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Realize I have heard it many times but to be sure, are those lbs. figures for imaging or visual in your opinion(s)?

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The rated capacities for Taks (and other high end mounts) is considered for imaging while the capacities for the mid-level mounts like the G-11 is considered for visual use and the rule of thumb for these mounts is that the imaging capacity is about 1/2 the rated capacity.

What that means is that while the EM200 is rated at something like 35lbs and the G-11 is rated at something like 60 lbs, for imaging they are really in the same weight class (and I'd take an EM200 over a G11 in a second). That also means that while the NJP with a rated capacity of 65 lbs is really about twice that of the G-11.

Both mounts should come with an autoguider cable standard. If not, you can get an OEM one for lots of $, but I think ShoeString Astronomy has a cable (or cable & adapters) for much less.

As for tripods, there are mahogony ones in various heights that are very nice. There's also a heavy duty metal one for the NJP that I've heard good thing about (but I've never used one).

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