18 lbs (8.16 kg)
Weight of Counterweights: 2 x 12 lbs
Slew Speeds: 9 slew speeds - max speed 4°/second
Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Solar and Lunar
Tracking Modes: EQ North and EQ South
GPS: N/A
Dovetail Compatibility: Dual saddle plates (CG-5 and CGE saddle)
Number of Auxiliary Ports: 3 AUX Ports (1 hand control and 2 AUX Ports for optional accessories
Autoguide Port: Yes
USB Port: Yes, input on Hand Control
Power Requirements: 12V DC 3.5A (tip positive)
Motor Drive: DC servo motors
Alignment Procedures: 2-Star Align, 1-Star Align, Solar System Align, Last Alignment, Quick Align
Periodic Error Correction: Yes
Computerized Hand Control: 2 line x 18 character backlit Liquid Crystal Display, 19 LED backlit buttons, USB 2.0 Port for PC connection
NexStar+ Database: 40,000+ objects, 100 user defined programmable objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects
Software: Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software and SkyPortal App
Total Kit Weight: 78 lbs (35.38 kg)
Included Items: Advanced VX Equatorial Head and tripod
Accessory Tray
2 x 12 lbs counterweights
NexStar+ Hand Control
DC Power Cable (item# 18769)
Hand Control Holster