10 replies to this topic

[xcy]

Are there any real differences between the Sky-Watcher EQ5, Orion SkyView Pro and iOptron EQ5? I could find no information about the iOptron and between the Sky-Watcher and the Orion the second appears to be a better choice. Any advice?

[rmollise]

Are there any real differences between the Sky-Watcher EQ5, Orion SkyView Pro and iOptron EQ5? I could find no information about the iOptron and between the Sky-Watcher and the Orion the second appears to be a better choice. Any advice?

The Orions are, like the Celestron CG5, variants of the original Synta EQ4 and all are made by Synta. All are frankly clones of the Vixen Great Polaris. I don't know doodlum-squat about the Ioptron you mention. The main differences come between the Celestron and the others: Celestron uses their NexStar computer system rather than the SynScan system. NexStar is quite a bit more full featured than SynScan, though that is changing.

The Orions and the Sky-Watchers are pretty much identical.

[Telescopeman54]

The mount from iOptron is know as the SMartStar-PM. Here is a link to the information page:

http://www.ioptron.c...TO MOUNTS&id=19

I hope this helps.

CS

Steve

[rmollise]

The mount from iOptron is know as the SMartStar-PM. Here is a link to the information page:

http://www.ioptron.c...TO MOUNTS&id=19


I hope this helps.

CS

Steve

From the look of it it is definitely Synta, with the Ioptron drive system added.

[xcy]

Is the Single-Axis drive for the Sky-Watcher EQ5 and the Single-Axis drive (TrueTrack) for the Orion SkyView Pro identical?

[Telescopeman54]

These variations of the CG-5 actually come from seven different manufacturers that are scattered throughout China. Synta is only one of them. Each on has made slight variations to the original design of the Vixen Super Polaris mount. (OK. I may have the model wrong, but, it was definitely a Vixen mount that started all of this.)

The drives that you mentioned SHOULD work. It is possible that you may need to make some modifications, though. If so, they will most likely be rather small and easy.

CS

Steve

[rmollise]

These variations of the CG-5 actually come from seven different manufacturers that are scattered throughout China. Synta is only one of them.

Well...the Orion is definitely Synta. I'm pert-near shore the Ioptron is too.

[Whelchel]

So with all that said, is there any reason to go with a sky view pro (with go to) over a CG5-GT? Do I understand correctly that the CG5 will carry more weight? The CG5-GT can be had on ebay for just under $600 where the sky view pro is a little over $800.

My interest is in using it for photography.

Thanks,
Mike

[Telescopeman54]

The one from iOptron is coming from their own factory according to one of the executives with whom I have spoken. I have asked this several times and I get the same answer from several staff members.

CS

Steve

[rmollise]

The one from iOptron is coming from their own factory according to one of the executives with whom I have spoken. I have asked this several times and I get the same answer from several staff members.

CS

Steve

The Orion mount, like almost all their other products, comes from Synta.

Yes, the older CG5s needed tweaking, and some folks just like to tweak, but the CG5s that have been sold over the last several years are good to go out of the box. I would, in fact DISCOURAGE tinkering. Unless something is badly wrong, take out of box, hook up guide camera, and go. That being said, you must still be aware of the mount's limitations. It's real good with a C8 at 800 - 1000mm of focal length, go beyond that weight or focal length wise and you may find it not so good (though I have done some right nice shots at 1300mm or so). With a reasonable focal length, I can guide for as long as I want with the ST2000, though I rarely go longer than 15 minutes.

As for QA differences, my experience is that Synta/Orion/Celestron are purty much the same.

[Doug76]

I second that about the newer CG-5's. I've owned mine nearly a year now, and it has worked perfectly from day one.
Doug