Quote:
Originally Posted by toc
Picked up my Celestron CGEM mount from Bintel in Melbourne this afternoon. Thought I would post some initial thoughts on the mount...I havent even turned it on yet 
Firstly both the mount head and tripod are well packed. The counter weight was packed with the tripod, but had its own packaging totally isolated from tripod.
Fit and finish are good - I actually wasn't really expecting it to be that
good - reports Ive read seem to indicate that it was at the same level as the EQ6, but I would put it ahead of that mount in external built quality. I much prefer the black and orange trim, to the all white look of the EQ6. (very minor thing I know)
Its no G11, but I can manage 
To my delight, both axis are silky smooth, and show no signs of looseness or potential backlash causing issues. (but I wont know for sure until I fire it up) The tripod legs are very solid, and at just the right level of tightness to the mounting area - (My other two mounts, EQ5, and two HEQ5's had rather loose mountings)
As others have mentioned, the hand controller cord is stupidly short. You have to wonder what goes through the minds of Celestron for that design descision 
My only real issue is that I need additional counter weights, because the Meade 12inch is too manly. Im using an additional one from the old CG5, but its still not quite enough.
Overall, I am kinda thrilled with the CGEM - hope it doesnt disappoint!
I also want to give some love for Bintel - GREAT store, and I am soooo happy to have been able to get the CGEM from them. They are garanteed to get a lot of my money in the future  |
Tim, they already have a heap of mine! I was in Melbourne this weekend (From Perth) and spent a couple of hours in their store. On Sat I flew on to Sydney and spent too long and too much in their store. Now have to work like a dog to cover the spending!
Eddie