iOptron CEM26 “Center Balanced” GoTo German Equatorial Mount with AccuAlign and 1.75" LiteRoc Tripod
Item #: C261B3
Enjoy taking the lightweight, whisper-quiet iOptron CEM26 out under the stars. Whether you’re an astrophotographer looking for precision or a visual observer who appreciates portability, the CEM26 gives you the confidence of high-end features in a compact, travel-ready package. It’s one of the smartest, most efficient mounts in its class—and thanks to its unique center-balanced architecture, it’s also one of the most stable.
This version of the CEM26 includes iOptron's AccuAlign optical polar scope for fast, accurate polar alignment, and it rides on the rugged 1.75" LiteRoc stainless steel tripod, combining performance with lightweight portability.
Precision Performance with a Smart "Z" Twist
At the heart of the CEM26 is iOptron’s patented “Z”-shaped center-balanced design. By placing the payload directly over the tripod’s center of gravity, the CEM26 achieves improved natural stability and a higher effective payload-to-weight ratio. This thoughtful design minimizes flexure and counterweight demand, which means easier setup and smoother tracking—whether you're imaging narrowband nebulae or scanning Messier objects from your driveway.
Despite its strength, the mount head weighs just 10.4 lbs (4.7 kg). That’s a welcome relief when you’re hauling gear into a dark-sky site. And thanks to its adjustable counterweight bar, you can use the mount at low latitudes without fear of the counterweight hitting the tripod legs. Even better, the polar scope is never blocked by the declination shaft, making it fast and easy to align anytime—even after dark.
Built for Astrophotographers (But Visual Users Will Love It Too)
With a 26 lb (11.8 kg) payload capacity, the CEM26 is ideal for imaging rigs with mid-sized refractors or compact reflectors, especially when paired with a guide scope and camera. Inside, a spring-loaded gear system with adjustable loading force keeps backlash at bay, while belt-driven stepper motors deliver quiet, precise slewing and tracking with low periodic error—typically less than ±10 arcseconds. Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PEC) is also supported for improved long-exposure guiding.
Need to balance your scope manually? The gear switches on both the RA and DEC axes let you disengage the worm gears for easy balancing—another thoughtful touch for field use.
Accurate GoTo Control with Room to Grow
Controlling the mount is iOptron's Go2Nova 8409 hand controller, which comes preloaded with one of the largest GoTo databases in the industry—over 212,000 celestial objects, including:
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Named objects
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Messier, NGC, IC, Caldwell catalogs
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UGC, MCG galaxy catalogs
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Double stars, variables, exoplanets, and more
The four-line LCD screen is easy to read, even with gloves, and the user interface is intuitive for beginners while offering plenty of flexibility for advanced users. Alignment routines are simple and reliable, and you can store custom user-defined objects as well.
Field-Ready Connectivity and Power Efficiency
With built-in Wi-Fi, an ST-4 autoguiding port, and both USB and serial ports for PC control and firmware upgrades, the CEM26 is fully equipped for today’s software-driven observing sessions. It supports ASCOM control, and iOptron Commander software makes remote operation smooth and reliable.
One of the standout features is the low power consumption. The mount draws just 0.5 amps when tracking and 0.8 amps during GoTo slewing, making it ideal for running off a field battery. This mount shares controller electronics with the much more expensive CEM70, giving you professional-grade features at a fraction of the cost.
AccuAlign Polar Scope for Fast Setup
The included AccuAlign polar scope features calibrated optics with dark-field illumination, making it easy to polar align even under twilight conditions. If Polaris isn’t visible from your observing location, the CEM26 also includes a built-in polar alignment routine via the hand controller, so you can still get a solid alignment using reference stars.
1.75" LiteRoc Tripod—Sturdy, Lightweight, Reliable
The included LiteRoc tripod uses 1.75" stainless steel legs and a die-cast spreader/accessory tray to reduce flex while keeping weight to a minimum. At only 11 lbs (5 kg), it’s perfect for the grab-and-go astronomer who doesn’t want to sacrifice stability for portability.
Observing Tip
To get the most accurate tracking for long-exposure imaging, start with a solid visual polar alignment using the AccuAlign scope, then fine-tune with software-based drift or electronic alignment tools. A small tweak at this stage can mean tighter stars and better subs later. And don’t forget—if you’re imaging in colder weather, give your mount a few minutes to thermally stabilize before guiding calibration for best results.
Final Thoughts
The iOptron CEM26 with AccuAlign and the 1.75" LiteRoc tripod is a mount that’s ready to grow with you. Whether you’re stepping into your first serious imaging setup or refining your portable kit, the CEM26 delivers stable performance, reliable GoTo control, and premium features typically found in much more expensive mounts. Field-tested and road-trip approved, it’s one of the best values in its class.
