RE: [APML] Opinions: GP-DX or GM-8

["Gene Horr" <genehorr@houston.rr.com>]

-----Original Message-----
From: astro-photo-bounces@seds.org
[mailto:astro-photo-bounces@seds.org]On Behalf Of Alen Koebel

>  I can't believe there aren't more opinions about this from 
> the group. Oh well.

Well, I'll speak up then <g>.  I was waiting to see if someone
else with more experience on these gave information.  My experience
is that the GP-DX makes a decent little travel mount for a small 
(light 4" or smaller) with short FLs - say 600mm or less.  IMO
it is not suitable for imaging with the larger reflectors you
mentioned - neither IMO is the GM-8.

But I haven't tried these mounts with these larger instruments,
so I can't say for sure.  For a light mounts like you are looking
at that can be used for photography I would suggest finding a
used Tak EM-10.  You'll get much better tracking and a sturdier
system at around the same size/weight.  Used price for the non-
goto systems should be around US$1,500, which is a little higher
than the new price of the systems you are considering but you
are getting a better mount.  But now you are around the price
of a used G-11, which would give you much more weight capacity.

So I guess my vote for the OTAs you mentioned would be "neither".
Try and find a used beefier mount.

Gene Horr
genehorr@texas.net

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