The Celestron CGX 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope is the most portable model in the CGX mount series, offering serious astrophotography and visual performance in a compact form. Featuring an 8-inch aperture with StarBright XLT coatings, this Celestron CGX 800 Computerised Cassegrain Telescope delivers over 800 times the light-gathering power of the human eye. Designed for precision tracking, it's built on the robust CGX Equatorial Mount platform, ideal for long-exposure deep sky imaging.

Compared to its predecessor, the Advanced VX Mount (AVX), this heavy-duty mount offers improved rigidity and stability, supporting a payload capacity of up to 25kg—ideal for the included 8" optical tube and additional astrophotography equipment. Its wider tripod stance and reinforced 2-inch steel legs ensure quick vibration dampening and reliable performance even under heavier loads.

 

   

 

Key Features of the CGX 800

The new CGX was designed to better support your telescope for both visual and astro-imaging pursuits. It is Celestron's new equatorial backbone to support a wide range of telescopes.

 

Heavy-Duty CGX Mount with 25kg Capacity

The CGX Equatorial Mount is engineered for reliability and strength, supporting payloads up to 25 kilograms. Its improved mechanical design enhances stability and reduces vibration, allowing for quicker damping during viewing or imaging. The mount head features adjustable positioning to optimise the centre of gravity over the tripod, making it easier to balance heavy setups. With a latitude adjustment range from 3° to 65°, the CGX can be used from many observing locations worldwide, from equatorial to mid-latitude sites.

 

Belt Driven System

At the heart of the CGX mount is a belt-driven gear system, replacing traditional spur gears to significantly reduce backlash. This design provides smoother motor operation and more accurate tracking, especially important for long-exposure astrophotography. The mount includes a spring-loaded brass worm wheel and stainless-steel worm gear, which work together to reduce friction and maintain consistent gear meshing under various load conditions. These improvements result in more precise slewing and dependable long-term performance.

 

Smart Cable Management and Internal Sensors

The CGX mount features internal cabling to prevent snags and tangles during operation. Both the power input and accessory ports remain stationary while the mount slews, enabling worry-free use in remote or semi-permanent setups. Built-in hard stops on both axes safeguard against over-rotation and cable strain, while internal optical sensors provide precise feedback for safer operation. Home sensors allow the mount to always return to its index position after a restart, and limit sensors prevent accidental damage by shutting off slewing before reaching mechanical limits.

 

Powerful Electronics for Imaging and Alignment

This telescope system includes Celestron’s NexStar+ hand controller, which gives users access to a comprehensive 40,000-object database with detailed information on over 200 objects. The mount connects directly to a PC via USB 2.0 and is fully compatible with advanced control systems like Celestron’s PWI Telescope Control Software, the SkyPortal WiFi Module, and the StarSense AutoAlign accessory and StarSense Autoguider. The system supports multi-point mount modelling, providing exceptionally accurate pointing—especially useful for remote or automated imaging sessions.

 

Improved Tripod and Ergonomics

The updated CGX tripod is built for stability and ease of use. Its 2-inch steel legs include indexed markings for quick and accurate height adjustment. The tripod’s widened stance adds to overall rigidity, while the integrated accessory tray securely holds 1.25" and 2" eyepieces, a smartphone, or other accessories. For added convenience, the tripod legs can remain collapsed with the tray installed, reducing setup time during field use. Additionally, the CGX mount allows tracking up to 20 degrees past the meridian, enabling uninterrupted imaging runs across the sky.

Designed with the user in mind, the CGX mount includes multiple ergonomic upgrades. Integrated carry handles make transportation easier, even when moving the mount short distances. The dovetail clamping knobs and polar alignment adjustment knobs have been redesigned to reduce friction, allowing for smoother adjustments even under full load. For those seeking even more precise alignment, an optional polar axis finderscope is available as an add-on.

 

Whether you're upgrading your astrophotography gear or starting with a powerful GoTo mount, the Celestron CGX Equatorial 800 Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope offers premium optics and tracking performance. It’s the perfect balance of portability and capacity, earning its place among the most reliable CGX 8” telescope systems for both imaging and observation.

 

Compatible With:

The CGX 800 mount is also compatible with new Celestron technologies such as StarSense Autoguider, StarSense AutoAlign Accessory and SkyPortal wifi module for ultimate user friendly experience and improved alignment.  

 

 

Full Specifications

Optical Tube Assembly (OTA)

Optical Design	Schmidt-Cassegrain (SCT)
Aperture	203.2mm (8")
Focal Length	2032mm (80")
Focal Ratio	f/10
Included Eyepiece	25mm (81x Magnification)
Finderscope	6x30
Star Diagonal	1.25"
Optical Tube Construction	Aluminium
Highest Useful Magnification	480x
Lowest Useful Magnification	29x
Limiting Stellar Magnitude	14
Resolution (Rayleigh)	0.69 Arc Seconds
Resolution (Dawes)	0.57 Arc Seconds
Secondary Mirror Obstruction	64mm (2.5")
Optical Coatings	StarBright XLT
Optical Tube Length	432mm (17")
Optical Tube Diamater	238mm (9.37")
Optical Tube Weight	5.67kg
Dovetail	CGE Dovetail Bar

Computerised Mount

Mount Type	Computerised Equatorial
Instrument Load Capacity	25kg
Height Adjustment Range (Including Mount and Tripod)	1200.15mm - 1968.5mm
Tripod Leg Diameter	50.8mm
Latitude Adjustment Range	3° - 65°
Mount Head Weight	20kg
Accessory Tray	Yes
Tripod Weight	8.7kg
Weight of Counterweights	2 x 11lbs (5kg)
Slew Speeds	9 Slew Speds (Max Speed 4° / Second)
Tracking Rates	Sidereal, Solar and Lunar
Tracking Modes	EQ North & EQ South
GPS	N/A
Dovetail Compatibility	Dual saddle plates (Vixen and CGE saddle)
Auxiliary Ports	2 Aux ports (Hand Control can use either Aux port)
Autoguide Port	Yes
USB Port	Yes (On Hand Controller)
Power Reqiurements	12V DC, 4 amps
Motor Drive	DC Servo Motors
Alignment Procedures	2-Star Align, 1-Star Align, Solar System Align, Last Alignment, Quick Align
Periodic Error Correction	Yes
Computerised Hand Controller	Double Line, 18 Character Liquid Crystal Display; 19 Fiber Optic Backlit LED Buttons and USB 2.0 Port for PC Connection
NexStar+ Database	40,000+ Objects with 100 User Defined Programmable Objects and Enhanced Information on Over 200 Objects
Software	PWI Telescope Control Software, Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software, SkyPortal App

 

   

 

Compatible With:

The CGX 800 Telescope is also compatible with new Celestron technologies such as StarSense Autoguider, StarSense AutoAlign Accessory and SkyPortal wifi module for ultimate user friendly experience and improved alignment.  

 

 

Recommended Accessories

	Celestron StarSense AutoAlign Accessory Automatically align your telescope in moments! With a StarSense AutoAlign Accessory, you will no longer need to align your telescope by manually inputting data.
	Celestron NeXYZ Smartphone Adapter With the Celestron NeXYZ Smartphone Adapter, you can take images or videos through your telescope eyepiece using your smartphone. This is a great way to get started in astrophotography.
	Celestron 1.25-inch Eyepiece and Filter Kit Expand your viewing capabilities with a complete 1.25-inch eyepiece and filter kit! Includes 5 eyepieces, a 2x barlow lens and 7 filters, and a convenient carry case.
	saxon Optical Lens Cleaning Kit Keep your telescope in top shape by protecting it from dust and debris!

	Celestron StarSense AutoAlign Accessory Automatically align your telescope in moments with this accecssory!
	Celestron NeXYZ Smartphone Adapter Take images or videos through your telescope eyepiece using your smartphone. This is a great way to get started in astrophotography.
	Celestron 1.25-inch Eyepiece and Filter Kit This complete kit includes 5 eyepieces, a 2x barlow lens and 7 filters, and a convenient carry case.
	saxon Optical Lens Cleaning Kit Keep your telescope in top shape by protecting it from dust and debris!

 

Why Shop Celestron from OpticsCentral?

OpticsCentral is a Premier Select Dealer for Celestron in Australia, offering expert advice, local warranty support, and access to genuine spare parts. As an authorised Celestron Premier Select Dealer, we provide local warranty support and fast turnaround on repairs—giving you peace of mind with every purchase.

 

About Celestron

Imagine a humble beginning – a 6-inch reflector telescope crafted by Tom Johnson for his young son. This was the spark that ignited a transformative journey. As time passed, his designs evolved into larger, more sophisticated scopes. Today, Celestron shines as an industry trailblazer, renowned for crafting precision optical equipment. From computerised marvels to traditional telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes and more, Celestron's portfolio is a universe of possibilities. With a legacy spanning over 50 illustrious years, Celestron has earned admiration from both avid hobbyists and dedicated astronomers worldwide. But they don't rest on their laurels; innovation propels them forward. They constantly broaden their product horizons while illuminating minds through global science education initiatives. Celestron's story is one of innovation, evolution and a passion for the cosmos. Join them on this extraordinary journey of discovery and inspiration.

Product Code: 12050