Celestron · Schmidt-Cassegrain
Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain 2800mm Telescope
11 inches of serious aperture on a GPS-equipped GoTo mount, ready to tackle both planets and deep sky from night one.
Price updated Mar 22, 2026
Performance Scores
Overview
The Celestron CPC 1100 is a substantial instrument aimed at amateur astronomers who are ready to move beyond starter equipment. The 279mm Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system delivers a 2800mm focal length, giving you the light-gathering power to resolve globular clusters, track planetary detail, and push into faint galaxies and nebulae that smaller scopes simply cannot reach. The dual fork arm GoTo mount carries a database of over 40,000 objects and uses an internal GPS receiver combined with SkyAlign technology to get you observing quickly, without needing to manually identify alignment stars.
That said, at 24kg this is not a grab-and-go setup. You will want a dedicated observing spot or a vehicle nearby, and collimation checks are part of owning any SCT at this aperture. The included 9x50 finderscope is a practical addition for centering targets before handing off to the GoTo system.
Imagers should note that the fork mount can be adapted for astrophotography with optional accessories, though serious imaging typically benefits from an equatorial wedge. Overall, this is a capable, well-supported instrument from a brand with a long track record.
At a Glance
279.4mm
Aperture
24.31kg
Weight
Specifications
Key Features
- 279mm aperture resolves fine planetary detail and reaches deep sky objects that 8-inch and smaller scopes cannot
- Internal GPS and SkyAlign alignment reduce setup time considerably, a genuine advantage for casual observing sessions
- GoTo database of 40,000 plus objects means you spend less time star-hopping and more time actually observing
- Dual fork arm mount is sturdy enough for visual use and can support astrophotography when paired with an optional equatorial wedge
- Schmidt-Cassegrain design folds a 2800mm focal length into a compact optical tube, making storage and transport more manageable for a scope this size
- Included Starry Night software is useful for session planning, particularly if you are newer to finding objects manually
- At 24kg total weight, this scope requires a committed setup routine, so factor in your observing site and transport situation before buying
Customer Reviews
120 reviews
Update January 2018: I used this scope for the solar eclipse and have been photographing deep sky objects with a wedge. It's still going strong and working fine after I replaced the front cell. I've had a few issues with the GPS receiver that I've been able to resolve. I recently replaced the nylon ...
I bought this telescope as a 50th birthday present to myself, and it did not disappoint. The optics are fantastic, the setup was a breeze, and it's a joy to operate. There is some minor assembly required, but the instructions are clear and it was only about 30 minutes from shipping box to first ligh...
My telescope arrived damaged. Not shipping damaged, but defective. I contacted Celestron and they instructed me to take the telescope apart, remove a part, and reassemble it for shipping. I had to repackage it and send it to their repair department. Their department received it on the 23rd of Januar...