Mark
For visual only, I've found the fork mount, in alt-az is easier to set up and align. This setup is be okay for short photos, such as planets and lunar. For longer, deep sky photos, you would need a wedge, and set up becomes more difficult with accurate tracking a challange.
A higher quality GEM (CGE, G-11, etc.) is usually more work to set up and align but will track moore accurately for longer duration images. Plus you will probably find deep sky imaging easier and more fun with a smaller APO refractor (Orion 80ED, TAK FS-78, etc.). The longer focal length of the 9.25" is quite challenging to start off with for deep sky photos.
I have a fork mount alt-az 9.25" for visual use and a permanently mounted GEM in a building with a slide off roof and a couple of refractors for imaging.
Hope this helps.
Steven Jindra
For visual only, I've found the fork mount, in alt-az is easier to set up and align. This setup is be okay for short photos, such as planets and lunar. For longer, deep sky photos, you would need a wedge, and set up becomes more difficult with accurate tracking a challange.
A higher quality GEM (CGE, G-11, etc.) is usually more work to set up and align but will track moore accurately for longer duration images. Plus you will probably find deep sky imaging easier and more fun with a smaller APO refractor (Orion 80ED, TAK FS-78, etc.). The longer focal length of the 9.25" is quite challenging to start off with for deep sky photos.
I have a fork mount alt-az 9.25" for visual use and a permanently mounted GEM in a building with a slide off roof and a couple of refractors for imaging.
Hope this helps.
Steven Jindra
