Advanced VX 7″ Maksutov Cassegrain (12035) Celestron

Overview

• 700 Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope with f/15 focal ratio provides high contrast views of the planets and lunar landscapes, perfect for serious planetary imagers and visual observers.
• Celestron’s premium StarBright XLT coatings ensure maximum light transmission.
• Advanced VX, the most compact and portable of Celestron’s German equatorial mounts, offers a maximum instrument capacity of 30 lb with the same rigidity as our larger mounts and minimal flexure.
• Every feature an astroimager wants: PEC, an autoguider port, the ability to image across the meridian, and more.
• NEW dual saddle plate accommodates both the narrow CG-5 and larger CGE dovetail.
• Accessories included: 2” Visual Back, 2” Star Diagonal with 1.25” adapter, 28mm eyepiece (2”), 8×50 finderscope.

Description 

The 700 Maksutov-Cassegrain Advanced VX telescope (Advanced VX 700 Mak) is a specialized instrument designed for detailed, high contrast views that sets a new standard in mid-level telescopes. With its Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tube and the sturdy Advanced VX equatorial mount and tripod, this kit provides unparalleled views of the planets and up-close views of the lunar surface, including craters and maria.

Astronomers located in urban areas will especially appreciate the Mak’s ability to bring out more contrast in celestial objects. But since the entire kit disassembles into separate, lightweight, and manageable pieces, it’s also a great choice for transporting to dark sky sites.

 

Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Design

The Mak is a catadioptric telescope, which means the optical design includes both a lens and a mirror. The light coming through a Mak passes through the corrector lens to the primary mirror and back to a spherical secondary mirror before it hits the eyepiece. Images are bright, sharp, and virtually free of chromatic aberration. 

The Maksutov-Cassegrain’s optical design offers several unique benefits. 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. Also, the secondary spot is significantly smaller than a traditional Schmidt-Cassegrain secondary mirror, giving the Mak its signature high-contrast views.

One important thing to note about Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes is that the larger, heavier Maksutov corrector plate takes longer to cool down and adjust to ambient air temperature compared to a Schmidt-Cassegrain of the same aperture.

Advanced VX & Tripod

The Advanced VX mount is designed to provide superior performance for smaller telescopes while taking advantage of Celestron’s most advanced technologies: All-Star Polar Alignment, Celestron PWI telescope control software, SkyAlign, and permanently programmable periodic error correction (PPEC).

If you’re an experienced imager, you’ll love taking this portable mount to a dark sky site and enjoying all the conveniences of a larger observatory mount. Or, if you’re new to imaging, Advanced VX will help you get started with the hobby and keep up with your needs for years to come.

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, astronomers of all skill levels can master this mount in just a few observing sessions. The Advanced VX also has an impressive tripod for its class with 2”-diameter steel tripod legs, providing an extra-wide stance for improved stability.

Payload capacity
The payload capacity for the Advanced VX is 30 lb. It offers a sturdy platform for the 7” Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tube, even when paired with optional accessories like StarSense AutoAlign, Focus Motor, a finderscope, and a camera. Celestron’s payload capacity does not include the weight of the counterweights. 

Dual saddle plate
As of early 2019, Advanced VX mounts now include a new dual saddle plate that accommodates both CG-5 and CGE-style dovetails. Switching between the two saddle plates is as simple as moving the hand knobs into a separate set of holes. Now you can use your Advanced VX mount not only with the 7” Mak, but virtually any optical tube within Advanced VX’s weight limit.

 

Software

Celestron PWI Telescope Control Software
Your Ultimate Astronomy Software Suite

All current Celestron computerized telescopes include Celestron PWI (CPWI), the most advanced astronomy software suite provided with any consumer-grade telescope. Celestron’s experts co-developed CPWI with the engineers at PlaneWave Instruments. The result is an all-in-one solution offering you many of the same features used on PlaneWave’s observatory-class telescopes.

• Graphical planetarium interface with PointXP advanced mount modelling allows you to add 100+ points to your alignment model for the most accurate pointing and tracking possible
• Ideal for remote observatory setups: save and re-load your alignment and park your scope
• Provides a complete ASCOM telescope interface to allow control of the telescope from third party software applications

For more information on CPWI and to see the user interface, click here.

Starry Night Software
Also 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 includes telescope control via your PC.

Specifications

OPTICAL TUBE INFO:
Optical Deisgn	Maksutov-Cassegrain
Aperture	180mm (7.08″)
Focal Length	2700mm (106.3″)
Focal Ratio	f/15
Focal Length of Eyepiece 1	28mm (1.1″) 2″ eyepiece
Magnification of Eyepiece 1	96x
Finderscope	8×50 Straight Through
Star Diagonal	2″ Star Diagonal with 1.25″ adapter
Optical Tube	Aluminum
Highest Useful Magnification	420x
Lowest Useful Magnification	67x
Limiting Stellar Magnitude	13.9
Resolution (Rayleigh)	0.64 arc seconds
Resolution (Dawes)	0.52 arc seconds
Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye)	661x
Central Obstruction Diameter	42mm (1.65″) (5.45% of aperture area; 23.3% by diameter)
Optical Coatings	StarBright XLT
Optical Tube Length	571.5mm (22.5″)
Optical Tube Diameter	222.25mm (8.75″)
Optical Tube Weight	19 lbs (8.6 kg)
Dovetail	CGE 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	1 x 12 lbs
Slew Speeds	9 slew speeds – max speed 4°/second
Tracking Rates	Sidereal, Solar and Lunar
Tracking Modes	EQ North & EQ South
GPS	N/A
Dovetail Compatibility	Dual saddle plates (Vixen 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	NexStar+ hand control with LCD display, 19 fiber-optic backlit LED buttons
NexStar+ Database	40,000+ objects, 100 user defined programmable objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects
Software	Celestron’s Starry Night Special Edition Software, SkyPortal App
Total Kit Weight	47 lbs (21.31 kg)
Included Items	Advanced VX Equatorial Head| Tripod| Accessory Tray|1 x 12 lbs counterweight| NexStar+ Hand Control| DC Power Cable (plugs into cigarette lighter socket)
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