Astro-physics Mach2GTO vs 10micron GM 2000 - Forums

Topic starter

Dec 29, 2022 · Edited: Dec 29, 2022

I would like to upgrade from my Losmandy G11 mount. My current scope weighs about 35 pounds/16kg, I may do a dual scope in the near future. I travel for most of my astrophotography so portability is important. Also important to me is being able to call someone for tech support if needed. The mach2gto and gm 2000 look like two mounts that would work for me. Any opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan

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Min Xie

Dec 29, 2022

Dan, Mach2GTO is more portable with a price - capacity of 75lbs compared to 10Microon GM2000's 110lbs.

Arun H

Frequent contributor

Dec 29, 2022 · Edited: Dec 29, 2022

The Mach 2 GTO has a wait list measured in years. I recently got mine - after a 3 year wait. It is a superb mount, but I expect so is the 10 Micron. AP’s service is unparalleled - you know the people who own, build, and support your equipment by their first names. Roland Christen, who along with his wife Marj runs AP, is an astrophotographer himself and is a frequent contributor in the AP forums. A major consideration for me is the proximity of AP in the event I ever need support. I own a Mach 1 which is portable. The Mach 2 probably weights 43 or so pounds, about 15 lbs heavier than the Mach 1, but I did not have any trouble handling it and consider it portable as well.

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Bob Lockwood

Dec 29, 2022

In my book AP is the way to go, I have a Mach-1, 1100GTO-AE and the 1200GTO. It also may come down to where you live, in the US I'd go with AP even if you just put your name on the list and wait. If encoders are not needed, the 1100GTO is very much portable as it breaks down into two components RA 27lb Dec 15lb. 10 Micron I hear is a good mount, there in Italia and have dealers in the US. The GM2000 has the same weight capacity as the AP 1100 but is about $5000 more than the AP1100 and is much heavier, 73lb compared to 43lb for the 1100. If you have plans to go with the dual setup, go with the bigger mount.

Hope this helps some, better to use what you have and wait, over getting something that may need to be replaced later.

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Bray Falls

Dec 29, 2022

If your scope is 35lbs the GM1000HPS is a better mount for comparison. I've used two 1000s, a 2000, and a 3000 and they were all amazing mounts.

Dale Penkala

Dec 29, 2022

I would personally stay with AP mounts because 1, its an American made mount, (sorry I’m a retired tool & die maker) 2, Roland Christian is as reputable as they get not to mention customer support from the whole team (George is great!) 3, I own an AP1200GTO and its an amazing mount. These mounts do break down so they are actually more portable than you might think at first.

Dale

Arun H

Frequent contributor

Dec 29, 2022

To the point about mounts being broken down for portability - the Mach 2 cannot be broken into its two axes - it actually says so on the mount that the axes cannot be separated. The 1100 is made to be split apart into its axes.

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Dale Penkala

Dec 29, 2022

Arun H:
To the point about mounts being broken down for portability - the Mach 2 cannot be broken into its two axes - it actually says so on the mount that the axes cannot be separated. The 1100 is made to be split apart into its axes.

I was referring to the 1100 and larger mounts. Personally if I was going to spend the kind of money for the GM1000 with only 75lbs capacity I’d go for the 1100 with 110lbs instead and that gives the breakdown part.

Dale

John Hayes

Frequent contributor

Dec 29, 2022

I have a Mach2 mount and I think that it is superb. I've owned a 1600 with encoders and at the moment, I have an 1100 sitting in my shop but frankly, the Mach2 is probably the best mount that AP has ever produced. If you can get your hands on one, I think that it's the best option for your 35 lb scope. I'm sure that the 10 micron mount is also excellent but the one factor that tips in favor of Astro-Physics is support and service. The support that Astro-Physics provides is absolutely superb and that's worth a lot.

John

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Dark Matters Astrophotography

Dec 29, 2022

John Hayes:
I have a Mach2 mount and I think that it is superb. I've owned a 1600 with encoders and at the moment, I have an 1100 sitting in my shop but frankly, the Mach2 is probably the best mount that AP has ever produced. If you can get your hands on one, I think that it's the best option for your 35 lb scope. I'm sure that the 10 micron mount is also excellent but the one factor that tips in favor of Astro-Physics is support and service. The support that Astro-Physics provides is absolutely superb and that's worth a lot.

John

100% agree with this. The Mach 2 is no slouch either. I ran a 12.5" iDK on it and the Mach 2 handled it just fine.

Soothsayerman

Dec 29, 2022

I hope you don't find this annoying, but the Skywatcher EQ8-Rh might be interesting. The "h" is high resolution and includes 11.8 million tic encoders with a capacity of 110lbs. It is an entirely different mount than the EQ8. I'm mount shopping myself.

Scott Lockwood

Dec 29, 2022

Another vote for Astro-Physics. I have a 15-20 year old AP 1200 that works like new. Even though it is a little heavy, it still sees regular field work.

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Dark Matters Astrophotography

Dec 29, 2022

I hope you don't find this annoying, but the Skywatcher EQ8-Rh might be interesting. The "h" is high resolution and includes 11.8 million tic encoders with a capacity of 110lbs. It is an entirely different mount than the EQ8. I'm mount shopping myself.

The Mach 2 (and 10 Micron) uses dual axis absolute encoders, versus the RA only relative encoder of the 8-Rh mount. Capacity of the Mach 2 is 75lbs, but for any mount that depends on more than just total weight. I'm not sure if Skywatcher mounts are rated for imaging loads. Usually folks run those lighter for imaging. Someone else would need to give an account as I don't use Skywatcher mounts.

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Soothsayerman

Dec 30, 2022

I hope you don't find this annoying, but the Skywatcher EQ8-Rh might be interesting. The "h" is high resolution and includes 11.8 million tic encoders with a capacity of 110lbs. It is an entirely different mount than the EQ8. I'm mount shopping myself.

The Mach 2 (and 10 Micron) uses dual axis absolute encoders, versus the RA only relative encoder of the 8-Rh mount. Capacity of the Mach 2 is 75lbs, but for any mount that depends on more than just total weight. I'm not sure if Skywatcher mounts are rated for imaging loads. Usually folks run those lighter for imaging. Someone else would need to give an account as I don't use Skywatcher mounts.

Right, I think the AP is the best value easily, but the wait list is a deal breaker. The EQ8rh is heavier than the AP, but apparently handled easily enough. The way I look at it, I'm comfortable with the assumption it will easily handle 75lbs with a 110lb rating. I know folks with the EQ6-R Pro in our astronomy club that are maxed out on the payload, but have no problems with astrophotography with the caveat that the mount must be perfectly balanced through all movements. I don't really know what their idea of "good enough" is though.

I found this guys review that seems pretty good, but I haven't really found a review that really challenges the mount.
https://www.philhart.com/skywatcher-eq8-rh

> I'm not concerned about Skywatcher's customer service or capability overall because so many people use them and have good things to say with the occasional usual smattering of bad experiences.

A lot of folks love the eq6 pro https://app.astrobin.com/equipment/explorer/mount/995/sky-watcher-eq6-r-pro.

All that said, I have just started my research into buying what I hope will be my last mount so I have ways to go.

Arun H

Frequent contributor

Dec 30, 2022

For the original poster - I used to own a GM811G, which is the same RA axis as the G11. I sold that in favor of a Mach 1. The Mach 1 was clearly the superior mount, much more tolerant of imbalance and guided better. In terms of the wait list - if you are interested in an AP mount, the wait list for the 1100 is much shorter. It is probably the more direct comparable to the GM2000. In the 3 years I waited for the Mach 2, my name came up for the 1100 twice. I declined both times, the first time because I was able to get my hands on a Mach 1, the second time because my name was close to being called for the Mach 2. A used Mach 1 is an option too and I think you’d be able to get your hands on one within a couple months. It doesn’t have absolute encoders but will handle your 35 lb payload with consummate ease. I personally know an imager that uses a side by side setup with the Mach 1 - a 85mm and 120 mm refractor. Both the Mach 1 and 1100 will hold their value well if you eventually sell them in favor of a Mach 2.

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Dark Matters Astrophotography

Dec 30, 2022

I hope you don't find this annoying, but the Skywatcher EQ8-Rh might be interesting. The "h" is high resolution and includes 11.8 million tic encoders with a capacity of 110lbs. It is an entirely different mount than the EQ8. I'm mount shopping myself.

The Mach 2 (and 10 Micron) uses dual axis absolute encoders, versus the RA only relative encoder of the 8-Rh mount. Capacity of the Mach 2 is 75lbs, but for any mount that depends on more than just total weight. I'm not sure if Skywatcher mounts are rated for imaging loads. Usually folks run those lighter for imaging. Someone else would need to give an account as I don't use Skywatcher mounts.

Right, I think the AP is the best value easily, but the wait list is a deal breaker. The EQ8rh is heavier than the AP, but apparently handled easily enough. The way I look at it, I'm comfortable with the assumption it will easily handle 75lbs with a 110lb rating. I know folks with the EQ6-R Pro in our astronomy club that are maxed out on the payload, but have no problems with astrophotography with the caveat that the mount must be perfectly balanced through all movements. I don't really know what their idea of "good enough" is though.

I found this guys review that seems pretty good, but I haven't really found a review that really challenges the mount.
https://www.philhart.com/skywatcher-eq8-rh

> I'm not concerned about Skywatcher's customer service or capability overall because so many people use them and have good things to say with the occasional usual smattering of bad experiences.

A lot of folks love the eq6 pro https://app.astrobin.com/equipment/explorer/mount/995/sky-watcher-eq6-r-pro.

All that said, I have just started my research into buying what I hope will be my last mount so I have ways to go.

I personally would take a used Mach 1 with a PEC Curve and 65lbs of capacity over the hefty 8-Rh. The Mach 1 is very portable, has great performance, and in the absence of a Mach 2 being available is a great alternative while one waits on the list. I know of someone that will be posting a Mach 1 on Amart shortly.

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Soothsayerman

Dec 30, 2022

I hope you don't find this annoying, but the Skywatcher EQ8-Rh might be interesting. The "h" is high resolution and includes 11.8 million tic encoders with a capacity of 110lbs. It is an entirely different mount than the EQ8. I'm mount shopping myself.

The Mach 2 (and 10 Micron) uses dual axis absolute encoders, versus the RA only relative encoder of the 8-Rh mount. Capacity of the Mach 2 is 75lbs, but for any mount that depends on more than just total weight. I'm not sure if Skywatcher mounts are rated for imaging loads. Usually folks run those lighter for imaging. Someone else would need to give an account as I don't use Skywatcher mounts.

Right, I think the AP is the best value easily, but the wait list is a deal breaker. The EQ8rh is heavier than the AP, but apparently handled easily enough. The way I look at it, I'm comfortable with the assumption it will easily handle 75lbs with a 110lb rating. I know folks with the EQ6-R Pro in our astronomy club that are maxed out on the payload, but have no problems with astrophotography with the caveat that the mount must be perfectly balanced through all movements. I don't really know what their idea of "good enough" is though.

I found this guys review that seems pretty good, but I haven't really found a review that really challenges the mount.
https://www.philhart.com/skywatcher-eq8-rh

> I'm not concerned about Skywatcher's customer service or capability overall because so many people use them and have good things to say with the occasional usual smattering of bad experiences.

A lot of folks love the eq6 pro https://app.astrobin.com/equipment/explorer/mount/995/sky-watcher-eq6-r-pro.

All that said, I have just started my research into buying what I hope will be my last mount so I have ways to go.

I personally would take a used Mach 1 with a PEC Curve and 65lbs of capacity over the hefty 8-Rh. The Mach 1 is very portable, has great performance, and in the absence of a Mach 2 being available is a great alternative while one waits on the list. I know of someone that will be posting a Mach 1 on Amart shortly.

I was pondering that exact same thought as we were talking about this so thanks for the input. I reckon you have a lot more experience about all this than I do.

Dan Brown

Topic starter

Dec 30, 2022

Thank you all very much for the informed posts. I didn't realize AP mounts had a wait time on par with their telescopes, that could be a big consideration since I'm not getting any younger.
Dan

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Bob Lockwood

Dec 30, 2022 · Edited: Dec 30, 2022

Thank you all very much for the informed posts. I didn't realize AP mounts had a wait time on par with their telescopes, that could be a big consideration since I'm not getting any younger.
Dan

I'd like to add one more thing. There's no doubt there is a lot of very good mounts out there today, but you don't need to buy new. I could almost guarantee that you could buy a used AP mount of any size, of any age, and it will work as if you just got it new. If you want to buy just one mount and have it last, or out last you, AP is it. I'm also pretty sure you won't find any customer service better then AP, you can call them and 10 out of 10 times, at least for me, they will answer the phone and have you talk to whomever is needed to help or answer your question.

As for the wait time for a new mount, it varies. They don’t make all the different mounts at the same time. The 1600 are sold out, the 1100 is currently being shipped and the Mach-2 is in production. I just got my 1100-AE, my name was on the list for less than a year before they said it was ready to order, are they all spoken for, you won’t know unless you add you name to the list. The Mach 2 is in production, are they all spoken for, maybe, maybe not. Lots of people put their name on the lists and when it comes time to order, they back out for one reason or another. It doesn’t hurt to at least get things started and when the time comes, then decide if you still want it.

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Alex Ranous

Dec 31, 2022

If you want a new AP mount, you can potentially speed things up by getting on one of the AP retailer list. They get an allocation of mounts from AP, and it's sometimes quicker to get it from a retailer such as Woodland Hills than from AP itself.

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Dan Brown

Topic starter

Dec 31, 2022

Alex Ranous:
If you want a new AP mount, you can potentially speed things up by getting on one of the AP retailer list. They get an allocation of mounts from AP, and it's sometimes quicker to get it from a retailer such as Woodland Hills than from AP itself.

I did not know that, thanks.
Dan

Wei-Hao Wang

Dec 31, 2022

Place an order of Mach2 first, and decide later. The line is getting longer every minute. After you spend two weeks reading the above comments and deciding which one is better, the wait becomes two months longer (on top of, five years?).

John Hayes

Frequent contributor

Dec 31, 2022

5-years…seriously? Is that the current wait time for a Mach2 ?! Even if it's half that, that's completely crazy.

John

Dark Matters Astrophotography

Dec 31, 2022

John Hayes:
5-years...seriously? Is that the current wait time for a Mach2 ?! Even if it's half that, that's completely crazy.

John

No, that is just some overzealous hyperbole from folks anxious and that do not like waiting. The current estimate based on comments from Karen at AP place the list at about 2.5 years.

John Hayes

Frequent contributor

Dec 31, 2022

John Hayes:
5-years...seriously? Is that the current wait time for a Mach2 ?! Even if it's half that, that's completely crazy.

John

No, that is just some overzealous hyperbole from folks anxious and that do not like waiting. The current estimate based on comments from Karen at AP place the list at about 2.5 years.

That's completely crazy. If I was running that business, my top priority would be to solve that problem but then again Rowland has never appeared to prioritize revenue.

John