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It was fairly easy actually, I am quite used to using the GM-8 and was aware of it's capabilities and of late I have been getting back into photography. My decision was based on what my future needs are and as to what type of telescope I will be getting within the next 2 years.
As I said, I compared the CGE and the G-11 side by side by looking at the specs and using my own gut feeling as to what would do the better job (based on nearly 35 years experience in visual astronomy). When you look at the specs the CGE is substantually lighter in that department, I looked at things like shaft diameters, bearing, worm, gear diameter, how many teeth on the drive gear, I will agree that the CGE has GOTO whereas the G-11 has that as an option and, as I already have a Gemini unit, I replaced the Digital Drive with it. The other thing I looked at was service and the availability of spare parts, one other thing is that the Losmandy D plate is now nearly the industry standard. From what I have seen and read, Celestron service leaves a lot to be desired and the last time I looked, the GOTO system was still a bit buggy. I agree Gemini still has some bugs but Level 4 is due for release soon.
I would love to afford a Tak EM200 GOTO or an NJP but it is not going to happen. I am quite comfortable pulling a Losmandy apart and am extremely familiar with the little jobs that need to be done on it, eg gear mesh, backlash, regreasing etc. PE is now a lot better than it used to be as the GM-8 and G-11 are now shipped with the High Precission Worm and that has made a lot of difference. Whilst not perfect straight out of the box I doubt that you will get a better mount within the price range.
For me, the G-11 is mounted in the Observatory and does everything I want and hopefully in about 20 months will have a Tak Mewlon 250 mounted on it.
In the end what swung it for me, overall simplicity of design, ease of service, workmanship and compatible with just about anything you can throw at it.
JohnG
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