Telescope Mounts

You need to keep in mind that the best price I can find for the EQ6 is €1398 whereas the CG5 costs €975.

These appear to be prices for the go to versions of the mounts, maybe you can confirm Dave.

The non Goto prices are (from Telescope Service Mounts )
CG5 €348 with slow motion controls ( a motorised version is available at €698).
EQ6 €798 with dual axis motors.

So there is an option for going for motorised non Goto versions of the mounts with a cost diiference of €100.00

These appear to be prices for the go to versions of the mounts, maybe you can confirm Dave.

Quite right Martin. I would add therefore that unless we are talking about the goto version then there is nothing to choose between them performance wise and that the CG5 would win because of price. The reason I say that is that the basic tracking performance of both mounts would be similar, (I owned both and one time) its only when you get into photography and autoguiding etc does the difference become apparent.

I also noted on telescope service that there is a version of the eq6 available with upgraded motors and controller which seems to be 'geared' (pardon the pun) towards astrophotography. I don't now how much better it is, but it does use stepper motors which are far superior to those cheap servo motors which are common today on chinese mounts.

I was talking to Joanna down in Cork on Monday night (I gave them a talk down there - just thought I'd throw that in as well! ). She asked me about getting a serious mount for astrophotography for an 8 inch reflector (minimum), but I have no direct experience of motorised mounts this size (I am a humble 'hands-on' mount astronomer!). I did however recommend the EQ over the CG for stability and reliability purposes. I also mentioned to her that the ultimate mount she could go for is an AstroPhysics!

Still, I told her to put the question to the boards here, knowing she would get the best of advice from you guys.

I have yet to be proven wrong.

Seanie.

I also mentioned to her that the ultimate mount she could go for is an AstroPhysics!
Seanie.

or a paramount if she has a very nice bank manager. :lol:

Sorry guys, but unfortunately the bank manager isn't that generous.i was however looking at the mead lxd75 10" scope and was wondering how this compares to anything celestron have on offer.does anyone know of a uk website where the prices are a bit more reasonable

joanna