What mount for C1100HD?

[nmoushon]

I'm slowly widdling down the list of mounts that I am considering to hold a C11" EdgeHD for long FL AP. On my list are:

Used AP900 - because its a very sold mount and at the used priced its very reasonable but its of somewhat older tech.

New AP1100 (without encoders) - A much improvement over the AP900 for just a couple thousand more. The encoders are not an option because by the time I get both its over $16k and there are several mounts that have encoders and more carry weight for less.

New 10Micron 1k - This has had a phenominal amount of praise of several forums. Carries as much as the AP1100 but comes with encoders and is only about $10k.

Used Parmount ME - This one is new to the list as I first thought it was out of reach (price wise) but at the used price its is about the same as a New 10Micron 1k. Not sure how it compares to the 10Micron though.

Need some opinions and/or possibly other suggestions. In my mind the APs are the cheaper alternitive while the ME and 10Micron are the expensive alternitive. $10k is my absolute limit....even that is going to be hard to get past the wife .
 

[ollypenrice]

The 10 Micron would be my choice. Or, for far less money, the original spec Argo Navis/Stellarcat Mesu 200 which has proved perfecly competent with a 14 inch ODK on board and half hour subs. I'm not convinced that the Sitech Mesu is fully sorted for long FL imaging.

http://ollypenrice.smugmug.com/Other/Best-of-Les-Granges/i-Sc3kgzc/0/X3/M51%20DEC%20VERSION%20clip-X3.jpg

http://ollypenrice.smugmug.com/Other/Best-of-Les-Granges/i-fFnJ8W7/0/X3/NGC4565%20sRGB%20V2%20CROPWEB-X3.jpg

http://ollypenrice.smugmug.com/Other/Best-of-Les-Granges/i-p5JCSFT/0/X3/M64%20LRGB%205Hrs%20WEB%20CROP-X3.jpg

However, maybe for you the Mesu doesn't work out all that much cheaper. Here in Europe it's way cheaper.

Olly