{"product_id":"7-maksutov-cassegrain-telescope","title":"Advanced VX 7\" Maksutov Cassegrain Telescope","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 700 Maksutov-Cassegrain Advanced VX\u003cspan\u003e (AVX)\u003c\/span\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAstronomers 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaksutov-Cassegrain Optical Design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1935\/4371\/files\/MAKS_design.png?v=1538585693\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe 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 occasional 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOne 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdvanced VX \u0026amp; Tripod \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe 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, and permanently programmable periodic error correction (PPEC).\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIf 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComputerized German equatorial mount\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePayload capacity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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 \u003cspan\u003eStarSense AutoAlign\u003c\/span\u003e, \u003cspan\u003eFocus Motor\u003c\/span\u003e, a \u003cspan\u003efinderscope\u003c\/span\u003e, and a \u003cspan\u003ecamera\u003c\/span\u003e. Celestron's payload capacity does not include the weight of the counterweights.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDual saddle plate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAs 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. \u003cspan\u003eCompatible with Vixen format dovetails 100mm or longer, not compatible with Losmandy D format plates (regardless of plate manufacturer).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoftware\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCelestron PWI Telescope Control Software\u003cbr\u003eYour Ultimate Astronomy Software Suite\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAll 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eGraphical 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\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eIdeal for remote observatory setups: save and re-load your alignment and park your scope\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eProvides a complete ASCOM telescope interface to allow control of the telescope from third party software applications\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor more information on CPWI and to see the user interface, click here.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStarry Night Software\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAlso 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccessories Included\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Celestron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44926723031119,"sku":"12035","price":2849.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0675\/2406\/7407\/files\/12035_Advanced_VX_7_Mak-Cass_01.jpg?v=1776998852","url":"https:\/\/hobbytechsupply.com\/products\/7-maksutov-cassegrain-telescope","provider":"Hobby Tech Supply","version":"1.0","type":"link"}