Astrophotography Mounts
Jan 31, 2019 19:10:47 #
I have seen many beautiful images in this forum and I would like to ask this question: What is the best GEM mount that won't break the bank yet gives good results. I am aware of many mounts and what they can do. I just need advice on what to get in the future. I have a 150-600 mm lens on a 6D Canon, so the load is not much. It would be great to separate the noise from the data concerning mounts and please do not recommencement a Takahashi mount! They a way out of this world (pun intended). RFB
Feb 1, 2019 06:06:38 #
Celestron AVX 900 - not my favorite but I would guess it is the most popular beginner mount - for the money it can't be beat - well built. I did have to return mine twice....and it was replaced the second time I should add that this one seems to be working very well. I think I just bought a lemon which can happen with any model.
Orion Atlas Pro EQ/AZ, I think it is still priced at 1900 is my favorite. I run two of these pictures.
For the record, when I started doing this , 6 years ago, I too was just going to use my DSLR and scope given to me plus nikon lenses (hence my moniker). A lots of money later - well hang on astro friend - if the bug bites you..... you had better find a good flower shop for momma! Now I just have my social security check direct deposited into the HighPoint Scientific checking account.
BTW, this is a great buy https://www.astronomics.com/celestron-8-advanced-vx-series-go-to-equatorial-schmidt-cassegrain.html
Orion Atlas Pro EQ/AZ, I think it is still priced at 1900 is my favorite. I run two of these pictures.
For the record, when I started doing this , 6 years ago, I too was just going to use my DSLR and scope given to me plus nikon lenses (hence my moniker). A lots of money later - well hang on astro friend - if the bug bites you..... you had better find a good flower shop for momma! Now I just have my social security check direct deposited into the HighPoint Scientific checking account.
BTW, this is a great buy https://www.astronomics.com/celestron-8-advanced-vx-series-go-to-equatorial-schmidt-cassegrain.html
Feb 1, 2019 11:28:11 #
Do you have a price range in mind? We aren’t just great spenders of our own money, we are good at spending others too. Are you looking for new, used or either?
To add to Ed’s comments, I think I would avoid the AVXdue to all the comments I’ve seen on them, but I see lots of good comments on the Atlas.
I think if I had to do it all over again, I would start/consider the Losmandy G11. Find a used hypertuned.
To add to Ed’s comments, I think I would avoid the AVXdue to all the comments I’ve seen on them, but I see lots of good comments on the Atlas.
I think if I had to do it all over again, I would start/consider the Losmandy G11. Find a used hypertuned.
Feb 1, 2019 16:50:02 #
Nikonshooter, thanks for the quick response..I am interested in the Ioptron CEM 25 since it seems to fit my budget and I like the design of sharing the load rather than having it hang off the end. I know its load is only 20 pounds, but I really don't see a need to get any larger because I like my camera/lens combination. If I do upgrade, I only see about a 127 mm apo scope and even this is quite pricey for my budget. Again, thanks for your advice. BTW, I know about pricey hobbies, try drag racing every weekend just to fix the racer during the week. We used to say that "Speed costs money, how fast do you want to go!" Clear skies, Bill RFB (railfan bill)
Feb 8, 2019 22:54:04 #
Hi Bill,
I have, and still work with the Quirks of a Celestron AVX mount.
I would never recommend one. 50% of the ones here several years ago had failures. 3 out of 6.
That is not a stellar performance record. Not by any means.
Due to that, and the ways I have had to worry with mine just to keep it working, I can't recommend it at all.
If I were to be looking today, I believe I would look at Ioptron, too.
I haven't heard much negative about them.
But having put my trust into Celestron and Orion products, and having been burned by semi-marginal performance, I hunted down the parent company, Synta Corp and found they spit out several lower priced items under several names that once were reputable.
I've been on again, off again with my AVX mount. Last time I wanted to turn to the Heavens, the dumb mount ran away on me. The next day I fixed it by unplugging the connectors and corrected a connection problem.
Tonight it is working (fingers crossed), and I'm chasing Orion across the sky. Wanted to catch the troublemaker before he goes South for the Summer.
Finding Orion one winters eve was what sucked me into this madness.
Fighting the problems and quirks and quarks of lower priced equipment is what has me stalled anymore.
I've risen to as high as I can in the muck and mire for my investment level.
What is your interest in the night sky? Mine is Nebula, and other odd things. I blame M42 for that. I find the Nebula's the most interesting to me. Deep Space objects.
Primary interest pretty much determines what you should shop for.
Getting more mount than you think you might ever need is a good idea. So you can grow if you want.
Anyway, Avoid going to low end. You might find you become limited.
I have, and still work with the Quirks of a Celestron AVX mount.
I would never recommend one. 50% of the ones here several years ago had failures. 3 out of 6.
That is not a stellar performance record. Not by any means.
Due to that, and the ways I have had to worry with mine just to keep it working, I can't recommend it at all.
If I were to be looking today, I believe I would look at Ioptron, too.
I haven't heard much negative about them.
But having put my trust into Celestron and Orion products, and having been burned by semi-marginal performance, I hunted down the parent company, Synta Corp and found they spit out several lower priced items under several names that once were reputable.
I've been on again, off again with my AVX mount. Last time I wanted to turn to the Heavens, the dumb mount ran away on me. The next day I fixed it by unplugging the connectors and corrected a connection problem.
Tonight it is working (fingers crossed), and I'm chasing Orion across the sky. Wanted to catch the troublemaker before he goes South for the Summer.
Finding Orion one winters eve was what sucked me into this madness.
Fighting the problems and quirks and quarks of lower priced equipment is what has me stalled anymore.
I've risen to as high as I can in the muck and mire for my investment level.
What is your interest in the night sky? Mine is Nebula, and other odd things. I blame M42 for that. I find the Nebula's the most interesting to me. Deep Space objects.
Primary interest pretty much determines what you should shop for.
Getting more mount than you think you might ever need is a good idea. So you can grow if you want.
Anyway, Avoid going to low end. You might find you become limited.
Feb 9, 2019 14:57:25 #
Sonny, thank you for your response. As I said in my previous post that I find the Ioptron CEM 25 to be a good mount for the money. I just don't trust Celestron mounts because I did a foolish thing by purchasing an EQ-1. What a letdown! difficult to align and the motor just did not perform. That is why I am looking to other manufacturers of mounts for my use. I presently own a Star Adventurer and it is working out well for my when using it with a short telephoto lens and camera (Canon 6D). When I put my Sigma 150-600 mm lens on, things do happen, but not in the desired way. The payload is still below max (11 pounds) for the mount, but ANY disturbance causes movement. So this is my reason to go bigger. I hope I am on the right track. Again, thanks for your advice. RFB
Feb 9, 2019 16:00:10 #
I believe the EQs were Orion mounts, similar to Celestron CG. And I wouldn’t classify that as much more than a tripod for a DSLR. Try not to generalize equipment by a manufacturer based on the lowest end of the equipment. I own a Celestron CGE Pro and CGEM DX, both are good. I mainly use the CGE Pro and I load it up with nearly 70lbs of equipment and it guides like a champ.
As to your choice of ioptron, I’ve heard many good things about them so I think you’ll be happy with it. One lesson I’ve learned, if you plan to stick with the hobby, go BIG and go with a manufacturer that will be around long enough to service and have replacement parts.
As to your choice of ioptron, I’ve heard many good things about them so I think you’ll be happy with it. One lesson I’ve learned, if you plan to stick with the hobby, go BIG and go with a manufacturer that will be around long enough to service and have replacement parts.
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