Introduction to the Celestron CGEM II
The Celestron CGEM II mount is a versatile and powerful equatorial mount designed for astronomers and astrophotographers looking for advanced tracking and stability. As an upgraded version of Celestron’s popular CGEM model, the CGEM II offers an array of improvements, including an updated design, enhanced weight capacity, and upgraded software. Built with both intermediate and advanced astronomers in mind, the CGEM II is perfect for those who want to achieve precise tracking for astrophotography while handling heavier optical tubes.
In this review, we’ll dive into the standout features of the Celestron CGEM II, explore its tracking accuracy, load capacity, software, and discuss how it compares to similar mounts. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing setup or invest in your first high-performance mount, this review will help you understand if the CGEM II meets your astrophotography and stargazing needs.
Key Features of the Celestron CGEM II
The CGEM II mount is packed with features that cater to astrophotographers and visual observers alike. Here’s a look at the key attributes that make the CGEM II a reliable and robust equatorial mount:
- 40-Pound Payload Capacity: The CGEM II has an impressive payload capacity, making it compatible with large optical tubes and heavy astrophotography equipment.
- Dual-Axis Motorized Drive: Equipped with precision motors on both axes, the CGEM II provides smooth and accurate tracking for celestial objects.
- All-Star Polar Alignment: This unique Celestron feature makes polar alignment easy and precise, even for users without a clear view of Polaris.
- Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC): With PPEC, the mount can correct its own periodic tracking errors, allowing for smoother tracking during long exposures.
- NexStar+ Hand Controller: The included hand controller provides access to a vast celestial database and offers a range of functions, including custom tracking rates and alignment options.
- Compatible with Celestron PWI Software: The mount can be controlled through the Celestron PWI software, which offers advanced control options, automated imaging routines, and more precise pointing accuracy.
- Equatorial Mount Design: Ideal for astrophotography, the equatorial mount design allows for smooth, accurate tracking along the celestial plane, reducing field rotation during long-exposure imaging.
These features allow the CGEM II to deliver the precision and reliability that intermediate and advanced astronomers demand, especially for astrophotography.
Tracking Accuracy: Precision for Astrophotography
Tracking accuracy is one of the most critical aspects of a telescope mount, especially for astrophotographers. The CGEM II excels in this regard, thanks to its dual-axis motorized drive and PPEC (Permanent Periodic Error Correction). The periodic error correction allows the mount to “learn” its tracking errors over time and automatically adjust to minimize these inaccuracies during extended tracking sessions.
The CGEM II’s precision motors provide smooth and stable tracking, making it ideal for capturing long-exposure images without star trails. The mount’s equatorial design ensures that it follows celestial objects accurately as they move across the sky, offering excellent tracking even when imaging faint deep-sky objects. For astrophotographers, this level of tracking accuracy is a significant advantage, as it allows for crisp, clear images without the need for constant manual adjustments.
Load Capacity: Handling Large Optical Tubes and Accessories
The CGEM II mount has a robust payload capacity of 40 pounds, making it suitable for a wide variety of optical tubes and accessories. This load capacity enables users to mount larger telescopes, such as Schmidt-Cassegrain or refractor tubes, along with additional astrophotography equipment, including guide scopes, cameras, and counterweights.
The sturdy construction of the CGEM II ensures that the mount remains stable even under heavy loads, minimizing vibrations that can interfere with tracking and imaging. The mount’s design and build quality make it ideal for astrophotographers who need a reliable platform for their equipment and ensures stability when working with larger, heavier tubes.
This capacity also provides flexibility for astronomers who want to use different telescopes or add more equipment over time, as the CGEM II can handle most setups comfortably. For users with long-term astrophotography ambitions, the CGEM II’s load capacity is a notable benefit that allows for future upgrades and expansions.
Polar Alignment: Simplified Setup with All-Star Polar Alignment
Accurate polar alignment is essential for precise tracking, and the CGEM II makes this process as straightforward as possible. With Celestron’s All-Star Polar Alignment feature, users can perform polar alignment without needing a clear view of Polaris, which is particularly useful for those in urban environments or areas with limited sky visibility.
The All-Star Polar Alignment feature guides users through a simple alignment process, using a bright star of the user’s choice to calculate the necessary adjustments. This makes it much easier to achieve accurate alignment, even for those new to equatorial mounts. Additionally, this feature ensures that the mount is aligned correctly for long-exposure astrophotography, which requires precise tracking.
For those new to polar alignment or seeking a quicker setup process, the All-Star Polar Alignment feature is a major convenience and reduces the complexity of using an equatorial mount.
Software and Control Options: Enhanced Flexibility with NexStar+ and PWI Software
The CGEM II offers several options for controlling the mount, including the NexStar+ hand controller and compatibility with Celestron’s PWI (CPWI) software. The NexStar+ hand controller provides access to over 40,000 celestial objects and offers a user-friendly interface for controlling the mount’s movements, tracking rates, and alignment.
For those seeking more advanced control, the PWI software is a powerful tool that enhances the CGEM II’s functionality. The software allows for precise pointing, automated imaging routines, and advanced alignment options. The CPWI software can be connected to a computer via USB, giving users complete control over the mount and opening up additional features, including plate-solving and advanced object tracking.
Both the NexStar+ and PWI software offer intuitive and powerful control, making it easy for users to find, track, and capture celestial objects. The compatibility with PWI software is particularly beneficial for astrophotographers, as it integrates well with other imaging software and provides the control needed for complex imaging projects.
Pros and Cons of the Celestron CGEM II
Pros:
- High Payload Capacity: 40-pound payload capacity allows for larger telescopes and additional astrophotography equipment.
- Smooth and Accurate Tracking: Dual-axis motorized drive and PPEC provide precise tracking for long-exposure imaging.
- All-Star Polar Alignment: Simplifies the polar alignment process, even for users without a view of Polaris.
- Advanced Control Options: NexStar+ hand controller and PWI software offer flexible control for all levels of users.
- Sturdy Build: Solid construction minimizes vibration, ensuring stable performance under heavy loads.
- Equatorial Mount Design: Ideal for astrophotography, reducing field rotation and allowing for extended exposures.
Cons:
- Price Point: The CGEM II is a higher investment compared to basic mounts, making it more suited to serious astronomers and astrophotographers.
- Heavy and Bulky: While portable, the mount’s weight and size can be challenging for solo transport.
- Steep Learning Curve for Beginners: Although user-friendly, the equatorial design and advanced features may require some time for beginners to master.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
The CGEM II mount has been widely praised by users for its reliability, precision, and stability, especially among astrophotographers. Many users highlight its load capacity and smooth tracking, noting that it allows them to achieve high-quality images with minimal manual adjustments. The All-Star Polar Alignment feature is frequently mentioned as a convenient and effective way to align the mount, even for those without a clear view of Polaris.
Some users, however, have mentioned that the mount’s weight and size can make it challenging to transport, particularly for solo astronomers. While the mount’s advanced features are a plus for experienced users, beginners may find it takes some time to become comfortable with the equatorial design and software options.
Overall, the feedback for the CGEM II is positive, especially from those looking for a high-performance mount for astrophotography.
Conclusion: Is the Celestron CGEM II Worth It?
The Celestron CGEM II is a powerful and versatile equatorial mount that delivers the stability, tracking accuracy, and control options that intermediate and advanced astronomers require. With its high payload capacity, precision tracking, and compatibility with advanced software, the CGEM II is an excellent choice for those serious about astrophotography and detailed celestial observation.
While the mount’s price and size may be a consideration for some, the CGEM II offers a range of features and capabilities that justify the investment for dedicated astronomers. If you’re looking to expand your astrophotography capabilities or upgrade to a high-precision equatorial mount, the Celestron CGEM II is a dependable and well-designed option that will serve you well for years to come.