USA's Telescope Mount Rankings Unveiled
Here's an updated comparison of EQ mounts in the $2600 to $8000 range, now including the Losmandy GM811G, Orion HDX110 EQ-G, Takahashi EM-11, and additional information on the Celestron CGX-L, Sky-Watcher CQ350 Pro, and Meade LX850.
6. Losmandy GM811G
Price: Approx. $2800–$3200 (depending on configuration) Payload Capacity: ~40 lbs (18 kg) Features: - German Equatorial Mount - Sturdy, precision-machined aluminum construction - Heavy-duty worm gears with low backlash - Dual saddle plate for large payloads or dual scopes - Software and electronics largely DIY or custom (no proprietary GOTO unless upgraded) - Optional Gemini GOTO system upgrade available
User Reviews: - Highly praised for mechanical stability and smooth tracking - Popular among astrophotographers who value high precision and manual or third-party GOTO control - Some users note that out-of-the-box GOTO is limited unless upgraded with Gemini system - Very quiet operation and excellent for heavy optical tubes
7. Orion HDX110 EQ-G
Price: To be checked on Orion Payload Capacity: Approx. 40 lbs (18 kg) Features: - German Equatorial Mount - Integrated GOTO system - NexStar hand controller with extensive database of celestial objects - Built-in SkyAlign technology for easy alignment - Permanent periodic error correction (PEC) and autoguider port - Integrated cable management
User Reviews: - Not yet widely available for comprehensive reviews, but initial impressions are positive - Users seem to appreciate the integrated GOTO system and easy setup - More data needed for long-term performance evaluation
8. Takahashi EM-11
Price: $3350 Payload Capacity: Approx. 44 lbs (20 kg) Features: - German Equatorial Mount - Precision engineering with smooth motions and quiet operation - GOTO system with large object database - PEC training for accurate tracking - Lightweight but robust aluminum construction - Dual saddle design for flexibility
User Reviews: - Users appreciate the smooth movement and quiet motors - Good tracking accuracy and solid build quality - Some reviewers mention the software interface can be less intuitive than competitors - Often favored in mid-range category for portable astrophotography setups
9. Celestron CGX-L
Price: $4649 at HighPoint Payload: ~75 lbs (34 kg) Features: - Robust German Equatorial Mount with integrated Celestron GOTO system - NexStar hand controller with extensive database of celestial objects - Built-in SkyAlign technology for easy alignment - Permanent periodic error correction (PEC) and autoguider port - Integrated cable management - Optional WiFi module for remote control
User Reviews: - Very user-friendly, great for beginners and intermediate users - Good payload capacity and reliable tracking for astrophotography - Some users report slight periodic error without autoguiding but overall good performance - Occasional complaints about plastic parts and weight of mount head
10. Sky-Watcher CQ350 Pro
Price: $4265 at HighPoint Payload: ~35 lbs (16 kg) Features: - Heavy-duty equatorial mount designed for mid-sized OTA - Stepper motor drives with low backlash gears - Built-in WiFi for control via Sky-Watcher apps and ASCOM support - Sturdy tripod included - PEC and autoguider port - Modular design for expansion
User Reviews: - Users applaud its solid tracking and payload for the price - Good value choice for mid to advanced amateur astrophotographers - WiFi connectivity considered a plus for remote operation - Some mention heavier weight for transport
11. Meade LX850
Price: $7499.99 at HighPoint Payload: Up to 75 lbs (34 kg) Features: - High-end German Equatorial Mount with integrated optical encoders for enhanced precision - Advanced GOTO and tracking system with StarLock autoguiding—no need for external guide scope - Large LCD control panel with intuitive interface - High backlash gear accuracy, low periodic error (<1 arcsec) - Precision worm gears, belt drives for quiet operation - Heavy-duty and stable design for professional astrophotography setups
User Reviews: - Frequently praised for superb tracking and autoguiding accuracy - StarLock system simplifies autoguiding for many users - Considered a professional-grade mount suitable for heavy imaging equipment - Some report the system may have a learning curve and higher initial cost justified by performance
Summary Table
| Mount | Price | Payload | Tracking Accuracy | GOTO System & Software | Build Quality/Portability | Notable Pros | Common Criticisms | |-------------------|-----------|----------|------------------------|----------------------------------|---------------------------------|----------------------------------|--------------------------------| | Losmandy G11 | $2800–$3200 | ~40 lbs | Excellent mechanical | Gemini optional upgrade; otherwise none built-in | Very sturdy, manual or custom GOTO | Excellent stability, quiet | No out-of-box GOTO unless upgraded | | Losmandy GM811G | $2800–$3200 | ~40 lbs | Excellent mechanical | Gemini optional upgrade; otherwise none built-in | Very sturdy, manual or custom GOTO | Excellent stability, quiet | No out-of-box GOTO unless upgraded | | Celestron CGX | $3000–$4000 | 40-75 lbs| Good | NexStar, SkyAlign, WiFi option | Robust, moderate weight | User-friendly, reliable | Some plastic parts, weight | | Celestron CGX-L | $4649 | 75 lbs | Good | NexStar, SkyAlign, WiFi option | Robust, moderate weight | User-friendly, reliable | Some plastic parts, weight | | Vixen SPHINX SXD2 | ~$3500 | ~44 lbs | Very good | Native GOTO, PEC | Lightweight, precise | Quiet, smooth motors | Software less intuitive | | Sky-Watcher CQ350 Pro | ~$4500 | ~35 lbs | Good | WiFi control, ASCOM support | Heavy, sturdy | Moderate price, good connectivity | Heavier for transport | | Orion HDX110 EQ-G | TBC | ~40 lbs | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC | | Takahashi EM-11 | $3350 | ~44 lbs | Very good | Native GOTO | Lightweight, precise | Quiet, smooth motors | Software less intuitive | | Sky-Watcher EQ8-R Pro | $6350 | ~50 lbs | TBC | SynScan GOTO | Sturdy, portable | Good tracking, user-friendly | Higher price for the range | | Meade LX850 | $7000–$8000 | ~75 lbs | Exceptional (<1 arcsec) | StarLock autoguider integrated | Heavy-duty, stable | Professional-grade, quiet | Higher cost, learning curve |
Conclusion
- For heavy payloads and professional imaging, Meade LX850 stands out with its integrated StarLock autoguiding and top-notch precision.
- The Losmandy G11 and Losmandy GM811G are favored by enthusiasts who value mechanical excellence and stable mounts with upgrades, although they lack built-in GOTO by default.
- The Celestron CGX series is very user-friendly and popular, offering a good balance of features and price for intermediate users.
- For quiet operation and smooth tracking in a mid-range mount, the Vixen SPHINX SXD2 is a favorite.
- The Sky-Watcher CQ350 Pro is a solid choice with modern connectivity options and good performance at a mid-to-high price point.
- The Orion HDX110 EQ-G is a new entry in the market with initial positive impressions, but more data is needed for long-term performance evaluation.
- If you want, I can also help you compare accessories or help select based on specific needs like portability, imaging setup, or budget.
These mounts are ideal for various space-and-astronomy activities, particularly astrophotography. The Meade LX850, priced around $7000–$8000, boasts exceptional tracking accuracy and an integrated StarLock autoguiding system suitable for professional imaging setups. For enthusiasts seeking mechanical excellence, the Losmandy GM811G, with a price range of $2800–$3200, offers stability and smooth tracking, although it lacks built-in GOTO by default. The Celestron CGX series, priced between $3000–$4000, is popular among users for its user-friendly experience and good balance of features. These mounts are integral technology components in the field of science and space-and-astronomy.
