A database, two motors, and an alignment that has to be honest · review
Celestron's Advanced VX: a computerized German equatorial GoTo mount with a 30 lb payload, 2-inch stainless steel tripod legs, a 7 to 77-degree latitude range, permanently programmable PEC and a NexStar+ hand control with 40,000+ objects.
Celestron publishes both numbers a buyer needs: a 30 lb payload, and a 47 lb kit weight for mount and tripod together. The tripod legs are 2-inch stainless steel.
The Advanced VX is a computerized German equatorial. Celestron lists integer gear ratios, permanently programmable periodic error correction, motors with more power to overcome imbalance, and the ability to track and image across the meridian.
The latitude range runs from 7° to 77°, with EQ North and EQ South modes. Sidereal, solar and lunar tracking rates are built in.
The NexStar+ hand control holds 40,000+ objects and several alignment routines. Celestron’s StarSense Autoguider can automate alignment and guiding.
On November 7, 2026, Amazon.com listed it at about $1,099 from a third-party seller.
Figures as Keepa reported them on the day this page was last updated. Stock and pricing shift without warning.
Prices quoted in this text were read on November 7, 2026. The live price is at the top of the page.
Same aisle, closest price — what the same spend else shows.
| Pointing accuracy | Not published by the maker. |
|---|---|
| Alignment routine | Multiple alignment procedures on the NexStar+ hand control |
| Database and lists | 40,000+ objects |
| Controller and app support | NexStar+ hand control · sidereal, solar and lunar rates · EQ North and EQ South modes · permanently programmable periodic error correction · tracks across the meridian |
| Power draw and socket | Not published by the maker. |
| Payload rating | 30 lb (13.6 kg), stated · 7° to 77° latitude · 2 in stainless steel tripod legs · 47 lb (21.3 kg) kit weight, mount and tripod |
| Amazon reference | B00AYGIQDS |
| EAN | 0050234915199 |
An 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain, a 6-inch refractor or a mid-size imaging Newtonian with camera and guider. For imaging, staying around two-thirds of the rated payload keeps tracking smooth.
Periodic error correction records the repeating error of the worm gear and keeps the correction even after power-off, so it does not have to be retrained each night.
Yes, the same Advanced VX mount; the [6-inch kit](/reviews/catadioptric-telescopes-celestron-advanced/) adds the tube.
8.4/ 10
The most capable mount on this shelf by its published capacity, with its kit weight stated beside it.
This model is listed on Amazon.com, at ≈ $1,099 at the last reading. Listed is not the same as in stock: availability changes daily, and the buy box shows the live price.
Details checked on November 7, 2026.
Imaging from a site where the mount matters more than the tube
Specifications: the manufacturer sheet for telescopes and observing optics and the matching Amazon product page. Prices and availability: Keepa. Every figure on this page names its source.
44 lb payload · belt drive · PPEC · equatorial, alt-azimuth and dual-telescope modes · dual encoders
Sky-Watcher's AZ-EQ6: a 44 lb-payload GoTo mount that works as a German equatorial, an alt-azimuth or a carrier for two telescopes, with belt drive, permanent periodic error correction and Freedom Find encoders.
Best for: One mount for visual work and long-exposure imaging, at a fixed or semi-fixed site
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11 lb payload · full GoTo equatorial head · built-in illuminated polar scope · Wi-Fi · USB and autoguider ports
Sky-Watcher's Star Adventurer GTi head kit: a full GoTo equatorial tracker with an 11 lb payload, built-in illuminated polar scope, Wi-Fi, USB and autoguider ports, SNAP shutter control and a dual-position counterweight.
Best for: A camera and lens or a small astrograph under a dark sky
≈ $579
11 lb payload on an 8.6 lb mount · Wi-Fi · dual encoders · tripod 28 to 53 in · AA batteries or 12 V
Sky-Watcher's AZ-GTi: an 8.6 lb Wi-Fi GoTo alt-azimuth mount carrying 11 lb, with Freedom Find encoders, brass and aluminum gearing, a tripod from 28 to 53 inches and AA or 12 V power.
Best for: A traveling observer who wants GoTo pointing in carry-on luggage
≈ $439
