CGE or CGEM

Hi folks


just wanted to see what what people think about these scopes/mounts cge 11 or cgem 11

I know the cgem is pritty new but cge is out for a while now,

ok im a visual observer but keeping in mind photography aswell.

I also have seen here that some people have the cge but does anybody own a cgem yet,

also keeping in mind my scope must be portable but im thinking long term aswell, as this

upgrade im hoping will keep me happy, I will eventually get in a position where I will be able

put up a permanent setup, so any info would be greately appreciated

cheers Derek

Hi Derek

I was in the same position as you about 2 years ago. I wanted a set up mainly for visual use but I might like to have a go at astrophotography in the future. I had a choice between a CPC11 or a CGE11. I was talked into getting the CGE11 (by the wife and now I am glad I did get the CGE as I have started taking pictures. If I had the CPC11 I would be looking to upgrade now with more €'s cost overall.

farm4.static.flickr.com/3358/3600203539_da424bf746_b.jpg

I'm not familiar with the CGEM but the CGE is just about the right size mount for a C11 plus a guide scope and camera for astrophotography where you have 35-40 lbs of gear on the mount. Not sure how a CGEM will cope with that. If I was getting a CGEM for photography I would probably get the C9.25 OTA as you will be adding another 5-10 lbs of gear plus counterweights to the mount.

The CGE is still fairly portable and I haul mine out to our club observing session regularly. It breaks down into three managable pieces but it is fairly heavy. If you are even thinking of photography or having a permanent setup I would the best mount you can now.
Have a look at the Losmandy G11. With the CGE's its only a matter of time before Celestron discontinue them and when the $10 worth of electronics fails you could be stuck with a big paper weight. The G11's are more servicable.

Derek,

For purely visual use the CGEM will be just fine. However if you can afford the CGE then you really must go for it. For photography with any sort of decent sized equipment on it you will struggle with anything less. Yes of course if can be done on a cgem. I used the older CG5 for many successful years. However I eventually came to the conclusion that I had taken the mount as far as it could go and so moved on to a CGE and I have no regrets. If I had the choice again I would go straight to the CGE.

Hi Barr,
Always go for the best mount you can afford, for the choice you'ver offered here then go for the CGE, if you dont get it now you'll get it later and will have suffered the cost of the 2 mounts.

Thanks for the replys lads,

I was going towards the CGE but as John pointed out celestron may discontinue them soon,

Ive looked into that and yes it seems they are.:dry:

this worrys me, Ive also looked at losmandy g11, dam it I duno which way to go:unsure:

oh, I didnt know they were been discontinued, in that case just be aware that spares and their ability to repair them will deminish with time. Maybe it's worth your while waiting it out and seeing what happens.