Brand: iOptron

iOptron CEM26 Equatorial Mount with iPolar/ Case/ 1.5" Tripod (C262A1)

C262A1

Brand: iOptron

iOptron CEM26 Equatorial Mount with iPolar/ Case/ 1.5" Tripod (C262A1)

C262A1

  • Unique design, center-balanced equatorial mount (CEM)for maximum payload and minimum mount weight
  • Ideal for both visual observation and astrophotography
  • Low periodic error (< ± 10 arc seconds)
  • Payload of 12 kg (26 lbs) with the mount-only weight of 4.5 kg (10 lbs)
  • CNC machined and cast metal body
  • Spring loaded gear system
  • Large easy to use quick-lock gear clutches
  • Adjustable counterweight shaft for 0º latitude operation
  • Stepper motor with low power consumption
  • Integrated iOptron iPolarTM electronic polar scope
  • Polar alignment routine for those who can’t see the Pole Star
  • Go2Nova® 8409 controller with Advanced GOTONOVA® GOTO Technology
  • Integrated ST-4 autoguiding port
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • USB port for firmware upgrade and computer control
  • Optional 32-channel Global Positioning System (GPS)
  • Optional iGuiderTM autoguiding system #3360
$1,999.95 CAD

Easy Payment Options with .

$1,999.95 CAD

Easy Payment Options with .

Free Expert Support
Stress Free, Secure Shopping
30 Day Return Policy
Price Match Promise
Full Details What's in the Box? Specifications Reviews and Questions

Product Description

Introducing iOptron’s new compact next-generation center-balance equatorial mounts the CEM26!

Like their predecessors, the CEM26 is designed with portability in mind, weighing in at only 10 lbs it can support up to a 26lb payload an incredible 2.6 mount weight to payload ratio. The key to enable such ratios is the CEM design focuses the mount and payload weight directly on the center of the tripod rendering “natural stability”.

Building on the legacy of earlier CEM models we have added features for convenience and functionality. A positive lock gear engagement system (easy to use even when wearing gloves), Built-in Wi-Fi enabling unparallel connectivity and recordable permanent periodic error correction (PPEC) to repeat optimal PEC training sessions. Regarding functionality the CEM26 delivers precise pointing and accurate tracking. The CEM26 sets the new standard for compact equatorial mounts.

The center-balanced design mount puts the weight of the payload at the center of gravity allowing for greater natural stability. Other features include an adjustable counterweight bar to prevent obstruction with the tripod. And polar aligning is quick and accessible all the time since the polar scope is not blocked by the declination shaft.

The CEM26 is equipped with the latest advanced GOTONOVA® GOTO technology, making it one of the most powerful and accurate GOTO mounts available. Its database includes over 212,000+ objects. The Go2Nova® Hand Controller is intuitive to use and its large 4-line LCD screen simplifies the process of setting telescopes and locating objects.

The CEM26A mount has an integrated electronic polar finder scope known as the iPolar. This tool ensures the accurate alignment of a telescope, even when the pole star is obscured. It comes with a 1.5" heavy duty stainless steel tripod and an aluminum carrying case.

What's in the Box

  • iOptron CEM26 center-balanced equatorial mount
  • Standard 1.5 inch heavy-duty stainless steel tripod (5kg)
  • Die-cast metal tripod spreader with accessory tray
  • Integrated iOptron iPolarTM electronic polar scope
  • Go2Nova® 8409 Hand controller
  • 10 pound Counterweight
  • Counterweight shaft
  • Hard carrying case

Specifications

Mount Center-Balanced Equatorial Mount
Payload * 26 lbs (12kg), exclude counterweight
Mount weight 10 lbs (4.5kg)
Payload/Mount weight 2.6
Structure Material All metal, Casting + CNC machined
Exterior Finish Powder coating
Periodic error (PE) ** <±10 arcsec
PEC Yes, Permanent PEC
Worm period 600 sec
Right Ascension worm wheel Φ88mm, 144 teeth aluminum
Declination worm wheel Φ88mm, 144 teeth aluminum
Right Ascension axis shaft Φ35mm steel
Declination axis shaft Φ35mm steel
Right Ascension bearing Φ55mm ball bearing
Declination bearing Φ55mm ball bearing
Worm gears Φ15.2mm, Brass
Motor drive 1.8º stepper motor, 128X microdivision
Resolution 0.17 arc seconds
Transmission Synchronous belt
Latitude adjustment range 0º ~ 60º (special CW shaft mounting if <10° )
Azimuth adjustment range ± 6º
Polar Scope iPolar TM electronic polar scope
Level indicator Level bubble
Hand Controller Go2Nova® 8409 with ~212,000 objects database
Tracking Automatic
Slew speed 1×,2×,8×,16×,64×,128×,256×,512×,MAX(6º/sec)
Power consumption 0.5A(Tracking), 0.8A(GOTO)
Power requiremention 12V DC, 5A
AC adapter 100V ~ 240V (included)
Power-down memory Yes
Wi-Fi Built-in
Communication port Yes (Wi-Fi and USB)
Autoguide port Yes (ST-4 compatible)
Firmware upgrade Yes
PC computer control Yes (ASCOM)
Counterweight shaft Φ20X200mm with a 120mm extension (M16, SS)
Counterweight 10 lbs (4.5kg)
Tripod 1.5" Stainless Steel (5kg)
Dovetail saddle 3.8" Vixen-style, center adjustable
Carrying case Included
GPS Optional external 32-channel GPS
Autoguiding Optional external iGuider 1
Operation temperature -10ºC ~ 40ºC
Warranty Two year limited

Customer Reviews

Based on 2 reviews
100%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
M
M.V.R.O.
Nice Light Weight Solid EQ Mount

I've had this mount in use with four telescopes and a camera and several lenses since purchase; everything from a David Levy 152 Mak-Newt to a Lunt 60 Solar scope to a Bresser MC-100 (for planets). It has performed very well.

Pros:
- light weight, reasonably priced mount
- no backlash per iOptron's approach to spring loaded clutches
- solid, even with the 1-1/2" tripod
- good GoTo even with a one star alignment
- reasonable tracking w/o guiding
- I love the iPolar for polar alignment
- the design makes the unit very stable on its tripod

Cons:
- really wish iOptron had the equivalent of Celestron's StarSense for star alignment
- it would be super nice if the mount had a built-in rechargeable battery; just dreaming on this feature but it would add weight which I don't want.
- iOptron could build the GPS unit into the mount with little to no problem as opposed to having a separate module hanging from the mount.
- not really a Con but it is taking me some time to get used to the iOptron hand controller since I've used Celestron mounts for decades

I had one of iOptron's original mounts and had nothing but problems with it right out of the box; however, it looks like they've upped their game and I'm generally quite pleased with the CEM26 to this point. Looks like this mount is a keeper!

The attached picture was shot with a David Levy 152 Mak-Newt off the CEM26 mount, unguided.

j
j.b.
Cem26

Bought this on owners recommendation and it works great. Perfect mount for entry level astrophotography

Why Should You Trust All Star Telescope?

We've Made All The Mistakes
So You Don't Have To

Learn More