Telescope Reviews: Ideal mount for NP127is and (later) a C14?

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Equipment Discussions >> Mounts

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Timber
professor emeritus

Reged: 11/08/08

Loc: SW foothills of Mt. St. Helens

Re: Ideal mount for NP127is and (later) a C14? new

[Re: DrGolds]
#3065416 - 04/25/09 12:14 AM

For the Non GoTo it's just a matter of setting the setting circles, just like a goto except manual not computer driven, don't have to star-hop.

Richard

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Bowmoreman
Clear enough skies

Reged: 09/11/06

Loc: Bolton, MA

Re: Ideal mount for NP127is and (later) a C14? new

[Re: rmollise]
#3065443 - 04/25/09 12:30 AM

Quote:

Quote:

What would be the ideal mount for the NP127is? Later, I hope to get a C14 for DSO imaging so I'd want a mount stable enough for imaging with the C14 as well. I was considering the CGE Pro, but since I can't set up a permanent pier where I am (no good site), I think it's probably too large for me to set-up regularly... The 75 lb head is somewhat daunting. The $5000 price-point (at least that's what I can find on-line) makes it quite desirable, though, compared to the other options.

For even wider-field shots, I was planning on piggy-backing my modified 40D with various lenses on top of the NP127is.

Looking at the various choices in this class, the CGE might be an option, but I've read that it's rather difficult to set-up compared to the newer CGEM and CGE Pro, so I was going to pass on the CGE.

Thanks for any suggestions,

-Jeff

With the C14 in the mix it goes like this:

Ideal: AP1200

Very good indeed: AP900, CGE Pro, Losmandy Titan

Bearable (for visual use or shorter exposures): G11, CGE.

I'd suggest not forgetting about the Mountain Instruments MI-250... basically the equal of the AP900 in terms of capacity, quality of build, tracking ability, etc... and it breaks down into some fairly reasonable component parts (each about 30-35 pounds)... I'd rate it as slightly easier to setup/tear-down than my CGE was...

Frankly, if you're considering mounting BOTH a C14 and a NP127, I think you're pretty much limited to (in price order):

Paramount, AP1200, AP900, MI-250 or Losmandy Titan, and then CGE Pro... I just don't think a G11, or CGE can handle that much for AP... visual, yes, AP doubtful (unless maybe on a permanent pier in an observatory), but that's not OP's use case...

The new generation MI-250 at the current sale price of $7250 is quite attractive (versus an AP900 anyways)... and it's 85# capacity is quite robust...

clear enough skies

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DrGolds
super member

Reged: 04/06/08

Re: Ideal mount for NP127is and (later) a C14? new

[Re: Bowmoreman]
#3065503 - 04/25/09 01:35 AM

Quote:

The new generation MI-250 at the current sale price of $7250 is quite attractive (versus an AP900 anyways)... and it's 85# capacity is quite robust...

$7250 for the MI-250 doesn't include a tripod or pier though, right? That's one thing in favor of the Titan which is at a similar price point.

-Jeff

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Dean
Postmaster

Reged: 12/31/04

Loc: Bailey Co Elev 8780 feet

Re: Ideal mount for NP127is and (later) a C14? new

[Re: Bowmoreman]
#3065922 - 04/25/09 09:55 AM

Quote:

Ideal: AP1200

Very good indeed: AP900, CGE Pro, Losmandy Titan

Because he has to setup & tear down each night,I would put an EM400 near or at the top of the list. It breaks down into 3 pieces, the heaviest being 45 lbs and the polar scope will have him polar aligned in two minutes.

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ratdog11
sage

Reged: 04/26/08

Loc: surprise arizona

Re: Ideal mount for NP127is and (later) a C14? new

[Re: Dean]
#3068127 - 04/26/09 12:02 PM

Dean,
You are spot on with everything. Set-up, breakdown, polar aligning, and overall use is second to none in my opinion. If anyone owns any of the TAK EM series mounts you more than likely will agree, that you will not regret purchasing any one of these fine mounts. Just the polar scope alone was enough to sell me on the EM 200. Talk about a time saver! I also have the NP127is and I swear this mount was made for this scope. But in my case, I'm not concerned with riding a c14 on it either, even though I have a C11 which I use for visual most of the time. I also have a CGE and used it for AP with the 127is until I bought the EM200. The CGE a capable mount but nowhere in the class of a TAK. The EM400 can't be beat for your needs. It's pricey but you won't ever need to get another mount. Plus you own a $7000 scope so why chince on a cheaper mount? Just do it, go for it and purchase a Tak EM mount. You won't regret it. Just trying to help you spend your money .
Greg