iOptron CEM26 “Center Balanced” GoTo Mount with iPolar, Hard Case, and 1.5" Tripod
Item #: C262A1
Lightweight enough to travel, stable enough to track with confidence, and accurate enough to guide your camera or keep your target centered all night long—the iOptron CEM26 is a smartly engineered GoTo mount for visual astronomers and entry-level astrophotographers alike. This version includes iOptron’s iPolar electronic polar scope, a hard case for the mount head, and the field-friendly 1.5" stainless steel tripod, making it an excellent grab-and-go package for portable astronomy.
Whether you’re exploring the Moon visually or capturing the faint arms of a spiral galaxy through a camera, the CEM26 is built to deliver stability, precision, and ease of use in a compact, center-balanced form.
Center-Balanced Strength in a Portable Size
The CEM26 (short for Center-Balanced Equatorial Mount) takes a different approach than traditional German equatorials. By placing the optical tube directly over the tripod’s center of gravity, the mount achieves greater natural stability and minimizes required counterweight mass. This smart geometry lets you carry more telescope with less effort—and less vibration.
At just 10.4 pounds (4.7 kg) for the mount head and only 11 pounds (5 kg) for the 1.5" tripod, this configuration is ideal for observers who need to keep their setup light. Despite its minimal footprint, the mount supports a 26-pound payload, easily accommodating small to mid-size refractors, SCTs, or Newtonians.
Visual Observing and Astrophotography Friendly
For visual observers, the CEM26 is a joy to use: ultra-quiet operation, accurate tracking, and quick setup with GoTo control that gets you from alignment to observing in minutes. The Go2Nova 8409 hand controller comes preloaded with over 212,000 celestial objects, including deep sky catalogs, planets, double stars, comets, and more. With tracking accuracy of < ±10 arcseconds and optional PEC correction, your targets stay centered and sharp at high magnifications.
For imagers, the included iPolar electronic polar scope makes alignment painless and precise. iPolar works even when Polaris isn’t visible, overlaying your mount’s orientation onto a real-time star map so you can dial in your polar alignment in minutes.
Tech-Savvy and Efficient
The CEM26 includes built-in Wi-Fi for wireless control from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. There’s also a USB port for ASCOM-based PC control, and a standard ST-4 autoguiding port for plug-and-play guiding with most guide cameras. Firmware is fully upgradeable, so your mount stays current as iOptron improves the platform.
Thanks to its efficient stepper motors and belt-driven system, the mount consumes just 0.5 amps while tracking—allowing long sessions with small portable batteries in the field.
What’s Included
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iOptron CEM26 Mount Head
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iPolar Electronic Polar Scope (installed)
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Go2Nova 8409 Hand Controller
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1.5" Stainless Steel Tripod with Metal Spreader and Accessory Tray
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10 lb Counterweight and Counterweight Shaft
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AC Adapter (100V–240V input)
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Mounting and Communication Cables
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Hard Case for Equatorial Head
Observing Tip
If you're planning to load the mount with a fully outfitted imaging rig, or if you're observing in gusty conditions, consider upgrading to the 1.75" LiteRoc tripod for added stability. But for most visual users and widefield setups, the included 1.5" tripod offers more than enough support—and saves weight where it counts.
Final Thoughts
The iOptron CEM26 with iPolar, hard case, and 1.5" tripod brings together practical design, precision mechanics, and digital convenience in a package that’s as easy to use as it is to carry. It’s the perfect companion for both new and seasoned astronomers who need serious performance in a manageable setup.
