Celestron · Schmidt-Cassegrain
Celestron CGEM II Computerized German Type Motorized Equatorial Mount
Celestron's CGEM II delivers 40-lb payload capacity and precision multi-rate tracking for serious visual and imaging work.
Price updated Mar 22, 2026
Performance Scores
Overview
The CGEM II is a motorized German equatorial mount designed to handle substantial optical tubes, including Celestron's SCT scopes up to 11 inches. With a 40-lb payload capacity and low-cog DC servo motors, it offers tracking at sidereal, solar, and lunar rates, which matters when you are trying to keep a target centered during long observation sessions or astrophotography runs. The NexStar+ hand controller gives you access to a database of over 40,000 objects and supports alignment methods including AutoAlign and 2-Star Align, so you can get up and running without extensive manual setup.
The 2-inch steel tripod with graduated markings contributes to stability at higher magnifications, where vibration becomes a real problem with lighter mounts. At 34.84 kg total and a price of $1,129, this is a significant investment in both money and physical effort to transport. It is worth noting that the Amazon rating currently sits at 2.5 out of 5 based on a small number of reviews, so prospective buyers should research user experiences with setup, polar alignment, and long-term reliability before committing.
This mount suits someone ready to step into serious equipment, not a casual beginner.
At a Glance
34.84kg
Weight
Specifications
Key Features
- Tracks at sidereal, solar, and lunar rates, supporting both planetary and deep-sky observation as well as basic astrophotography
- 40-lb payload capacity accommodates large SCT optical tubes up to 11 inches plus accessories
- NexStar+ hand controller includes a 40,000+ object database with AutoAlign and 2-Star Align options for faster setup
- 2-inch steel tripod with graduated markings reduces vibration at high magnifications
- Slews at 5 degrees per second, cutting down time spent moving between targets during an observing session
- Breaks down into separate components for transport, though the total system weight of roughly 77 lbs requires planning for dark-sky trips
- USB port on the hand controller allows connection to a computer for software-assisted control and firmware updates
Customer Reviews
7 reviews
it keeps losing Wi-Fi so I cant used my phone or table to run it my old avx mount didn't loss Wi-Fi looking at a CGX or CGX-L mount
I upgraded from an AVX mount so I was used to the Celestron way of designing these lower cost mounts. The CGEM ii is heavier, stronger and quieter. It seems to be smoother but I haven't a way of measuring. The promo boasts of the knobs. I didn't like them and replaced them all. For an example, the l...
I read so many mediocre reviews of this mount here on Amazon and on other sites that I was very nervous about buying it. But it was the best bang for the buck and with my budget being rather inflexible, I decided to go for it. Boy am I glad I did! Do not listen to the perfectionist reviewers trying ...