Mount for Astrophotography?

Hi,

I need advice...I'm currently owner of Nexstar 8 and quite happy with it, especially with OTA.
These days I'm getting interested more and more to astrophotography, and it's time to look for EQ with Go-TO. Other requirements are; ability to carry 8' OTA and DSLR (Pentax K10)and should perform sub zero temperatures. So here are my choices and if anyone wants suggest other than those, please feel welcome (up to 1500$ range).

Meade LX 75 (why so cheap?)
Celestron CGEM (my favourite)
Celestron CG-5 (too light?)
Orion Sirius EQ
Orion Atlas EQ
Sky Watcher HEQ 5 Pro

Also welcoming ideas how to attach Nexstar 8 OTA to EQ mounts (Losmandy plate is the only option?)
So please share your wisdom and experience with me.

Thanks for input.
Urmas Leming from 59¤N.
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Urmas, there are plenty of options, but if you want to get serious about it, the bare minimum would probably be the Orion Atlas EQ/G. I have NOT heard anything about the Celestron CGEM, and thats why I cannot vouch for it, yet.
Another one I would recommend is a Losmandy G-11, but it is pricier. (remember though, that for Astrophotography, the MOUNT is the most important part of your equipment)


Clear skies!

The Atlas will do with a little tuning. Plus there are programs out there for helping the Atlas specifically.
The CGEM is still questionable. I have seen reports on it on another site. The PE is about 30+", but with guiding it would work. Just not too much data posted yet and no real pictures.

Urmas Leming from 59¤N,
I am in the same boat as you looking at all of these mounts. For your needs (8" SCT + whatever other loads) I would rate these mounts: CGEM, Atlas EQ-G, HEQ 5 Pro, Orion Sirius EQ-G, CG-5, LXD75.
That's based on reported capacity, tracking accuracy, presence of PEC, and finally noise of motors.
I have googled and found very good reports of the CGEM.

Someone out there is thinking I am a rocket scientist, because I believe that order follows exactly with price.

I have a CG-ll (pre G-11) now going on 14 years and I am happy with it. It will work in sub zero F temps just fine and still carry a decent payload.

Joe