Mount for 127ED

I have a somewhat difficult question. I just purchased a used Meade 127ED. However, I do not have a suitable mount at the moment. Also keep in mind that I have less than $1000 to spend at the moment.

At first thought I considered the Atlas (EQ6) as it looks more than capable of the task. But I am concerned about the weight of this mount. It is a monster.

I was wondering how the newer CG5's would do with this OTA. I had an older CG5 with a CR150 a few years ago. It was the kind with bearings and not the bushings of the first run's. I felt that the mount was up to the task of holding the OTA, but those silly aluminum legs were terrible. The newer CG5's and its GOTO brother look quite a bit more stable.

I am purely a visual observer. Any comments on the stability of a 5" F9 refractor on these mounts would be greatly appreciated. I certainly dont expect the "Rock of Gibraltor" but if it is acceptable visually I would rather go that route than get the heavier mount. I am afraid I would be less inclined to use it if the weight became an issue. Nothing wrong with my health, I am just lazy it seems.

Thanks in advance.

Donnie,

If you can get hold of the Eq-6/Atlas's younger, lighter brother, the Skywatcher H-Eq5 (see http://www.skywatchertelescope.com/ProductsMO.html), that might be a good alternative; tough to find in the US though. It looks very similar to the Eq-6, but is significantly lighter. I think the new Celestron Advanced mount would also work or perhaps one of Meade's LXD75 mounts.

Best regards,
Tim

Donnie:

I think I may have indicated to you in an earlier post that I used a Vixen GP-DX with the Meade 127ED. With a payload capability of 22# it handled the 127ED acceptably for visual purposes. The GP-DX can probably be had for less than a $1000 used. I paid $1500 for mine but it also included SS2K goto system.

Mike L.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I have reconsidered the weight issue. I am now leaning back towards the Eq6. Regardless of the weight it will still take at least a couple of trips with any mount I choose.

With that in mind, the weight is only an issue during the trip outside. I can endure the extra weight to have more stability.

Once the OTA arrives I will give it some more thought and make a decision.

Thanks to those who responded.