Posts Made By: Charles Menbeck

I'm looking to purchase one of these mounts for astrophotography purposes and am split between the two. I plan to use an 80mm ED APO and a C-8 OTA on it along with an Orion StarShoot AutoGuider. Both of these scopes have the Vixen Style Dovetail Mount. Does anybody have any experience on these two mounts? I've read a little bit about the Atlas. The CGEM is newer and does not have as much info written about it. Any info appreciated. I want to make sure I buy the right one.

The Orion ED 80mm is about $479. It is an apochromatic refractor with ED or extra dispersion glass for better color rendition. This is the most economical refractor I can think of with high quality optics under $500. This is the model that brought serious astrophotography for those with a budget in that range. I own it and very happy with. It is a longer scope.

If you wish to stay more compact since you are going on top of a SCT, then you may want Orion's Short Tube scopes with Apochromatic and ED glass properties. But those will set you back $600-$700. Hope that helps.

Really nice shots Steve. A couple quick questions regarding your OTA. I was interested in buying that (203mm) 8" Orion f/4.9. I read the reviews on their website and some complained they had a problem focusing with a DSLR. Is there some truth to that? Has yours been modified at all compared to the stock model? Any info appreciated. Thanks.

Charles