Tak FS128 - Which Mount?

Just adquired an FS128. A huge leap up from the FS102. Very happy with the scope, but am looking for a more stable mount. At this time one of the Tak Mount/Tripod combos would be overdoing it. However, I am leaning heavily toward the Losmandy, obviously the GM-8 or the GM-11.

I am strictly a visual observer, so if you have had experience with this same setup, which would you or have you used, and why?

Thanks,

Steve

Tak scopes only look good on Tak mounts - get an EM10.

Steve,
The GM-8 _might_ do it if all you ever want to do is visual. It will take it some time to settle down. I had a FS-102 mounted on the GM-8 and it did work very well. If money allows the G-11 would do better. If you can afford more, look at a EM-200.

Steve,

I'll offer my perspective as a GM-8 and G-11 owner to your specific question. I have a Tak FC100 and FS152, but once had an AP130 doublet which is similar in weight/size to the FS128.

IMHO, the GM-8 is not stable enough for a 5" refractor for my tastes. But there are trade-offs to consider. If you must travel frequently to dark sites, the GM-8 is a lot less mount to handle all the time. You may compromise then on stability. If you observe primarily from your backyard as I do (nice dark skies), the G-11 offers a dramatic difference in stability for a 5" refractor.

RE: Tak mounts. Know that you are paying for precision drive gear machining and low PE for imaging in Tak mounts. Since your concern is load capacity related for visual use, either the Losmandy G-11 or the Celestron CGE as mentioned will suffice nicely. Put your savings into EPs and 2" diagonal.

Attached is a picture of a G-11 on my home-made wheeley bars with pneumatic tires that rolls very easily anywhere. It is always set-up. The driveway has index marks so that it is 95% aligned when parked. The tires are from Grainger's catalog, and the frame is channel iron. Less than $100 in it, and far superior to "wheeley bars" which I had previously owned.

My $.02 for your consideration.

Jay

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