LXD-55

Does anybody know if the LXD-55 fits a CG-5 tripod mount plate ????
How is the experience LXD-55 compaired with CG5?

Does anybody know if the LXD-55 fits a CG-5 tripod mount plate ????
How is the experience LXD-55 compaired with CG5?
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1. I don't know if it fits but my guess is that it does.

2. I have never used an LXD-55, I have owned various CG-5s and currently own a Nexstar CG-5 ASGT. The LXD-55 had some serious problems when it was first introduced, most of which had fixes. Obviously the new CG-5 tripod is far superior to the LXD-55 and overall I think the mount is sturdier and better built.

If the price is right though and the scope not too big, the LXD-55 can be a good value but IMHO is not comparable to the CG-5 on an equal cost basis. By the time you add in the cost of the a CG-5 tripod to the LXD-55, you might as well just buy a CG-5.

This is my personal thinking, others may have other thoughts.

Jon

I have (or at least had) both a CG-5 early generation and an LXF 55.

The mounting brackets are interchangeable. I had a storebought one, and a couple of home made. THey are pretty well the same dovetail.

I have not noticed much in the way of differences as far as capacity, smoothness, machining, error, stability, etc. between the two. However, the LXD 55 is obviously autostar, and my cg-5 was not.

Alex

I've wondered the same thing and have heard conflicting reports but I suspect the azimuth stalk (the little metal post that sticks up at the North end of the hub) is shorter than the CG5/EQ5. This post is also grounded to an angled point on the LXD55/75. From what I've read it's an easy retrofit for those with simple tools.

Clear Vue Optics sells a pedestal that fits both equatorial heads and they show two options when discussing hubs. Scroll down to the bottom of this page to see them clearvueoptics.com/Mounts.htm.

Good luck!

Jerry

p.s. I'm very, very pleased with the LXD55 mount. I have one for my 8" Newt and another for my 102 ED refractor. With the legs up it is a very stable mount for my 8" but John is right about them being iffy when fully extended. I'm expecting an LXD55 to LX200 tripod adapter from Astrokits in the mail tomorrow for my refractor. It should be rock solid and stand much taller than the original tripod.

I've actually got a permanent observatory with permanent pier on top of which i'm planning to replace my old cg5 mount with a lxd-55.
It will support a C9.25 SCT.
Sounds like i've got some adjusting to do to the CG5 pin.
Thanks everybody for all the feedback !

Steven