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Celestron CGEM Mount vs. Orion Atlas Mount

Started by telephotoman, 10/23/2009 12:54PM
Posted 10/23/2009 12:54PM Opening Post
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.
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.

Uncle Rod

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