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Old 08-12-2009, 10:56 PM
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AlexN
Widefield wuss

AlexN is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Caboolture, Australia
Posts: 6,994
What camera are you intending to use... there can be a lot of variation in overall imaging system weight depending on the camera used... For example, a DSLR weighs in at about 1kg, where as a large format CCD camera with a filter wheel and filters can weigh in at over 2kgs depending on make/model.. some of those CCD's being self guided reduce the overall weight by not requiring a separate guide scope and guiding camera...

I would say that a Losmandy GM-8 would easily carry the FSQ106, an 60~80mm guide scope + all the extra ancillaries required.. The G11 would handle it better, but I think it could be overkill unless you're looking at adding some really heavy imaging equipment as well...

There are quite a few people using the Losmandy GM-8 mounts on these forums, I know of one who's using one with a 110mm F/7 triplet APO which I dare say when you add in all the guiding bits and bobs would weigh in at quite a bit more than the FSQ106..

That being said.. The mount is the most important part of an imaging system. The best camera and optics on a lower end mount are going to give you lower end results... Over mounting is the key. Add up the total weight of everything you intend to have on your mount. Scope, Guide scope, camera, guide camera etc... Then go and buy a mount that will handle 150 ~ 200% of that weight... The GM8 will handle 15kgs or there abouts (according to the product specifications) I would aim to have the entire imaging setup between 7~9 kgs on that mount. The G11 on the other hand will handle quite a bit more... Having 20kgs on a G11 for photographic use is not out of the question...

It really comes down to what you can afford, but in my opinion its better to sacrifice a little on your camera and optics than on your mount...
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