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There has been a lot of talk about the carrying capacity of the EQ5/CG5. The realistic carrying capacity of this mount is rated between 7 to10 kg. I know that Celestron sells the CG5 with a11” SCT, this weight a whopping 41kg well over the carrying capacity of the CG5. In practical terms it is unsuitable for astrophotography due to instability caused by to much weight, a small breeze will have the hold scope shacking all night.
I have use an EQ5/CG5 for astrophotography and from experience I would not put anything large the an ED80 plus camera on this mount (total weight about 6kg). The ED80/EQ5 would prove to be quiet stable and suitable for extended exposures times if the mechanic of the mount are good eg Periodic Error.
Final point, most EQ5/CG5 mount that I have seen and use have had some work done to improve the performance of the mount (see Astronomy Boy web site for more information). While the modification make the mount better I think the EQ5/CG5 have seen there day and the addition of electronic does not necessarily make them a better mount. The electronics are only as good as the person who is driving the mount.
As for the HEQ5 be it black or white in colour is an improvement on the EQ5/CG5 and is capable of carrying up to 13kg. The EQ6 is capable of carrying up to 18kg (a 12” SCT). I have not used a HEQ5 but I have used the EQ6 mount and all I can say is wow. The first night I used the mount all I did is a ruff polar alignment using the polar alignment scope followed by one star alignment after switching on the electronics. I then looked at about 6 or so Messier Object both east and west of the meridian using the GOTO and was pleasantly surprised to find all object with in the field of view (I was using a Skywatcher ED120 and a 22mm Naglar).
Astrophotography wise the HEQ5 and EQ6 are superior to the EQ5/CG5. On the second night out with the EQ6 I was able to image M8 unguided for over a minute with very good results, SEE IMAGE. (not bad considering I have only used the mount twice and I have yet to use my ST-7 as an autoguider). Both mounts offer improve mechanics, PEC train and auto guiding port based on SBIG ST-4 protocol plus with the introduction of Version 3 Firmware you have the ability to update the control software when needed.
Overall the HEQ5 or the EQ6 would be a better choice then the out dated EQ5/CG5 mount. Both the HEQ5 and EQ6 puts the realm of astrophotography with in reach and are a good stepping stone to the next level.
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