Quote:
Originally Posted by Poita
What is the portability of the EM200 like vs a EQ6 or G11?
My EQ6 weighs a ton and us a bit unweildy to move around.
The other thing is I've read a lot about the EM200 having a great polar scope and being really easy to align, but does that hold true for us southern hemisphere folks?
I've been wondering about the EM200 for my LX200R 10" SCT.
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Hi Peter,
You need to remember that the Tak Mounts do not come with a inbuilt tripod.
You typically buy the Motor Drive, Mount Adapter and either the Wooden or Metal Tripod to suit.
Personally I reckon that the EM200 plus the Tak wooden tripod is stable and relatively easy to maneuver. Especially if separated.
I have the Tak Heavy Duty Metal Tripod (About $2000-2500 just for the tripod alone) to be excellent.
Comparatively the EM400 Drive Unit is a heavy beast but is still relatively easy for me to move around but too heavy for my wife to maneuver confidently. As a combined unit with the tripod it is maneuverable, but you would not want to go far.
The polar scope in both are great. For the EM200 I believe that you can get an updated polar scope fitted nowdays for Southern Hemisphere use if you have an older unit. Otherwise a new EM200 is setup for Southern Hemisphere usage.
Not sure what the comparative weight for a EM200 vs EQ6 as I have never used or owned an EQ6.
One thing to keep in mind is cost of EQ6 compared to Cost of EM200.
A new EQ6 with tripod is approx $2000.00
A new G11 + HD tripod is approx$5000.00
A new EM200 + HD Wooden tripod is approx $9000.00
Is the EM200 really worth the additional $7000.00??? and at $9000.00 you are getting close to Paramount MX pricing and many would go Paramount MX over EM200.
Much food for thought there
Cheers