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

• 5-inch aperture provides excellent light-gathering ability at an affordable price. You’ll get impressive views of the Moon and planets, along with deep sky objects like the Orion Nebula, while retaining a compact form factor.
• Fully automated GoTo mount with database of 40,000+ celestial objects automatically locates and tracks objects for you.
• SkyAlign technology gets your telescope aligned and ready to observe in minutes. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the night sky, you can easily align your telescope on any three bright objects.
• Unique single fork arm design and sturdy steel tripod all break down into separate components for easy transport and quick assembly.

NOTE:  For solar observing we recommend the Astrozap Glass Solar Filter (Product No. 124466) for use on this telescope.

Unleash the power of your smartphone to take you on a guided tour of the night sky—no telescope experience required. Patented, award-winning StarSense sky recognition technology uses your smartphone to analyze star patterns overhead and calculate the telescope’s position in real-time. 

NOTE: to protect your scope optics from dust in storage we recommend the Pegasus 6-8" Dust cover for the bottom of your scope. (Product Number 126685)

Unleash the power of your smartphone to take you on a guided tour of the night sky—no telescope experience required.

Patent-pending StarSense sky recognition technology uses your smartphone to analyze star patterns overhead and calculate its position in real time. Check phone compatibility here.

NOTE: The Starsense telscope uses your smartphone as a navigation device only, not to take photos.

Unleash the power of your smartphone to take you on a guided tour of the night sky—no telescope experience required.

Patent-pending StarSense sky recognition technology uses your smartphone to analyze star patterns overhead and calculate its position in real time. Check phone compatibility here.

NOTE: The Starsense telscope uses your smartphone as a navigation device only, not to take photos.

• Manual German equatorial mount with setting circles - to locate and track sky objects
• Adjustable, full height steel tripod with deluxe accessory tray
• Quick and easy no-tool setup
• Accessories include a 20mm and 10mm eyepiece, and a finderscope

• 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