Celestron Catadioptric Telescope 22097-CGL 60x Grey 14.6cm

The Celestron Catadioptric Telescope 22097-CGL 60x Grey 14.6cm is a compact Maksutov-Cassegrain style instrument with a 14.6 cm optical tube diameter and a nominal 60x magnification. The kit includes a pre-assembled adjustable steel tripod and a fork-style mount that together provide stable support for astronomical and terrestrial observing. With a total weight of approximately 3.95 kg and a tripod weight of 2.3 kg, the telescope balances portability and rigidity for backyard sessions or transport to dark-sky locations. The grey finish gives the optical tube a discreet, utilitarian appearance suitable for field use.

Advantages

The Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design combines a corrector lens and a spherical mirror to deliver bright, high-contrast images with minimal chromatic aberration. The compact folded optical path produces a longer effective focal length in a short tube, making the instrument easier to handle and mount. The included adjustable stainless-steel tripod and fork mount offer quick setup and reliable tracking for casual and planned observing. The system’s relatively low overall weight makes it convenient to carry and assemble without tools.

Suitable for

• Lunar surface observation and mapping of surface detail
• Planetary observation (phases of Venus, polar caps on Mars, cloud bands and moons of Jupiter, rings of Saturn)
• Casual deep-sky viewing of brighter star clusters and nebulae
• Daytime terrestrial spotting such as wildlife and landscape viewing
• Portable field use where fast setup and mobility are needed

Key specifications

• Optical design: Maksutov-Cassegrain (catadioptric)
• Optical tube diameter (aperture): 14.6 cm
• Nominal magnification: 60x (depends on eyepiece used)
• Mount type: single fork arm altazimuth-style mount
• Tripod: adjustable stainless-steel tripod, approximately 2.3 kg
• Total kit weight: approximately 3.95 kg
• Finish: grey

How to use

Assemble the pre-assembled tripod and attach the fork arm and optical tube according to the included instructions for a no-tool setup. Point the telescope toward a bright object and perform a simple alignment procedure (such as SkyAlign, if the telescope supports it) by centering three bright objects in the eyepiece to allow the mount to triangulate its position. Start observing with a lower-power eyepiece for a wide field of view, then switch to higher-power eyepieces for closer planetary or lunar details. Allow the corrector plate to thermally equilibrate to ambient temperature before detailed observing sessions to reduce image distortion.

Usage recommendations

Use the telescope on a firm, level surface and allow the instrument to reach ambient temperature before beginning high-magnification observing. For portable power options, use fresh AA batteries or a compatible external 12V power source as specified by the manufacturer. For best results on faint objects, choose nights with steady atmospheric seeing and avoid viewing through heat sources or low-altitude turbulent air.