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Product Description
The 700 Maksutov-Cassegrain Advanced VX (AVX) telescope (Advanced VX 700 Mak) is a specialized instrument designed for detailed, high contrast views that sets a 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 include a 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. You can use your Advanced VX mount not only with the 7" Mak, but virtually any optical tube within Advanced VX's weight limit. Compatible with Vixen format dovetails 100mm or longer, not compatible with Losmandy D format plates (regardless of plate manufacturer).
Software
Celestron PWI Telescope Control SoftwareYour 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
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.
Accessories Included
The Advanced VX 700 Mak comes complete with a 2" Visual Back, a 2" Star Diagonal with 1.25" adapter, a 28 mm wide-field 2" eyepiece, and a large 8x50 straight-through finderscope. The optical tube accommodates the larger 2" accessories, such as 2" Barlow lenses, the 2" eyepiece and filter kit, and larger wide-field eyepieces.
What can I see with a Celestron Advanced VX (AVX) 700 Maksutov Cassegrain Telescope | 12035?
Here are some simulated views of common objects. Results with your telescope will vary with viewing conditions, obrits, equipment and more.
Jupiter with
25mm Eyepiece - 108x Magnification
(Sold Separately)
Jupiter with
10mm Eyepiece - 270x Magnification
Sold Separately
Jupiter with
5mm Eyepiece - 540x Magnification
Sold Separately
Moon with 25mm Eyepiece
108x Magnification
(Sold Separately)
Moon with 10mm Eyepiece
270x Magnification
Sold Separately
Moon with 5mm Eyepiece
540x Magnification
Sold Separately
Andromeda with 36mm Eyepiece
75x Magnification
Sold Separately
Andromeda with 25mm Eyepiece
108x Magnification
(Sold Separately)
Andromeda with 10mm Eyepiece
270x Magnification
Sold Separately
What's in the Box
This Kit Product Contains the Following SKUs:
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: | 8x50 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: | 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: | 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 Starry Night Special Edition Software and SkyPortal App |
| Total Kit Weight: | 75 lbs (34.02 kg) |
| Included Items: | Advanced VX Equatorial Head and tripod Accessory Tray 2 x 12 lbs counterweight NexStar+ Hand Control DC Power Cable (plugs into cigarette lighter socket) |
Solar Warning
- Never look directly at the Sun with the naked eye or with an optic (unless you have the proper solar filter). Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result.
- Never use your optic to project an image of the Sun onto any surface. Internal heat build-up can damage the optic and any accessories attached to it.
- Never leave your optic unsupervised. Make sure an adult who is familiar with the correct operating procedures is with your optic at all times, especially when children are present.
Additional Articles, Videos, and Links
Using Your First Telescope - Part Two: Aligning a GoTo Scope
GoTo telescopes are terrific for their ease of finding objects, then automatically tracking them. They work well, but only if they are set up properly. Here are tips for avoiding the common errors.
How to Pick the Best Telescope Eyepieces
Finding the right new telescope eyepiece can be a game changer. This post will help you to pick the best telescope eyepiece for your needs.