An old AP 400 with quartz drives.

I am getting a new AP and am looking for a mount. Where the old Ap 400's (from the mid 90's without goto) as high quality as today's? How would it compare to a new GM-8 or even some of the Vixen equipment?

Thanks

One of the leading competitors against AP mounts is....older AP mounts. I'm very happy with my AP900QMD. I guess some day if I get into astrophotography I may need to spring for go-to. But push-to pointing accuracy is around 3 arc minutes all-sky with Argo Navis and 10k encoders.

I don't understand the comment about Losmandy and slow motion knobs. Because every Losmandy is sold with tracking in RA and a Dec motor as well, you use the hand paddle, not the knobs. A small battery is plenty to keep the stepper motor verions running (well, like 15 amp hours) all night.

I'm afraid I haven't tested my AP900QMD for PE but I don't doubt it would be under 10 arc seconds and maybe even under 5. This is based on looking at stars at very high power (large PE will show up as the object's "walking" back and forth in the field of view).

I think that a mid 90s AP is an excellent choice. Nonetheless, the add-ons can add substantially: I think I paid $3200 for my AP900QMD, but by the time I had an ATS pier, counterweights, the longer counterweight shaft, a saddle, and did the recommended upgrades, I had a $7k mount. But an AP900 GTO tricked out with all "required accessories" today will nudge you north of $10k.

I can't imagine sticking with a CG5 if I had the means and an opportunity to get an AP from the QMD era.

regards
Greg N