Omegon Pro APO 72/400 Quintuplet with iOptron CEM26 LiteRoc

The Omegon Pro APO 72/400 Quintuplet with iOptron CEM26 LiteRoc combines a compact flat-field apochromatic astrograph with a capable centre-balanced GoTo equatorial mount, creating a highly portable system for wide-field astrophotography and visual astronomy.

At the heart of the package is the Omegon Pro APO 72/400: a sophisticated five-element apochromatic refractor incorporating two ED glass elements and an integrated two-element corrector. Its fast 400mm focal length makes it particularly well suited to imaging large nebulae, star fields and other expansive deep-sky targets.

The telescope is paired with the iOptron CEM26, a compact centre-balanced equatorial mount capable of carrying payloads up to 12kg. Integrated WiFi, GoTo control, periodic error correction and the supplied LiteRoc stainless-steel tripod make this a complete foundation for a portable imaging rig.

Complete Wide-Field Astrophotography Platform

This package brings together two components particularly well suited to a portable astrophotography setup. The compact 72mm APO keeps the optical payload manageable, while the CEM26 provides considerably more payload capacity for adding an astronomy camera, filter wheel, guiding equipment and other imaging accessories.

• 72mm quintuplet ED apochromatic refractor
• 400mm focal length for wide-field imaging
• Five-element optical system with two ED glass elements
• Integrated two-element field corrector
• 44mm corrected image circle suitable for full-frame cameras
• Large 3-inch focuser with 1:10 fine focusing
• 140mm back focus
• 360° camera rotation
• iOptron CEM26 centre-balanced equatorial mount
• Up to 12kg mount payload capacity
• Integrated WiFi and recordable PEC
• Go2Nova GoTo control
• LiteRoc stainless-steel tripod

Five-Element APO Optics with Double ED Glass

The Omegon Pro APO 72/400 uses an advanced quintuplet optical design. Five lens elements work together, with two elements manufactured from premium ED glass to minimise chromatic aberration and produce clean, colour-corrected images.

This is particularly important in astrophotography, where residual colour around bright stars can quickly become apparent. The sophisticated optical arrangement is designed to deliver high contrast, fine detail and tightly controlled star images.

The lens surfaces are multi-coated to reduce unwanted reflections and improve useful light transmission, helping preserve contrast when imaging faint astronomical targets.

Integrated Flat-Field Correction for Full-Frame Imaging

A major advantage of the Omegon 72/400 is its integrated two-element field corrector. Rather than requiring a separate external field flattener, correction is incorporated directly into the optical system.

The resulting corrected field extends to approximately 44mm, making the telescope suitable for full-frame astronomy cameras as well as APS-C and smaller sensors.

This integrated design also simplifies the imaging train, eliminating another optical component and helping create a cleaner, more straightforward camera setup.

Fast 400mm Wide-Field Astrograph

The short 400mm focal length provides the generous field of view sought by wide-field astrophotographers. It is particularly attractive for large emission nebulae, extensive star fields, open clusters and other deep-sky objects that can be difficult to frame with longer focal-length telescopes.

Combined with the flat corrected field, the 72/400 provides a compact imaging platform that can take advantage of modern large-sensor astronomy cameras.

Large Precision Focuser

The telescope features a substantial 3-inch geared focuser designed to provide the clear aperture and mechanical support required by modern astrophotography equipment.

A hybrid focusing mechanism combines smooth movement with good load-bearing capability, while the 1:10 fine-focus reduction allows very small adjustments when reaching critical focus.

This becomes particularly valuable when using cooled cameras, filter wheels and other heavier components in the imaging train.

140mm Back Focus and 360° Camera Rotation

A generous 140mm of available back focus provides flexibility when building an imaging system and leaves room for accessories such as filter wheels, off-axis guiders and camera adapters.

The camera can also be rotated through 360°, allowing the sensor orientation to be changed to achieve the desired composition without disturbing the telescope's position on the mount.

iOptron CEM26 Centre-Balanced Equatorial Mount

The telescope is paired with the iOptron CEM26, a compact GoTo equatorial mount developed around iOptron's centre-balanced equatorial mount architecture.

Unlike a conventional German equatorial arrangement, the CEM design positions the mount and telescope payload around the centre of the tripod. This creates a naturally balanced system while allowing the mount itself to remain relatively lightweight.

The CEM26 has a stated payload capacity of up to 12kg while the mount head itself weighs approximately 4.5kg, making it particularly attractive for astronomers who need a capable but transportable mount.

Accurate Tracking for Astrophotography

The CEM26 is designed to provide the accurate pointing and tracking required for both visual astronomy and astrophotography.

Recordable periodic error correction (PEC) allows the mount's recurring tracking error to be compensated for, while an integrated ST-4 autoguiding port supports guided long-exposure imaging.

The mount also incorporates stepper motors designed for low power consumption and smooth astronomical tracking.

Go2Nova GoTo Control

The supplied Go2Nova hand controller provides access to a database containing more than 212,000 celestial objects, allowing the mount to automatically locate a huge range of astronomical targets.

A large four-line LCD display is designed for straightforward operation in the dark, making it easier to navigate the mount's functions during an observing or imaging session.

Integrated WiFi and Computer Control

Integrated WiFi provides another route for controlling the CEM26 as part of a modern astronomy setup.

A USB connection is also provided for firmware updates and computer-based mount control, allowing the CEM26 to be incorporated into a wider computer-controlled astrophotography system.

Practical Polar Alignment

The CEM26 includes an iOptron AccuAlign optical polar scope. Its position means the polar scope is not obstructed by the declination shaft, keeping it accessible during setup.

The mount also provides an Easy Polar Alignment procedure for situations where Polaris cannot be seen directly.

Adjustable Counterweight Shaft

An adjustable counterweight shaft helps prevent interference with the tripod when the telescope is being used at very low latitudes or pointed towards objects close to the horizon.

The CEM26's combination of centre-balanced architecture, adjustable counterweight system and relatively low mount weight makes it particularly useful as a portable imaging mount.

LiteRoc Stainless-Steel Tripod

The package includes iOptron's LiteRoc stainless-steel tripod, providing a solid foundation for the mount and imaging equipment.

The tripod includes a die-cast metal spreader that also functions as a practical accessory tray. The supplied tripod has a listed weight of approximately 7.5kg.

iOptron CEM26 Mount Highlights

• Centre-balanced equatorial mount design
• Suitable for visual astronomy and astrophotography
• Up to 12kg payload capacity
• Approximately 4.5kg mount-head weight
• CNC-machined and cast metal construction
• Large gear engagement controls
• Adjustable counterweight shaft
• Low-power stepper motors
• iOptron AccuAlign optical polar scope
• Easy Polar Alignment procedure
• Go2Nova GoTo hand controller
• Database of more than 212,000 objects
• Recordable periodic error correction
• Integrated ST-4 autoguiding port
• Integrated WiFi
• USB connectivity for firmware updates and computer control
• LiteRoc stainless-steel tripod
• Die-cast tripod spreader and accessory tray
• Carrying case with moulded foam lining
• Optional GPS upgrade
• Optional iGuider autoguiding system

Who Is This Telescope Package For?

The Omegon Pro APO 72/400 with iOptron CEM26 LiteRoc is especially attractive to astrophotographers who want a complete but portable equatorial imaging platform rather than purchasing the telescope and mount separately.

The 72mm quintuplet is light enough to leave considerable capacity available on the CEM26 for cameras, guiding equipment and accessories, while its integrated field correction and 44mm image circle make it well suited to serious wide-field imaging.

The result is a versatile package that can start with the supplied 72mm APO while providing scope for other compatible optical tubes as an astronomy setup develops.

Available from Dark Clear Skies – UK astronomy equipment specialists.