Celestron Advanced VX 700 (7-inch Aperture) Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope is designed for detailed, high-contrast views as a mid-level telescope. With its Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tube and the sturdy Advanced VX equatorial mount and tripod, this kit provides views of the planets and the up-close 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 can be separated into lightweight and manageable pieces, it's also a great choice for transporting.
Features of the Celestron Advanced VX 700 Telescope
- 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 offer a maximum instrument capacity of 30-pounds with the same rigidity as their larger mounts and minimal flexure.
- Every feature an astro-imager wants PEC, an autoguider port, the ability to image across the meridian, and more.
- The dual saddle plate accommodates both the narrow CG-5 and larger CGE dovetail.
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 enjoy 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. It 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-inch diameter steel tripod legs, providing an extra-wide stance for improved stability.
Payload capacity
The payload capacity for the Advanced VX is 30-pounds. It offers a sturdy platform for the 7-inch Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tube, even when paired with optional accessories like StarSense, AutoAlign, FocusMotor, 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-inch Mak, but virtually any optical tube within the Advanced VX's weight limit.
Celestron PWI Telescope Control Software
Celestron computerized telescopes include Celestron PWI (CPWI), an advanced astronomy software suite. 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 modeling 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.
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
- A 7-inch Aperture Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope.
- High Contrast views of the Planets and Lunar Landscapes.
- Advanced VX Mount: Compact and Portable.
- Maximum Instrument capacity of 30-pounds.
- Dual saddle plate compatible with both narrow CG-5 dovetails and larger CGE dovetails.
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PLEASE NOTE: The manufacturer has stated this mount unable to accept D-Style (Losmandy style) dovetail plates.
