Skywatcher EQ5 Pro or Ioptron CEM25P EQ?

[Hayden Watson]

Hey everyone!

I am currently looking at going for a proper Astrophotography setup as apposed to my little DSLR lens and Ioptron Skyguider Pro setup. First things first is the choice of mount. I am tossing up between a Skywatcher EQ5 Pro or the Ioptron CEM25P, both with Goto functionality etc etc. These two are likely the best for my budget (18 year old university student, gotta have some balance  ). As I live in New Zealand my true options for Astro equipment are pretty limited if I want to buy in the country. Here are the links to the mounts from the stores I am looking at:

-Skywatcher EQ5 Pro:
https://www.scopeuout.co.nz/products/sky-watcher-eq5-pro-go-to-telescope-tripod-and-mount-with-synscan-technology?variant=39906280012&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpPHoBRC3ARIsALfx-_L9QPHiwCauHWTWZwoHkOvO1T9w_hWMupY4l1MdGBsTmnXMhw1motoaAu0REALw_wcB

-Ioptron CEM25P EQ Mount:
https://www.astronz.nz/shop/item.aspx/ioptron-cem25p-goto-eq-mount/172/

Prices (In NZD) point toward the Ioptron being the cheaper of the two, however only by $50 which isnt really a problem. Looking at the specs (Although alot of them I dont quite understand what im looking for) I would guess it points toward the Ioptron but I could be completely wrong. When it comes to payload capacities I probably wont go bigger than a 7kg telescope, not that I would go that big of a scope at this point in time. 

 

The telescopes I have look at mounting on the top of these are:

-Skywatcher 150mm f/5:

https://www.scopeuout.co.nz/products/skywatcher-150mm-dual-speed-astrophotography-reflector-telescope-ota-only?variant=40270878348&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpPHoBRC3ARIsALfx-_IG2X3Dc61YSIyCNxujc7jfHuiWsDsSXHTwwo34ZBCyjk6DPQPKXzUaAl_mEALw_wcB

 

or its little brother - Skywatcher 130mm f/5:

https://www.scopeuout.co.nz/collections/telescopes/products/skywatcher-130mm-dual-speed-astrophotography-reflector-telescope-ota-only

 

Anyone who knows what specifications I should be looking for, or anyone with experience in either of these mounts, your input would be absolutely appreciated! Even some insight on my scope choices would be awesome too!

Cheers!

 

[cotak]

How likely are you to travel with the kit?

I believe the cem25 is a lot lighter.

Both are good you can flip a coin and not be disappointed. 

[Hayden Watson]

53 minutes ago, cotak said:

How likely are you to travel with the kit?

I believe the cem25 is a lot lighter.

Both are good you can flip a coin and not be disappointed. 

Not too fussed about travelling. I would use the Ioptron Skyguider Pro that I already own if I planned on travelling. These two mounts would be primarily used from home with the very slight chance of travel.

Thanks, good to hear they are both solid mounts!