Does anyone have any experience using both of these, and can they comment on any significant or noticeable differences.
Experiences with G-11 vs CI-700
Started by Peter Glus, 07/17/2008 11:48PM
Posted 07/17/2008 11:48PM
Opening Post
Posted 07/18/2008 03:27PM
#1
CI700: solid RA axis; G11 is hollow (hollow is actually stronger)
CI700: you have to loosen clutches in order to move the mount/scope; G11 has "move it when you want to" clutch system. In other words CI700 is like a big version Vixen and clutches that have to be loosened before you move the mount become a HUGE annoyance.
CI700: no longer made, support from Celestron problematic; G11, active user community with extensive aftermarket options including heavy duty aluminum tripod, Berlebach wood tripod; conversion to Gemini, etc.
CI700: tripod not as good as later CGE; inferior to G11
CI700: you're stuck with the worm it comes with unless you're a machinist type or can pay someone else to do the work for you; G11--the new ones (like Tom's) appear to be selling regularly with periodic error in the 5 to 10 arc second range, even less than 5 arc seconds, and the Ovision retrofit offers even better performance for imagers, and can be put on all post 1992 mounts.
In sum, you'll have a more sustainable system, a better performing system, and more aftermarket options if you go with a G11. But CI700s sell at steep discounts and can be a reasonable value.
Greg N
CI700: you have to loosen clutches in order to move the mount/scope; G11 has "move it when you want to" clutch system. In other words CI700 is like a big version Vixen and clutches that have to be loosened before you move the mount become a HUGE annoyance.
CI700: no longer made, support from Celestron problematic; G11, active user community with extensive aftermarket options including heavy duty aluminum tripod, Berlebach wood tripod; conversion to Gemini, etc.
CI700: tripod not as good as later CGE; inferior to G11
CI700: you're stuck with the worm it comes with unless you're a machinist type or can pay someone else to do the work for you; G11--the new ones (like Tom's) appear to be selling regularly with periodic error in the 5 to 10 arc second range, even less than 5 arc seconds, and the Ovision retrofit offers even better performance for imagers, and can be put on all post 1992 mounts.
In sum, you'll have a more sustainable system, a better performing system, and more aftermarket options if you go with a G11. But CI700s sell at steep discounts and can be a reasonable value.
Greg N
"Scope will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no scope." --Freewheelin' Franklin
Posted 07/18/2008 04:18PM
#2
My experience is only with the G-11. Very good mount, with low PE and excellent Go-To and tracking. Steady tripod with a bit of adjustment and more like a portable pier than a tripod.
Polar alignment routines in the Gemini make accurate polar alignment a snap.
Ability to track for hours past meridian is a real plus.
Polar alignment routines in the Gemini make accurate polar alignment a snap.
Ability to track for hours past meridian is a real plus.
[SIZE="Large"][/SIZE][COLOR="Blue"][/COLOR] Floyd Blue
Amateur Imager
Posted 07/18/2008 05:28PM
#3
Peter
I owned a CI-700 with DSC's and found it to be a considerable step up from a CG5 for astroimaging and for carrying a big OTA. For visual it was great, for imaging it was a little finicky but was still good. I have since upgraded to an AP600E which is another considerable step up.
I have never owned a G-11, but others have already pointed out their advantages over the CI-700. What I can say is that at a $1,000 to $1,200 going price on Astromart they can be a real bargan.
So if money is not the main issue, it seems like the G-11 with the worm upgrade is a good way to go (or better yet an AP mount). On the cheap, the CI-700 is pretty close.
Hope this helps.
Steven Jindra
I owned a CI-700 with DSC's and found it to be a considerable step up from a CG5 for astroimaging and for carrying a big OTA. For visual it was great, for imaging it was a little finicky but was still good. I have since upgraded to an AP600E which is another considerable step up.
I have never owned a G-11, but others have already pointed out their advantages over the CI-700. What I can say is that at a $1,000 to $1,200 going price on Astromart they can be a real bargan.
So if money is not the main issue, it seems like the G-11 with the worm upgrade is a good way to go (or better yet an AP mount). On the cheap, the CI-700 is pretty close.
Hope this helps.
Steven Jindra
Funding Member
