16 replies to this topic

[Oriondk]

Hi all! Been quite a while since I’ve been here. Right not I’m using a Celestron C6. I would like to get an equatorial mount for it to possibly do astrophotography but I also want a mount that I can use with a bigger scope. I’d like to at least get a Celestron 9.25 or possibly an 11.

I’m leaning to a Celestron CGX. From my house I can’t see Polaris to do a polar alignment and I know the CGX software can align the scope. I like the internal wiring also.

Are there any other scopes that might fit my needs?

Thanks!

[blazek]

Have a look to iOptron portfolio , for example HAE 43. it is light, with 20kg payload, which is enough for C11, no counterweights needed.  And do not worry about polar alignment, there are software packages that you will anyway  use to control your rig during imaging (like i.e. N.I.N.A ) that have accurate and very easy polar alignment with your scope being pointed anywhere . No need to look to north . There are also other harmonic drive mounts (Skywatcher , ZWO, ...name it) . I never had Celestron mount , but got the feeling that their mounts are nut up to the same level as their Edge HD SCTs .But that is just my feeling . 

[TheStarsabove]

Well, I haven't ever used a CGX before, but I am going to buy one in ~2 weeks (from here on CN), so I can let you know how it is going if you want.

 

Based off of my research, I was hard-pressed between that and the EQ6-r Pro, but I liked the sensors/higher payload in the CGX. I have used Celestron's LCM mounts before, and it works pretty well, but that is the extent of my usage. 

 

Again, I can let you know if you would like how the CGX turns out, but I also know that there are CGX users here  who have WAY more experience than me as well.

[Mlei]

From C6 to C11 is going to be a long way especially when you are planning astrophotograph. If you want to buy new EQ mount now, I wouldn’t consider anything not with harmonic drive, at least hybrid. The cost difference is not big.

[dswtan]

Non-premium but good: iOptron CEM70.
 
If you're at least semi-permanent (so portability is not a significant driver for you, remembering that's already tough with a 11"), then I'm liking my CEM70, which is working well for me with the EdgeHD 11" for the past year (not to tempt fate...).
 
I used a couple of CGXs for a few years and got poor guiding performance, even only using 8" reflectors with OAGs. I got fed up. I first tried iOptron GEM45s, which worked well at first (up to 8"), but performance fell apart after a year or two. I'm trying to recover those through tuning now, with one back in operation for wide field (f/l 300mm).
 
Meanwhile, upgrading to the CEM70 allowed me to use the 11" reliably, finally, and I'm happy. The software isn't my favorite, but they all have issues in my experience (non-premium).

[luxo II]

Absolute bare minimum for imaging with a C9 or C11 is a Losmandy G11 or CEM70. CGX might work for visual but won't do for imaging.

Better = Skywatcher CQ350 or EQ8, or CEM120

Best = AP 900 or 1100, 10Micron...

 

Add an EAF to the scope and ASIAir to drive the rig and camera, and you're good to go.

Forget PC's and the Windows software approach.

Edited by luxo II, 24 January 2025 - 08:41 PM.

[DirtyRod]

I have a few friends that use a CGX for imaging with a C11 and they work fine. I believe the C11s they run are in the 40lbs range and the mount can handle 55. If you want the extra headroom the CGX-L that I run will handle 70lbs if you can find one cheap. Its just a CGX on steroids. 

[Oriondk]

Well, I haven't ever used a CGX before, but I am going to buy one in ~2 weeks (from here on CN), so I can let you know how it is going if you want.

Yes, please let me know what you think.
Based off of my research, I was hard-pressed between that and the EQ6-r Pro, but I liked the sensors/higher payload in the CGX. I have used Celestron's LCM mounts before, and it works pretty well, but that is the extent of my usage.

Again, I can let you know if you would like how the CGX turns out, but I also know that there are CGX users here who have WAY more experience than me as well.

Edited by Oriondk, 24 January 2025 - 09:59 PM.

[Oriondk]

How do I edit a post. I need to edit the last post I made here.

[CreatorsHand]

How do I edit a post. I need to edit the last post I made here.

There should be an "EDIT" button on the bottom of your post to the left of the "MultiQuote" button; click on that.

[DirtyRod]

How do I edit a post. I need to edit the last post I made here.

You only have so much time to go back and edit. 

[ianastro]

Hi, I have a similar question about mounts. I am currently using a Celestron CGE for my 11" SCT, which is pier mounted in my observatory, but want to replace it with a more premium mount that will also allow me to control my ZWO cameras and EAF with my ASI AIR plus or with a  proprietary software used for the mount (such as with SB).

I mainly do astrophotography with the 11" at f/10 or sometimes f/6.3 so accurate tracking with autoguiding is essential. Customer tech support is important and learning curve for use is a consideration.

Mounts I am considering are the SB Series 6 MyT Mount, the AP1100, and the 10 Micron 1000.HPS. 

Thanks for your help.

[Sacred Heart]

Hi, I have a similar question about mounts. I am currently using a Celestron CGE for my 11" SCT, which is pier mounted in my observatory, but want to replace it with a more premium mount that will also allow me to control my ZWO cameras and EAF with my ASI AIR plus or with a  proprietary software used for the mount (such as with SB).

I mainly do astrophotography with the 11" at f/10 or sometimes f/6.3 so accurate tracking with autoguiding is essential. Customer tech support is important and learning curve for use is a consideration.

Mounts I am considering are the SB Series 6 MyT Mount, the AP1100, and the 10 Micron 1000.HPS. 

Thanks for your help.

All good choices.  In the USA, AP1100AE absolute encoders for C11 at F10,  in Europe, 10 Micron.  Stay local if you can.

 

Joe

[WadeH237]

All good choices.  In the USA, AP1100AE absolute encoders for C11 at F10,  in Europe, 10 Micron.  Stay local if you can.

I have two AP1100's, one with and one without encoders.

 

The encoder equipped mount is exceptional.  The non-encoder mount is no slouch, though.  With an off-axis guider, it can easily guide a C11 to the limits of seeing.  In steady skies, 0.2 to 0.3 arc second RMS is fairly typical.

 

Remember also, that unguided imaging with an SCT is generally going to be a problem, so you will need to guide with an OAG.  Even with my big AP1600 (with encoders), I have to use an OAG with my SCT's.  Even with the mirror locks tightened, there is too much mirror movement for long unguided exposures.

 

So if budget is an issue, you can save quite a bit by buying the non-encoder version.  If you change your mind, you can always add the encoders later.  It's a job that you can do yourself.

 

But if your budget is not a problem, I've never met anyone who regretted having the encoders.
 

[PIEJr]

Buy USA Made.

Losmandy has mounts to handle your C-11.

And I know of a guy who has a C-14 on one. (Talk about a light bucket!)

[ianastro]

Thanks, everyone.

[Orion68]

Losmandy G11 is a good mount. Often can be found used for a reasonable price.