2026 Gift Guide

The Celestron CGX-L Equatorial Mount and Tripod is a heavy-duty computerized mount built for serious astrophotographers and backyard observatory setups. With a generous 75 lb load capacity, massive 70 mm stainless steel tripod legs, and internally routed cabling for snag-free remote operation, it delivers exceptional stability and precision tracking for even the largest optical tubes and imaging rigs.

• Increased 75 lb load capacity. Exceptional load capacity to weight ratio
• Additional Aux accessory ports and autoguider port on the Dec axis for better cable management
• Larger 144 mm diameter worm wheels to better and more accurately drive heavier loads
• Longer 270 mm dovetail saddle to better support larger optical tubes
• Massive 70 mm stainless steel tripod legs with a wider stance for improved stability under heavy loads
• New accessory tray holds three 1.25” and two 2” eyepieces with an upright stand for your smartphone or tablet
• Heavy duty, 31.5 mm stainless steel counterweight shaft to support additional counterweights
• Spring-loaded brass worm wheel and stainless steel worm gear reduce friction and provide optimum gear mesh
• Internal cabling for worry-free remote operation. Power input and lower accessory ports remain stationary while the mount slews to avoid snags
• Includes Celestron's new PWI telescope control software, co-developed by PlaneWave Instruments. Software features multi-point mount modeling for extremely precise pointing accuracy
• Adjustable EQ head position to optimize center of gravity over the tripod and fully utilize the increased 3°-65° latitude range
• Integrated handles for easy transport and portability
• All-new ergonomically designed dovetail clamping knobs

• Digital Compass function provides degree, north pointing arrow and cardinal point readings. Compass Range: - 0° To 359° , 1-16 pointers (graphical)
• Magnetic declination angle adjustable for regions with magnetic variation
• Built-in Altimeter: measures in either meters or feet
• Barometer (air) pressure and sea level pressure measurement in mbar/hpPa, mmHG or inHG
• Weather forecast Icons: Sunny, Slightly Cloudy, Cloudy and Rainy
• Time, Date and Alarm Clock
• Built-in thermometer - °C or °F
• Backlight for nighttime use
• (2) long-life Lithium batteries included

• Load rated capacity to 55 lbs (25kg)
• Heavy Duty belt-drive system minimizes backlash while providing smooth motor operation under heavy loads
• Spring-loaded brass worm wheel and stainless steel worm gear reduce friction and provide optimum gear mesh
• Internal cabling for worry-free remote operation. Power input and accessory ports remain stationary while the mount slews to avoid snags
• Control software developed in conjunction with PlaneWave Instruments for professional level control operation and imaging
• Adjustable EQ head position to optimize center of gravity over the tripod and fully utilize the increased 3°-65° latitude range
• 2" steel legs with height index marks for quick leveling
• Two handles for easy pickup and transport
• All-new ergonomically designed dovetail clamping knobs
• All-new ergonomic latitude adjuster for smooth and easy adjustment under full loads

The Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 is a WiFi-enabled 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope that lets you explore the night sky using your smartphone or tablet with the free SkyPortal app. Featuring a built-in rechargeable lithium-iron battery for up to 10 hours of observing, precision brass worm gear tracking, and StarBright XLT coatings, it delivers stunning views and astroimaging capability in a portable, user-friendly package.

• Explore the Universe and control your NexStar Evolution telescope with the free Celestron SkyPortal app for iOS and Android!
• Compact, portable 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube with StarBright XLT optical coatings and Fastar compatibility
• Computerized GoTo mount with high-performance brass worm gears and motors for improved tracking accuracy, along with reduced gear backlash
• Rechargeable lithium-iron battery with enough power for 10 hours of continuous observing
• Improved industrial design with manual clutches and integrated carry handles, plus the added convenience of two accessory trays and a USB charge port for your smart device

• An ideal reference for observing ringed Saturn and its brightest moons
• Identifies atmospheric features of Saturn using standard nomenclature
• Includes lists of all Saturn oppositions, observable conjunctions from 2014 to 2020
• Lists best filters for visual observation and astrophotography of Saturn
• Plastic-laminated for durability, the Saturn Map measures 25.25" x 11" when fully unfolded, and folds up to 8.5" x 11" for easy portability

• 20-60x magnification range
• 45° viewing angle to observe comfortably for extended periods
• Includes a smartphone adapter so you can capture images and video through the scope instantly
• Tripod adaptable for long-duration or long-distance viewing
• Durable body to stands up to minor bumps and jolts while protecting the optics from wet/humid weather and other environmental challenges

• Quick and easy no-tool setup
• StarPointer for convenience
• Quick release dovetail attachment
• Pan handle Alt-Az control with clutch for smooth and accurate pointing
• Rugged pre-assembled tripod with steel tube legs provides a rigid and stable platform
• All coated glass optics for clear, crisp images
• Deluxe accessory tray for convenient and accessible storage of accessories
• Download Starry Night Basic Software with a 36,000 object database, printable sky maps and enhanced images including 3D renderings of stars, exoplanets, and galaxies