Which is more cost effective?

I have a C-11 built around 1987 plus or minus a year or two (black tube). Would it be more cost effective to get Celestron's CI-700 GEM for my OTA ($1,600 through Astronomics). Or, scrap the whole thing (or sell it) and buy the new Celestron Nexstar 11 GPS ($2,999)? I'm trying to balance cost vs. quality of the outcome.

I appreciate your responses!

thanks!

I think there are a few factors to consider:

1. Do you feel your existing C11 has superier optics compared to the average 11" SCT.

2. How much do you want to GPS Goto function?

The Nextstar 11 GPS package is the nicest SCT goto package in the over 10 inch class. The fork and OTA assembly is just manageable by one person. My friend has the Nextstar 8 non GPS version and it's quite easy to set up. The Nexstar 11 GPS offer the double fork arm plus GPS so it's even better. If you are pleased with the optical quality of your existing C11 but would like to have the Goto function it may be better to wait a while. the 11" GPS is a relatively new I I have not seen any discount from the $2,995 list price. There is bound to be some promtions later as the model gets more established.

Before I put that C11 on a CI-700 I would put it on a Losmandy G-11. In fact...I put my C8 on a G-11! Sure it's a few dollars more...but IMO it's a better mount.

Either way, you can always add DSC or GOTO later.

So, I guess the real questions are:
Do you like your current optics?
And if so, do you prefer Alt-Az or GEM?

Forrest Egan
http://www.digitalastro.com

Mike,

Since your OTA is at least 15 years old you might want to factor in the cost of recoating your C-11 and secondary in the final equation. At this age it probably should be overhauled anyways for seals, etc. A new 11" may or may not be better figure than your current tube, so again that's a factor.

As far as GPS units, Meade's GPS system is superior to the Celestron version. I had the chance to test out both 8" versions at an event last year and found the Meade to be quicker and more precise at the whole procedure. If you're a strict Celestron supporter then that doesn't matter, but if you are serious about the useful effectiveness of GPS then you might consider a Meade 12" GPS with UHTC. The extra UHTC coatings on the Meade equipment has been found to increase contrast compared to their standard coatings.

As far as the difference between mounting styles. If you're happy with a GEM versus Fork then go with either the CI-700 or G-11. The G-11 is a better quality mount from the reviews I've read with the CI-700 showing the signs of cost-cutting to make it 'affordable'. If you're serious about imaging definitely spring for the G-11 and you won't go wrong. It's worth the extra bucks for a quality mount that has a long proven record.

If you do plan to hang a bunch of stuff off your scope the GEM is better as there's no swing thru problems like with fork mounts. But a fork mount GPS can be up and running in 10 minutes without you being tired from lifting all the weight onto a GEM and balancing the unit.

Hope that's helpful to you!