7 replies to this topic

[AstroCub]

Hey there

 

Just thought I'd seek your views on the question in the thread title. 

 

The CGXL has been out just over 8 years now. I have 3 of them and I really like them. 

 

I do need to find a larger capacity mount for my 180 refractor. I have a shortlist for higher capacity mounts but I was thinking how great it would be if Celestron would make a higher capacity version of the CGXL or a new mount entirely, say in the 100lb - 120lb range.   

 

Part of me was thinking 'no they wouldn't' as the move seems to be toward more portability but then I look at Skywatcher and see that the EQ8 is very popular, plus of course other manufacturers' higher capacity mounts. 

 

Celestron could also use the opportunity to updaate the mount's ability to provide power to the DEC axis. 

 

So what are your thoughts on this, do you think we will see a higher capacity mount from them anytime soon? Or do you know of anything being planned?

 

Thanks & best wishes

 

Siouxsie 

Edited by AstroCub, 12 May 2025 - 08:53 AM.

[wrvond]

They aren't likely to produce a mount capable of carrying anything larger than the largest OTA they sell. Their largest, the C14, already rides on a CGX-L so I imagine the best you'll see is an update but not until they absolutely have to. 

[AstroCub]

They aren't likely to produce a mount capable of carrying anything larger than the largest OTA they sell. Their largest, the C14, already rides on a CGX-L so I imagine the best you'll see is an update but not until they absolutely have to. 

 

I see what you're saying but then I think of the Skywatcher EQ8-R which at 110lb capacity can handle telescopes bigger than Skywatcher produces EG 180 refractors. I know a few people who use an EQ8-R for a 180 refractor. I would consider one but I don't like the amount of moving cables on the RA axis.

 

Siouxsie 

[Jethro7]

Hello Siouxsie,

I would think if Celestron were  to role out any new mounts. I would guess it would be a Strain Wave mount and maybe something like a Skytracker. Celestron for a major Astro company, is strangely lacking in these two mount arenas. I don't see Celestron trying to move into and competing with 10 Micron, Plainwave, Astrophyisics, Software Bisque and Skywatcher for the heavy lifting mounts. The Skywatcher EQ8 has the best price point for the 100+ Lbs class mounts and users seem to be happy with their EQ8 mounts.

 

HAPPY SKIES AND KEEP LOOKING UP Jethro 

[AstroCub]

Hello Siouxsie,

I would think if Celestron were  to role out any new mounts. I would guess it would be a Strain Wave mount and maybe something like a Skytracker. Celestron for a major Astro company, is strangely lacking in these two mount arenas. I don't see Celestron trying to move into and competing with 10 Micron, Plainwave, Astrophyisics, Software Bisque and Skywatcher for the heavy lifting mounts. The Skywatcher EQ8 has the best price point for the 100+ Lbs class mounts and users seem to be happy with their EQ8 mounts.

 

HAPPY SKIES AND KEEP LOOKING UP Jethro 

Hi Jethro

 

I agree.

 

The only explanation I have for the lack of Strain Wave / harmonic mounts in Celestron's catalogue is because Synta, the parent company of Celestron & Skywatcher, don't want them competeing with each other. 

 

This also explains why we see SCTs being sold by one and not the other (excluding Maksutov Cassegrains) and refractors by one and not the other, etc. 

 

Best

 

Siouxsie 

Edited by AstroCub, 12 May 2025 - 09:52 AM.

[wrvond]

I see what you're saying but then I think of the Skywatcher EQ8-R which at 110lb capacity can handle telescopes bigger than Skywatcher produces EG 180 refractors. I know a few people who use an EQ8-R for a 180 refractor. I would consider one but I don't like the amount of moving cables on the RA axis.

 

Siouxsie 

True, but S-W seems to still be in the business of selling mounts to people that don't necessarily have one of their scopes while Celestron seems (to me) to have pulled back in this area. They seem (again to me) to be gravitating toward package deals. 

Also, if you look, S-W has a 32 pound 150mm triplet, while Celestron 150mm is an achro that weighs a mere 19 pounds. Celestron packages that scope with the AVX (a mistake IMO). 

 

I just think they have different business philosophies. 

Of course, I could well be wrong and they might just come out with a $7000.00 mount to compete with Sky-Watcher.

[AstroCub]

True, but S-W seems to still be in the business of selling mounts to people that don't necessarily have one of their scopes while Celestron seems (to me) to have pulled back in this area. They seem (again to me) to be gravitating toward package deals. 

Also, if you look, S-W has a 32 pound 150mm triplet, while Celestron 150mm is an achro that weighs a mere 19 pounds. Celestron packages that scope with the AVX (a mistake IMO). 

 

I just think they have different business philosophies. 

Of course, I could well be wrong and they might just come out with a $7000.00 mount to compete with Sky-Watcher.

They definitely have different business models, with Celestron concentrating on package deals. Saying that, Skywatcher do some packages too. I just bought their Solar Quest telescope which comes with mount, tripod, great case, etc, 

 

I think Celestron push the capacity of some of their package deals. My fully loaded C14 pushed the CGXL mount that it came with to an absolute limit, totally maxed out.

 

My CGXLs do handle my 180 refrcator but because of the moment arm form the 1260mm FL, it is very nearly maxed and I'd like a bit of spare capacity, hence looking to upgrade.

 

Best

 

Siouxsie 

[Jethro7]

The only explanation I have for the lack of Strain Wave / harmonic mounts in Celestron's catalogue is because Synta, the parent company of Celestron & Skywatcher, don't want them competeing with each other. 

 

Hello AstroCub,

That is a reasonable explanation, I forgot that Celestron and Skywatcher are both owned by Synta.

 

HAPPY SKIES AND KEEP LOOKING UP Jethro