CG5 mount question

[The Warthog]

Is the CG5 mount the same as one of the Skywatcher EQ series, or just similar? What would its capacity be?

Thanks.

[GordonCopestake]

The CG5 is an EQ5 but it has the motors pre-fitted with nice plastic covers. The capacity is about 10kg, but that depends on the tube length as the moment arm makes a difference.

[The Warthog]

Thanks. I've noticed that the CG5 sells for about $300 less than the goto equipped EQ5, and is sold used more often in Canada. Might be the next thing I save up for.

[GordonCopestake]

If you are looking at buying a new one make sure you get the C6N you can then sell the OTA and recover some of the cost. For some reason over here the CG5 mount only is £750 but if you buy the C6N for £650 and then sell the OTA for £100. Wierd

Second hand is always cheaper though. To be honest the CG5-GT (AS-GT) is a great mount but it's NOISY be warned! Theres a mini review here

http://stargazerslounge.co.uk/index.php?topic=4887.0

and there are some others on Cloudy Nights too

[The Warthog]

By golly, you're right! I can get the C6N (the scope I already have) on a CG5 goto mount, for $990, which is about what I would pay for the CG5 mount alone. Boggles the mind!

[GordonCopestake]

Yup, wierd celestron pricing. Lots of people buy the C6N and flog the OTA (or keep it if you want a new one and flog your old one)

[The Warthog]

Or, I can buy the 8" SCT with XLT coatings on the CG5 mount for $1725, giving me the mount for $426 $326, keep the SCT, and sell my EQ3-2 and C6N, and keep the refractor, and have the two scopes I really want. I'll have to see what I can talk Mrs. Warthog into when her union's grievance settlement comes through, hopefully this autumn.

[GordonCopestake]

Well yes, but i was aiming for the cheapest scope hehe. The C8 is a great OTA though and works well on the CG5.