Optically there is NO difference. They are the same OTA.
Forks vs GEM's are a personal preference. I have always liked GEM's better - much easier to balance when using heavy accessories, and viewing near the pole's is not an issue.
My only comment to the two choices you gave is IMO the 9.25 OTA is too much for the cg5 mount. The CGE version is by far better - visual only or not.
Forks vs GEM's are a personal preference. I have always liked GEM's better - much easier to balance when using heavy accessories, and viewing near the pole's is not an issue.
My only comment to the two choices you gave is IMO the 9.25 OTA is too much for the cg5 mount. The CGE version is by far better - visual only or not.