· Get a Cloudy Nights T-Shirt · Submit a Review / Article Click here if you are having trouble logging into the forums Privacy Policy | Please read our Terms of Service | Signup and Troubleshooting FAQ | Problems? PM a Red or a Green Gu… uh, User You are not logged in. [Login] Entrance · Main Index · Search · New user · Who's Online FAQ · Calendar Equipment Discussions >> Mounts Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Pages: 1 | 2 | (show all) Adam E Pooh-Bah Reged: 06/29/09 Loc: Orlando, FL Re: looking for advice on a sub $1000 goto mount [Re: Mkofski]       #5547856 - 11/30/12 08:53 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I would vote for a used Atlas as others here have said. In fact, I, myself, just picked up a used Atlas a few weeks ago and am thrilled. I have owned both a CGEM and a CG-5 / ASGT, and my vote goes for the Atlas. Mine has been handling 40 pounds worth of 12inch Meade SCT very respectably for visual fun and planetary AP. Post Extras:       mega256 scholastic sledgehammer Reged: 05/10/07 Loc: N of Tampa Re: looking for advice on a sub $1000 goto mount [Re: Adam E]       #5548912 - 12/01/12 02:44 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I have owned 2 Atlas mounts,,,at the same time and liked them very much....But I realy like my iEQ45 better ! Its much lighter,and easy to setup....And for me so far better tracking...Whith a one star alignment and level and polar aligned (very easy) All my targets were in the EP and close to center..and the gps is nice. But if you can get any of the 40-45 lb class mounts,you may be doing the right thing in the long run.. But new CG5s can be had at under 700,and they are a good value,but the others might be with you for a longer time.. Dampining times on the LX80 scare me away from them.10 seconds is just too long(25-30 lbs load)....1-2 seconds would be ok.. Edited by mega256 (12/01/12 02:46 PM) Post Extras:       David Pavlich Transmographied Reged: 05/18/05 Loc: Mandeville, LA USA Re: looking for advice on a sub $1000 goto mount [Re: mega256]       #5549153 - 12/01/12 05:49 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Remember, this is a sub-$1000 mount the OP is looking for. Finding used Atlas mounts under $1000 is not easy. They tend to hold their price fairly well. And an IEQ45 used under $1000, I'd run away from like it had ebola! David Post Extras:       orlyandico Carpal Tunnel Reged: 08/10/09 Loc: Singapore Re: looking for advice on a sub $1000 goto mount [Re: David Pavlich]       #5549687 - 12/02/12 12:51 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I've seen used Atlas mounts at $800. CGEM's at $1100. A little bit of dickering ought to get it to $1000. The only challenge with a used CGEM is that it might be problematic. Mine was, and it took over a year of head-scratching (no cost - except I bought a used old AP mount out of frustration in the meantime) before I fixed it. Works great now, though. Post Extras:       Raginar Carpal Tunnel Reged: 10/19/10 Loc: Rapid CIty, SD Re: looking for advice on a sub $1000 goto mount [Re: orlyandico]       #5549710 - 12/02/12 01:13 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   CGEMs are usually in the 1100 range. There is even a hyper-tuned model on AM right now that's 1200 bucks! Good deal. Atlas mounts seems to go used for around 8-900 bucks; I wouldn't say their value. If he's not looking for high capacity but wants a quality mount, G-8s sometimes tip into the 1k range. Post Extras:       orlyandico Carpal Tunnel Reged: 08/10/09 Loc: Singapore Re: looking for advice on a sub $1000 goto mount [Re: Raginar]       #5549761 - 12/02/12 02:41 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I gotta add (recent CGEM convert, from previous bitter CGEM basher). The Celestron software is great. ASPA is great. For that reason, I would choose it over an Atlas. The challenge is not being unlucky and getting a bad one... Post Extras:       mega256 scholastic sledgehammer Reged: 05/10/07 Loc: N of Tampa Re: looking for advice on a sub $1000 goto mount [Re: David Pavlich]       #5550161 - 12/02/12 11:20 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   And He is aking if he should wait and spend a little more,I say yes,it will cost less in the long run...Go to a mount that will be with you longer.Or find a used one. Post Extras:       Pages: 1 | 2 | (show all) Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Extra information 10 registered and 18 anonymous users are browsing this forum. 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