Replacement Mount

Equipment
4 replies•118 views
Gamaholjad avatar
Gamaholjad avatar
I wonder if folk could suggest a replacement mount. I currently have a Celestron CGXL and it's on its last legs. I currently have 45lbs mounted on it at the moment. Askar 151phq with filter wheel camera etc total 45lbs.

So any suggestion what folk are using to mount such a weight.  Im looking at eq8r, paramount myt 6 series , pegasus nyx101. 

So if you have similar equipment mounted, what mount do you. 

Thanks for any suggestions.
Brian Puhl avatar
Brian Puhl avatar

I would avoid harmonics, personal preference for multiple reasons. If I was to pick from your 3 choices I’d probably run the EQ8. Frankly, the CGXL is a horrible mount and I’m surprised you didn’t abandon it sooner.

I currently run my Esprit 150, with dual losmandy plates, imaging train and all on an EQ6 with great results. I’m pretty sure I’m around the same weight overall. Guiding on average 0.35 arc second, and dropping down into the 0.2’s frequently now. Not all EQ6’s are built the same, but I run alot of skywatcher products and have honestly not found a single reason to dislike or abandon the brand.

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Tony Gondola avatar
Tony Gondola avatar

Brian Puhl · Sep 1, 2025, 05:08 AM

I would avoid harmonics, personal preference for multiple reasons. If I was to pick from your 3 choices I’d probably run the EQ8. Frankly, the CGXL is a horrible mount and I’m surprised you didn’t abandon it sooner.

I currently run my Esprit 150, with dual losmandy plates, imaging train and all on an EQ6 with great results. I’m pretty sure I’m around the same weight overall. Guiding on average 0.35 arc second, and dropping down into the 0.2’s frequently now. Not all EQ6’s are built the same, but I run alot of skywatcher products and have honestly not found a single reason to dislike or abandon the brand.

+1

Gamaholjad avatar
Gamaholjad avatar
Brian Puhl:
I would avoid harmonics, personal preference for multiple reasons. If I was to pick from your 3 choices I’d probably run the EQ8. Frankly, the CGXL is a horrible mount and I’m surprised you didn’t abandon it sooner.

I currently run my Esprit 150, with dual losmandy plates, imaging train and all on an EQ6 with great results. I’m pretty sure I’m around the same weight overall. Guiding on average 0.35 arc second, and dropping down into the 0.2’s frequently now. Not all EQ6’s are built the same, but I run alot of skywatcher products and have honestly not found a single reason to dislike or abandon the brand.

The CGXL was bought for me by my father so I'm kinda attached,  but yes it's not the best. Weriod as it is I have a AVX which tracks at .32 ( I know unheard off, I must have the one they built on Monday ). I do also have an EQ6pro which is tuned and reaches .3/.2 rms. So I am swayed a little to the eq8 just for the weight.
Stjepan Prugovečki avatar
Stjepan Prugovečki avatar

I do have Esprit 120 mounted on iOptron CEM70 . It is for 4 years mounted on the fixed pier in my backyard , just covered with Telegizmo cover (temperatures are from -15C to 39C. rain, snow, … name it) . Not a single glitch all that time. Was running also 300mm 22kg Newton on it , with no issues whatsoever. I am in Bortle 4.5 , and if guiding RMS goes to 0.5” levels I consider it terrible night , it is usually on 0.4” level or below. If you looking to non-harmonic , CEM70 is extremely competitive in price/payload , price/guiding performance an weight/payload parameters

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