iOptron CEM26 "Center-Balanced" GoTo German Equatorial Mount with iPolar and 1.5" Tripod
Part Number: C261A1
The iOptron CEM26 brings advanced equatorial mount technology to a compact, portable format that's equally at home under the stars in your backyard or at a remote dark sky site. Designed for astrophotographers and visual observers alike, the CEM26 offers precision tracking, whisper-quiet operation, and an intuitive GoTo system—all while weighing just 10 pounds. If you’re looking for a truly versatile, grab-and-go equatorial mount that doesn't sacrifice performance, the CEM26 delivers.
A New Standard in Portable Equatorial Mounts
At the heart of the CEM26 is iOptron’s patented "CEM" (Center-Balanced Equatorial Mount) design. Instead of cantilevering the payload over one side of the mount, the CEM26 balances the telescope directly over the tripod’s center of gravity—reducing torque on the motors, increasing mechanical stability, and making polar alignment easier.
The result? You get an equatorial mount that handles up to 26 pounds of payload while weighing just 10 pounds itself. That’s a rare payload-to-weight ratio that makes this mount ideal for everything from ultra-portable imaging rigs to compact visual scopes.
Built-In iPolar for Effortless Alignment
This version of the CEM26 includes iOptron’s built-in iPolar electronic polar scope, which makes polar alignment quick, painless, and highly accurate—even if Polaris is obscured by trees or buildings. Using a live star field overlay on your computer, iPolar guides you through a dead-simple process to get perfectly aligned with the celestial pole. If you’ve ever struggled with polar scopes or drift alignment, you’ll never want to go back.
Visual Observing Powerhouse
Though designed with imaging in mind, the CEM26 is a superb mount for visual astronomers. Its light weight, built-in GoTo, and precision tracking make it a joy to use for casual backyard observing or outreach events. The included Go2Nova 8409 hand controller offers a user-friendly interface and a massive 212,000+ object database, including the Messier, NGC, IC, UGC, Caldwell, and other major catalogs.
Once you’ve polar aligned and selected a target, the mount’s stepper motors will quietly slew to your chosen object and keep it perfectly centered in the eyepiece for hours—great for planetary study, deep-sky exploration, or simply sharing the view with others.
Astrophotography-Ready Performance
For those who want to capture the night sky, the CEM26 is a fully capable astrophotography platform. It features:
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Low periodic error (< ±10 arcseconds)
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Precision stepper motors with 0.17 arcsecond resolution
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Synchronous belt drive system for backlash-free tracking
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ST-4 autoguider port for plug-and-play guiding
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Real-time PEC (with CEM26EC) and built-in WiFi for remote control
This combination of smooth tracking and user control options makes it ideal for imaging with short to medium focal length refractors, telephoto lenses, or astrographs up to 26 lbs.
Mechanical Features Built for the Field
The mount head itself is all metal—cast and CNC machined—and finished in a durable powder coat. The integrated counterweight bar pivots, allowing for low-latitude use without interference, and the Vixen-style saddle is spring-loaded for a secure fit with your OTA.
The included 1.5” stainless steel tripod is compact, rugged, and easy to set up, with an aluminum spreader/accessory tray to hold your gear and add stiffness. While the LiteRoc 1.75” tripod is available separately for added stability, the 1.5” tripod is well-matched for this mount’s lightweight design and intended portability.
Connectivity and Control Options
The CEM26 gives you a full suite of control options:
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Go2Nova 8409 Hand Controller with 4-line display and intelligent firmware
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USB port for firmware updates and PC control
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Built-in WiFi for wireless device control using ASCOM or iOptron Commander
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ST-4 guiding port for easy connection to popular autoguiders
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Optional accessories like iGuider or external GPS can be added anytime
Technical Specifications
| Feature |
Specification |
| Mount Type |
Center-Balanced Equatorial (CEM) |
| Payload Capacity |
26 lbs (11.8 kg), excluding counterweights |
| Mount Head Weight |
10 lbs (4.5 kg) |
| Counterweight |
10 lbs (4.5 kg) |
| Counterweight Shaft |
20mm x 305mm stainless steel |
| Tripod |
1.5" Stainless Steel, 11 lbs (5 kg) |
| Latitude Adjustment |
0° to 60° |
| Periodic Error |
< ±10 arcseconds |
| Slew Speed |
Up to 6°/sec |
| PEC |
Real-time PEC support |
| Motors |
Precision Stepper, 0.17 arcsec resolution |
| Transmission |
Synchronous belt |
| Polar Alignment |
iPolar electronic polar scope |
| Controller |
Go2Nova 8409, 212,000+ object database |
| Ports |
USB, ST-4, Serial, WiFi |
| Power Consumption |
0.5A (tracking), 0.8A (GoTo) @12V DC |
| Warranty |
2 years |
Observing Tip:
The CEM26 is a perfect mount for anyone looking to travel light without compromising on precision. Visual observers will love the dead-on GoTo accuracy and quiet operation, while imagers will appreciate the iPolar alignment, low PE, and robust tracking performance. Pair it with an 80–115mm refractor and you’ll have an ultra-portable, dual-purpose setup that performs far above its weight class.
Final Thoughts:
The iOptron CEM26 with iPolar and 1.5" tripod is a refined, well-engineered mount for the modern astronomer—portable enough to carry in one hand, yet powerful enough to support serious visual observing or astrophotography. It’s equally at home in your backyard, at a star party, or at a dark sky site miles from civilization. Whether you're upgrading from an entry-level mount or just looking for a compact system with premium features, the CEM26 hits the sweet spot.
