I'm looking to purchase one of these mounts for astrophotography purposes and am split between the two. I plan to use an 80mm ED APO and a C-8 OTA on it along with an Orion StarShoot AutoGuider. Both of these scopes have the Vixen Style Dovetail Mount. Does anybody have any experience on these two mounts? I've read a little bit about the Atlas. The CGEM is newer and does not have as much info written about it. Any info appreciated. I want to make sure I buy the right one.
Celestron CGEM Mount vs. Orion Atlas Mount
Started by telephotoman, 10/23/2009 12:54PM
Posted 10/23/2009 12:54PM
Opening Post
Posted 10/23/2009 01:11PM
#1
Hokay...
For starters, these are basically the same mount, made by the same folks (Synta). The CGEM is pretty much an update to the EQ-6/Atlas.
--The EQ-6 can be run with EQMOD.
--The CGEM has a better hand control with better software. It also has a Losmandy D dovetail (though Orion sells replacement saddle plates for the Atlas now).
Be aware that Celestron's been having HC problems lately.
Me? I bought my Atlas about a year before the CGEM begain going to users. At first I was upset, since I really love the NS HC. But then I discovered EQMOD, and am mostly happy with the Atlas. Its only real shortcoming is that the altitude and azimuth controls are stiff and hard to use.
For starters, these are basically the same mount, made by the same folks (Synta). The CGEM is pretty much an update to the EQ-6/Atlas.
--The EQ-6 can be run with EQMOD.
--The CGEM has a better hand control with better software. It also has a Losmandy D dovetail (though Orion sells replacement saddle plates for the Atlas now).
Be aware that Celestron's been having HC problems lately.
Me? I bought my Atlas about a year before the CGEM begain going to users. At first I was upset, since I really love the NS HC. But then I discovered EQMOD, and am mostly happy with the Atlas. Its only real shortcoming is that the altitude and azimuth controls are stiff and hard to use.
Uncle Rod
Time on your hands?
Waste it with Uncle Rod's Astro Blog!
http://uncle-rods.blogspot.com/
Funding Member