Celestron CPC 1100GPS vs. C11 SGT

[Maverick]

Does anyone have any of this two teleskopes and maybe few review words.;)
Andrews has good deal at the moment.:D

http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm

[gb_astro]

Hi Maverick.

I have the CPC1100 and it is a great scope.
Only problem is it's weight and bulk, especially if you want to travel with it.
I would suggest getting to a scope shop and try lifting one.

gb.

[AlexN]

Andrews have no stock... I called them today... 6 - 8 week wait... :(

What are you intending to do with the scope? If its for visual, you cant go past the simplicity of the CPC1100, If its for astro-photograpy... the CPC will not be a good option, and the SGT will probably not be stable enough... The CGE is a much better mount for this purpose.. Or do as I've done, Get an EQ6 pro and a C11 OTA... However, an EQ6 is about as small as you'd want to go for a C11 photographically....

[OneOfOne]

I have the CGE C11 and it is a pretty big setup (for some photos, have a look at my beginners guide to setting a GEM). An equatorial setup is not only better for photography, but also breaks down into smaller (and lighter) components making it easier to setup the scope, of course it will take longer to put together. Fork mounts have less components, but each one is heavier than a GEM part. The C11 tube itself is pretty heavy on its own, can't remember the weight, but more than 10kg, so you might want to consider this.

I think something like an EQ6 would be a good choice to keep the cost and total weight down.

[Maverick]

Hi there!
Thank you all on your input.Next week will go to local shop and take closer look:eyepop:.Any idea why Andrews have same price on this two.Other shops priced CPC few $$$$ more:shrug:
Cya

[madtuna]

I had the C11 SGT.
While I loved the scope I'd buy the OTA seperately and put the saved $1000 towards a minimum of an EQ6 and better still a G11.

While the CG5 is a neat little mount, it is way way way undersized for the heft of a C11, I'd personally stick no more than an 8" OTA on it.

Why Celestron offers it on the CG5 is beyond me, I wouldn't even recommend is ample for visual with a C11.

I'd also replace the standard dovetail with something a bit more meat.

[Rigel003]

I have the Nexstar 11, the predecessor of the CPC, and a little more rugged. I'd recommend the CPC highly if you're interested in visual observing primarily. Lots of aperture in a compact package and relatively easy to set up and transport. It's well designed ergonomically and not as hard to lift as you might expect. If you are interested in long exposure deep sky photography, then you're better off with a separate OTA on an equatorial mount but I suspect you'd need one much beefier than the SGT for good results.

[AlexN]

From what I've read here and on other forums, the SGT mount will hold the OTA.. but thats about it... for photography, its a definite no go unless you have absolutely NO wind/breeze/breathing in the direction of the scope...

The CGE package is apparently great for photography... however rather costly... The EQ6 pro + OTA will set you back around $5200 from andrews... thats about the cheapest you'll get away with for a complete package that will be capable.. you will want to make sure that the guide scope you use, and any other accessories are light weight.... as the C11 + about 5.5kgs and your at the max you'd want to hang off the EQ6. If you are more interested in planetary imaging, the EQ6 will be right as rain... as the C11 + barlow + DMK only weighs in at around 14.5kgs.

[g__day]

I'd recommend Feathertouch microfocusers for any large Celestron SCT - really helps reduce mirror shift.

[AlexN]

moonlite are a good option too. I've just ordered a motorized model myself.