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Some of my logic for my equipment change from a fork to gem:
LX200GPS 10" with tripod, Milburn wedge, piggyback, counterweights, ED80, cameras: approx. 70kg (150 lbs)
Celestron CGE with C9.25 OTA (or similar), Megrez 90, rings, side by side mount, dovetails, counterweight, cameras: 80KG? 175 lbs? (estimate)
Weight advantage fork mount, just barely. Too close to call, really.
From my perspective the win to the GEM is the ability to break down into smaller (lighter) components, the polar scope, and versatility of loading. If I wanted to piggyback image using a camera, all I need to mount is the camera with lens and the guide scope.
Of course if the SCT OTA is larger than about 11" even a GEM won't make it a one man job to set up.
Also, I'm paying out the nose sideways to get the CGE. I could go G11, but I don't like the handbox. At least I will have 30kg of instrument capacity, unlike with the 10" fork mount SCT.
Another gem plus: Purchase a second OTA & you can mount it on the gem, unlike with a fork where you would need another set of forks.
Eric
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