iOptron CEM26 “Center Balanced” GoTo German Equatorial Mount with AccuAlign, Hard Case, and 1.5" Tripod
Item #: C262B1
Lightweight. Whisper quiet. Incredibly stable. The iOptron CEM26 takes everything you love about a traditional German equatorial mount and improves it—starting from the inside out. Whether you’re scanning the sky visually or capturing long-exposure images of deep space objects, the CEM26 offers performance, portability, and precision in one compact package. This configuration includes the AccuAlign polar scope, a fitted hard case, and the rugged 1.5" stainless steel tripod, making it a ready-to-roll observing platform right out of the box.
Built for the Field—And the Backyard
Weighing in at only 10.4 lbs, the CEM26 mount head is easy to carry, easy to set up, and surprisingly strong—supporting payloads up to 26 lbs. That’s enough to handle everything from small refractors and Maks to full-featured imaging rigs. Its patented “Z” center-balanced design places the weight of your optical tube over the center of the tripod for increased stability and a higher effective payload-to-weight ratio than traditional mounts.
The included 1.5" stainless steel tripod offers a lighter-weight alternative to the larger 1.75" version, making this package ideal for observers on the go. Despite the slimmer legs, it still delivers solid stability, especially for compact setups under 20 lbs.
For Visual Observers and Astrophotographers Alike
Visual users will appreciate how quiet the CEM26 is—slewing is nearly silent, and the belt-driven motors provide buttery smooth tracking, even at high powers. With the Go2Nova 8409 controller, you’ll have access to over 212,000 celestial objects, and GoTo slews are accurate, controlled, and reliable. Setup is quick, and once aligned, you can spend the rest of the night exploring rather than re-centering.
For astrophotographers, the CEM26 is a proven performer. Its low periodic error (less than ±10 arcseconds) and spring-loaded worm gears ensure steady tracking, and it supports permanent PEC for even better long-exposure results. Whether you’re imaging with a DSLR or a cooled astro camera, the CEM26 offers a stable, accurate base to build your setup around.
AccuAlign Polar Scope Included
The included AccuAlign optical polar scope makes polar alignment fast and frustration-free. With dark-field illumination and a calibrated reticle, you can get a precise polar alignment even in dim conditions. And since the polar axis isn’t blocked by the DEC shaft, you’ll always have a clear view—no need to rotate or remove components just to align.
For those imaging from locations where Polaris isn’t visible, the mount also includes a software-based polar alignment routine, accessible via the hand controller.
Thoughtful Engineering and Smart Features
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Payload: 26 lbs (11.8 kg), excluding counterweights
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Mount Head Weight: 10.4 lbs (4.7 kg)
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Tripod: 1.5" stainless steel legs, weighs 11 lbs (5 kg)
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Drive System: Belt-driven stepper motors for low backlash
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Periodic Error: < ±10 arcseconds (with permanent PEC support)
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Saddle: Spring-loaded, 3.8" Vixen-style dovetail
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Counterweight Shaft: Pivoting design for 0°–60° latitude range
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Hand Controller: Go2Nova 8409, 212,000+ objects
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Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi, USB, ST-4 autoguide port
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Power: Just 0.5A while tracking, ideal for field battery use
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Included Case: Fitted hard case for the equatorial head
This version of the CEM26 shares its controller architecture and firmware lineage with iOptron’s more expensive models, including the CEM40 and CEM70, meaning you’re getting a scaled-down mount that doesn’t compromise on brains—or brawn.
Observing Tip
The 1.5" tripod included in this version makes the CEM26 easier to carry and quicker to set up—but if you plan to use heavier OTA/guiding setups above ~20 lbs, consider upgrading to the 1.75" LiteRoc tripod for enhanced rigidity. For visual use, however, this 1.5" tripod version is more than stable enough—and a great way to save weight without sacrificing capability.
Final Thoughts
The iOptron CEM26 with AccuAlign, Hard Case, and 1.5" Tripod strikes a rare balance: high performance, real portability, and an affordable price. Whether you're exploring the Moon and planets at 300x, capturing long-exposure images of nebulae, or packing for a dark-sky weekend, this is the kind of mount that keeps up with your goals—and doesn’t slow you down.
