[andrew2008]

Currently looking for a GEM for mostly visual use and start doing some AP. Looking at the Vixens as i've had experience with an EQ6pro and I don't really consider it to be portable. Then the Heq5 is still quite heavy and for around a $1000 more i could have a Sphinx SXW or GPD2 which by all reports are much better mounts and still very portable. Will probably be looking at it to hold a VMC200l with 6.3 focal reducer and an ED80. Using a DSLR for photos.

Would either the VMC200 or ED80 with a guidescope piggybacked be too much weight?

Could anyone with experience give an estimate on how long the subs could be taken on the Vixen mounts without quiding? Length of subs on HEQ5 without being guided?

How user friendly is the Starbook hand controller?