Telescope Reviews: Proper mount for both 8" SCT and 11" SCT

You will really enjoy the G11. Your 8" CAT will be rock solid on it. It is a bit of a hoist, with counter-weights on, but I'm no longer a spring chicken and I can easily carry the tripod and mount with counter-weights out in two trips.

I presume you are planning on getting it with the Gemini 2 controller (based on the 3k price)? The software has finally matured and is working well. Join the Yahoo Losmandy and Gemini-2 discussion groups:
tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Gemini-II/messages

If you have an ipad/ipod/iphone, get the skysafari software too when you can afford it. The skywire serial connector is relatively inexpensive. The more expensive skyfi wireless is wonderful. Skysafari is like having an astronomy book in your hand that points the telescope to the object you are reading up on. I've spent many happy evenings with SkySafari, my C11HD or 5" refractor and the G11 mount.

I've not ventured into astrophotography yet, but I've got the kit to do it when I'm ready. I know the G11/C11 combo will be a bit challenging at f/10, but I plan on starting with the refractor first, and also taking advantage of the f/2 hyperstar and .7x focal reducer on the C11.

Edited by Dan Finnerty (09/23/12 11:41 PM)