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CEM26 vs HEQ5 vs AZEQ5?

Sky-Watcher HEQ5 PRO iOptron CEM26 Equipment Equatorial Mount Buying Advice
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GTom avatar
GTom avatar
I am upgrading my travel mount, with the following criteria:

- 8kg photography payload (105/735 refractor, reducer, heavy Moravian camera)
- can work at the Equator
- reasonable wind resistance
- reliable workhorse
- second hand, budget ~£800

So far I shortlisted 3 candidates. The HEQ5 is easy to get, currently see 4-5 offers in the UK, quite heavy though. It also needs to be tricked to work 10° latitudes that might compromise stability. The AZ-EQ5 reportedly doesn't like wind. The CEM26 is rare but I haven't found any cons. Being the lightest of the three it is very transport-friendly but stable enough to carry my heavier setup?
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David Clayton avatar
David Clayton avatar
I bought a used CEM26 and love it.  I use it with an Askar V scope system, ASI2600MC Pro, ASIAir+ and an Askar 30mm guide scope and ASI120MM guide camera.  Only issue was I had to adjust the worm gear on the EQ axis for backlash.  Customer Support helped me and it went well.  I live in the mountains of Colorado and therefore deal with cold temps in winter.  It has worked without fuss down into the singe digits F.  I like the iPolar camera for doing my PA.  When temps are in the 20s, I will take a 2 minute PA versus 10 minutes with the ASIAir.  Even using the iPolar, I get between 0.5 and 0.8 arc-seconds guiding.
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Rafael Amarins avatar
Rafael Amarins avatar
CEM26 should be your best option but be aware that with 1"/pix you will discard lots of subs
I own a CEM25 which is very similar to CEM26 and it struggles to guide with no peaks of over 1.5 for longer than 2min
For some reason mine likes to carry weight and it guides better with 8,5kg than with 4,5kg of gear
I quit 3d balancing mine to perfection and again for some reason it guides better without the OCD level balancing. Still it is important to balance it since is very delicate and lightweight compared to EQ5
Ioptron Commander is very easy to use
GTom avatar
GTom avatar
Thank you for the feedback!
There is a new guy in town, the AL55i. I was wondering where it stands. Seems stronger than the SA GTi, lightweight, meaning probably the same balancing and wind protection precautions needed as with the CME26.
andrea tasselli avatar
andrea tasselli avatar