Quality of CGE tripod

Dear group,

Can I get some feedback as to the quality of the CGE HD tripod and pier? I am looking for a tripod and pier for my Mach1GTO and it seems it will be virtually impossible to locate a Losmandy G-11 unit (my first choice). I am told the CGE HD offering is at least as good and if not better.

Any advice and thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Anthony

Are you refering to the standard CGE tripod and elecronics pier that comes with the celestron CGE sct's?
I have the standard CGE mount and it is pretty solid (tripod is quite beefy). I presume you can get a "blank" pier without the electronics (as you won't need this).

Hi John,

Yes, I am referring strictly to the tripod legs and pier without electronics. I have an AP Mach1GTO which I would like to mate to either a Losmandg G11 tripod-pier or, it seems, a Celestron CGE HD tripod-pier.

Indeed, my concern (or ignorance) is the rigidity and stability of the CGE HD tripod-pier combo. There is one for sale on Astromart ($360) and the fellow tells me that it is just as solid and firm as the Losmandy G-11 (if not more).

Hi Anthony

I haven't had any flexure problems with mine (but then again I am only using it visually) and there is quite a bit of weight on it. Carl O'Beirnes has the 14" on his CGE plus cameras and guide scopes/ counter weights. Perhaps he can comment?