Nebula Porch
Editorial rank 52 of 99Celestron CPC 1100 GPS
Full specificationTelescope
Optical DesignSchmidt-Cassegrain
Aperture280 mm (11 inches)
Focal Length2800 mm
Mount TypeComputerized Alt-Azimuth Fork Mount with GPS
Total Weightapproximately 68.5 kg (151 lbs) with tripod
4.4

Celestron

Celestron CPC 1100 GPS

★★★★☆ 4.4/5

The Celestron CPC 1100 GPS is a powerful, professional-grade Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope suited for serious hobbyists who want large aperture combined with reliable GoTo automation.

280mmaperturef/10.0focal ratio560×useful max magnification14.9maglimiting magnitude
  • Specification transcribed from manufacturer data
  • Scored against 46 peers in Telescopes
  • Compromises listed in full below

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Verdict

The Celestron CPC 1100 GPS is a powerful, professional-grade Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope suited for serious hobbyists who want large aperture combined with reliable GoTo automation. While its size, weight, and price put it out of reach for casual stargazers, it delivers excellent optical performance and versatility for both visual observation and astrophotography once properly set up.

Key features

0111-inch (280mm) Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube
02CPC computerized Alt-Azimuth GoTo mount with GPS
03StarBright XLT coatings for enhanced light transmission
04Built-in GPS for automatic time, date, and location alignment
05SkyAlign technology for fast 3-star alignment
0640,000+ object database in hand controller
07Tripod with heavy-duty steel legs and accessory tray
08Compatible with Celestron's optional wedge and imaging accessories

Full review

The Celestron CPC 1100 GPS is a premium computerized telescope built around an 11-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube, delivering the aperture and light-gathering power serious amateur astronomers need to observe faint deep-sky objects, planetary detail, and lunar terrain with striking clarity. Its StarBright XLT coating system optimizes light transmission and contrast, ensuring that views through the eyepiece remain crisp even at high magnifications. The fully computerized fork-mount design integrates seamlessly with Celestron's proprietary technology, offering a stable, robust platform that can support the substantial optical tube while maintaining precise tracking across long observation sessions, making it a favorite among astrophotographers and visual observers alike.

At the heart of the CPC 1100 GPS is its built-in GPS receiver, which automatically determines time, date, and location, streamlining the alignment process so users spend less time setting up and more time observing. Coupled with Celestron's NexStar computer control system, the telescope's database contains over 40,000 celestial objects, and its SkyAlign technology allows for alignment using any three bright celestial objects, even without prior star knowledge. This intelligent automation extends to the mount's tracking capabilities, which compensate for Earth's rotation, keeping targets centered in the field of view whether you're tracking a distant galaxy or following a planet across the night sky.

Constructed with a rugged single fork arm mount and sturdy tripod, the CPC 1100 GPS is engineered for stability in the field, minimizing vibration that can blur high-power views. The optical tube's compact Schmidt-Cassegrain design keeps the overall footprint manageable despite the generous aperture, and compatibility with a wide range of Celestron accessories, including additional eyepieces, filters, and imaging equipment, extends its versatility for both casual stargazing and dedicated astrophotography projects. Altogether, the CPC 1100 GPS stands as a capable, technologically advanced telescope suited to intermediate and advanced users seeking dependable performance night after night.

The trade-off

What you gain, what you give up

5 strengths · 5 compromises

Strengths

  • Large 11-inch aperture gathers substantial light for deep-sky viewing
  • GPS and SkyAlign make setup and alignment fast and beginner-friendly
  • Sturdy fork-arm mount handles heavy imaging equipment well
  • Extensive database ideal for both visual astronomy and outreach
  • Excellent build quality typical of Celestron's high-end line

Compromises

  • Very heavy and bulky, making transport and setup cumbersome for one person
  • Expensive investment compared to smaller GoTo telescopes
  • Requires a car or dedicated storage space due to size
  • Fork mount needs a wedge for long-exposure astrophotography
  • Hand controller interface feels dated compared to app-based systems

Nearby

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