Cg-4 mount review

Celestron CG-4 Tripod/Mount review. My opinion of this product after evaluating it. This is a product I recommend to my viewers. It's a great product and I find no fault in the price to quality of it. Questions welcome. Clear skies.
CG-4 mount/tripod: amzn.to/2IshymR
Polar scope: amzn.to/2Iq01vB
Dual axis motor drive: amzn.to/2rAeqvn

[@dedskin1]

how about Explore Scientific iEXOS-100 PMC , its all basically chinese stuff but this one is only 100$ more , but you get motors and its go to Wi fi , its basically same thing but with Go to and PMC so im just asking , i have no XP with it cant say

[@GarnettLeary]

I don’t either but it’s interesting. Hopefully someone will notice this thread and add something.

[@elpasteldequeso]

can you share a link??

[@GarnettLeary]

CG-4: optcorp.com/products/celestron-omni-cg4-equatorial-mount

[@GarnettLeary]

CG-4 motor drive: www.adorama.com/cnmd4d.html

[@GarnettLeary]

Here’s the Explore Scientific iEXOS-100 PMC: explorescientificusa.com/products/es-iexos-100

[@snakepliskin3530]

After 11 years of using an EQ1 and a 80mm refractor I finally have what I dreamed about getting. Just bought on of these used for a reasonable price considering now in 2022 they cost $400. I bought the budget entry level Power Seeker 80WE in 2013. I recently was gifted a DSLR and started doing astrophotography. Before I was only able to do captures of planets using modified webcams. I have to say I pushed my EQ1 to its limit and even though I'm ecstatic about having a CG4 I'll never forget the aggravation and the good times I had using it. Coincidentally the basic Celestron Logic Drive that's made for EQ1, CG2, and CG3 bolts perfectly to the DEC on the CG4. Thankfully I will not have to buy a new motor drive. I doubt anyone will believe this but I was able to get 30 second exposures using an EQ1 with that motordrive. There was minimal star drift but It took a lot of patience getting the EQ1 mount polar aligned. I figured out a quicker way and was using my 8x40 finder scope with stellarium to find the NCP. Some nights I was dead on polar alignment where as other nights I could not even get a 4 second exposure. I'm currently awaiting a 8.25" dove tail so I can mount my 80mm scope. I have upgraded that old Power Seeker to the point I have more money in the rear of the scope than what I paid for the scope plus some eyepieces. I added a GSO 2" focuser, and Orion 8x40 finder, and a Orion dielectric coated diagonal. All of that cost me well over $300. I kinda wished I would have saved up when I first wanted a telescope but I did not have the patience

[@GarnettLeary]

Thank you for sharing your story. It says much of your character that you worked with what you have and pushed it so far. It’s perfectly reasonable that you got that exposure time. I know it wasn’t easy. It makes you appreciate the upgrades more tho. It’s great that the motor is compatible. I had something called “Simple Dream” or similar that was a third party option guiding system. If you’re interested I’ll try to find the link. The software side was very dated and unfortunately mine was second hand with a damaged RA motor. It had a lot of potential. There’s also a link available showing how to install a guide port on the CG4 controller. I miss the weight of that mount. I upgraded to an Atlas and I’m certain there’s been nights I didn’t feel like lugging it outside. Those will increase as I age. I need to start considering pouring a pier. I don’t regret any of my struggles or follies. I cherish them all as well. Thanks again for sharing and best of luck. Clear skies.

[@jameslyons3306]

What sold me on this was you including the fact that hand controllers come with it as I'm not ready $$$ for the motors yet. Great review.

[@GarnettLeary]

+James Lyons It's awesome. If you ever want an auto guider there is a relatively easy modification you can make to the controller to include for one.

[@jameslyons3306]

Ordered it (mount) last night along with alignment tool. I also downloaded the pdf you have for the mod and will look that over- looks like something I can handle and will greatly improve the use as I do enjoy photography. Hope to get motor next month as budget allows,..Again, Thx very much!

[@GarnettLeary]

+James Lyons Glad you found the link. Good luck and enjoy it.

[@janhayashi729]

I just purchased a CG-4 tripod/mount and a C-5 scope, and I am very impressed with the construction of this tripod. I call it "bomb proof" compared to the EQ-1, which I returned. This video explains a whole lot more than the manual that came w/ the CG-4 in regards to how to adjust for proper viewing. I bought the Polar Finder and am excited to get this all installed. Excellent video, Garnett...hope you are feeling better. Jan from Honolulu, Hawaii

[@GarnettLeary]

Thank you and it certainly is a huge step up from the eq1. I hope you enjoy the new gear. Best wishes. Clear skies.

[@janhayashi729]

@@GarnettLeary Thank you!

[@marinacam]

Awesome, awesome review. Was torn between EQ-3 and this one. Decided to go with this one because of the dual drive option for this one. Thank you!

[@GarnettLeary]

+Marina Salazar I'm glad it was helpful and you will like it much more. I've owned both.

[@marinacam]

Garnett Leary Have you traveled with this? I'm going to be flying to Wyoming from NYC for the August 21 Eclipse, and I'd like to take this in carry on, if possible. Or, could ship my kit ahead of time if it won't fit.

[@GarnettLeary]

+Marina Salazar The mount head would be manageable in carry on but the tripod is too big and likely longer than most standard check bags. The counterweights pose a problem also because one is over 7lbs by itself. I recommend keeping the original packaging and shipping it. If I remember correctly it's around 40lbs total. The original box protects it very well tho. As far as the eclipse, this mount will easily track the Sun for hours at the time off a rough polar alignment. I set it up during daylight hours many times with just a magnetic compass with true north markings. I was using an F6 instrument but even a large focal ratio telescope will track well. To me it is by far the best pre-computerized tracking system available. Make sure to take the batteries out before shipping or flying tho. These types of battery packs are prone to disaster under extreme temperature changes or being left without use for long periods of time. Good luck on your eclipse viewing. Clear skies.

[@marinacam]

Garnett Leary So, so helpful -- thanks so much. Yes, I'll ship it.

[@robertbowen9417]

I just got the celestron 120 setup to get back into the hobby after a 10 year hiatus. The mount is very impressive for the class and pricepoint. Sure it only has 8X TOP speed but for a little mmm ore than 100 bucks it is very useable for visual and shorter exposures and if you take the time to drift align that can be longer too.

[@GarnettLeary]

Very true. The only rival I found so far is Skywatchers version. This setup is a totally valid manual guiding platform. There’s a how-to website on converting its controller to have an autoguiding port also. I may get into that one day.

[@robinj.9329]

I've had an Orion Skyview Pro in storage for several years. Just pulled it out trying to set it up with a brand new Maksutov I just bought. BUT..... In storage it stiffened up! Doesn't want to rotate smoothly. Will require an overhaul. And, for reasons I still can't fathom, the two counter weights were NOT with the mount! So, I'm thinking I may order one of these to try for a bit, untill the SVP can get reconditioned. Thanks for posting this review.

[@davidmuth4571]

I got a CG4 mount with a CR102HD scope. It's barely adequate for that refractor, but it's awesome for smaller and shorter OTAs like a Meade ETX 90. Last year I got a CR150 with a CG5 mount for $600, dual axis motors included. I wish the CG5 was my first mount. It's frequently windy where I live, but the CG5 is rock solid, even with a 150mm OTA on it. I suggest keeping tabs on CraigsList, as many people buy these scopes then seldom use them.

[@darrenhawkes598]

Brilliant review, very informative, thank you from the Midlands UK.

[@GarnettLeary]

+Darren Hawkes thank you and clear skies to you in the wonderful UK friend.

[@terrynak]

Thanks for the great video! I find that the CG4 provides a sturdy, stable foundation for all of my scopes. I use it solely for manual observing. For only $88.50 more, an Omni XLT 150 Newtonian OTA came with it as well, which was a nice bonus. :)

[@GarnettLeary]

+terrynak that's a great scope you mentioned. Glad you enjoyed the video. Good luck and clear skies.

[@tykingcrystal864]

I’ve been considering buying this mount along with the OTA, and thanks for this video!

[@GarnettLeary]

It’s fantastic for the price. Thank you for watching.

[@terrynak]

Also this mount can capably handle a 6" F/8 (1200 mm focal length) Newtonian, which is usually found on a 6" Dobsonian mount. So you can remove the latter scope from the rocker box, attached two 8" tube rings on the OTA, and attach it onto the CG4. I found this out to my pleasant surprise when I ordered a 6" F/8 OTA a couple of years ago.

[@tykingcrystal864]

I’ve been seeing better and better things about this.

[@donaldkasper8346]

Nice thorough review.

[@GarnettLeary]

Thank you

[@BayouCityAstronomy]

Great video! The price is pretty fair even with the declination motor assembly added.

[@GarnettLeary]

+Bayou City Astronomy I think so. It's banking around the cost of a NexStar go to but with much greater tracking accuracy for DSO. I'm going to get a near perfect polar alignment with fresh batteries and test the expo times.

[@BayouCityAstronomy]

Can't wait to see the results!

[@chasmokam5660]

Thanks for the quick reply, I am going tomorrow to take a look, with my parts, I am sure I can find a dovetail that will work. I know it will be better than the Manfrotto that wobbles when I look at it. I will be in clear skies at 7,000 ft in Mexico looking forward to testing it all out! Just so much to take in and so many options. Look forward to reviewing all your posts... thanks c

[@GarnettLeary]

If that doesn’t work for you consider checking out a Celestron Astromaster tripod. It’s a cheap setup as far as scopes go but a fairly rugged tripod. If you hang a weight off of it it’s much like a tank when just using camera lenses. It’s a great value and just light enough to hike with.

[@MatthewHKnight]

Just paid off my Celestron advanced VX mount today should be here Friday. Can't freaking wait but I still don't have a polar scope sadly won't have the money till next month hopefully I can manage I did pretty good with my Orion StarSeeker IV mount and it wasn't properly balanced or polar aligned.

[@MountainFisher]

If anyone is worried or has this mount and the threads are getting worn out, you can go to an auto parts store and take the bolt with you. They can match it up to a stainless Helicoil and once installed it will be stronger than the original threads. HELICOIL

[@condensermike]

Great review. Thanks for making content.

[@GarnettLeary]

+condenser mike interested if you plan to make more?

[@condensermike]

I probably should. I had a website that went over some basic astrophotography (lunar and wide field). Site has since been disabled.

[@GarnettLeary]

+condenser mike I’ll check it out if you post it. There’s a lot of good ideas up and coming.

[@condensermike]

I have that same CG4 mount with the motor kit. I should document that and give back to the community. Thanks for making these videos.

[@johnbouley4514]

Sweet scope!

[@GarnettLeary]

+john bouley thanks. It's not ideal for astrophotography because it's achromatic but I use it for my channel because it's affordable and a less expensive wide F5 Refractor than an apochromatic. I'm spoiled tho so that's why it's upgraded with a GSO dual speed crayford style focuser. Cost more than the scope. Lol. Once you use one you feel you can't live without it tho. That's an Orion ST-80 A if you're interested in one. 400mm focal length F5. Makes a fantastic and widely used guide scope should you ever get a large telescope. Clear skies.

[@terencebaz4038]

Thanks. Yes, very well built. I just got one but didn’t realize it was not motorized. What is the kit & or motors & control module you have attached to it to motorize it?

[@GarnettLeary]

Celestron 93522 Dual Axis Motor Drive (Advanced CG4) a.co/d/4NTacDN

[@jefflucas_life]

Great mount, if you get great polar alignment , you can get great unguided captures. ... One Astronomer got 5 minutes with Sharpcap with polar alignment. You've seen the video I shared how. So like videos like this, POV.

[@GarnettLeary]

+Jeff Lucas no doubt. It's really the best non-cpu mount out there at the price. People need informative reviews. Most I've seen on it were just how to setup motors etc. It's amazing how much bigger it is than the photos.

[@jefflucas_life]

$500 , check this out. it looks the same as the cg4 mount and I thought this would be great it does have autoguider port and uses D batteries for both servo motors , dude its a cg4 with goto. I'm thinking of getting for the on the go fast setup but still considering AvX mount. www.highpointscientific.com/explore-scientific-firstlight-exos2gt-computerized-equatorial-mount?EXS-FL-EXOS2GT.

[@GarnettLeary]

+Jeff Lucas impressive find. $100 more for an auto guider port is awesome. Thanks for sharing. Have you looked up the CG4 mod? You can add an auto guider port with just a few solders. I'll try to find the link if you can't find it. It's an easy Google search. I'm considering it.

[@GarnettLeary]

+Jeff Lucas www.store.shoestringastronomy.com/eq_mod.pdf

[@donaldkasper8346]

Rated by Celestron on their web site at 20 lb for the OTA.

[@AmatureAstronomer]

I have a 10" reflector OTA which weighs 36 pounds. Anyone know if the CG-4 could handle it? If not, what might I need?

[@GarnettLeary]

I tried a 10” Orion reflector and it didn’t work out. I think that calls for an HEQ5 minimum. That’s my feeling

[@MountainFisher]

I've been looking for a manual equatorial mount that can hold my 12 lb C6-N Newtonian without it shaking when I focus or move it with the slow motion handles. I looked at the CG-4 and for manual mounts that's the biggest one I can find in the USA unless I get something from overseas. I'm not sending any money to China and shipping from the EU is pretty expensive and the final cost is as much as a decent computerized mount. I don't want an electric mount unless it can be hand controlled if the electronics go out. I've got the scope on an AZ mount from Explorer Scientific, the Twilight One rated for 18 Bogus pounds. Rated for 18 and can't handle 12 and looking at the vixen saddle on the CG-4 that will be shaky too.

[@GarnettLeary]

I’ve had a 127 Maksutov on it barlowed with no focusing issues. It’s not as heavy as your C6 but it’s close with everything I had on it. I’ve had a Twilight too. I enjoyed the operation of it but it was definitely weight limited. The CG4 is my favorite in this class of mounts. It’s got its faults but it’s definitely worthy of its price. For the cost tho you could pour a nice pier at an observing site. I still focus everything manually on my a Maksutov. I’ve tried several robotic focusers and they all seem to step too high. A clothes pin on the focuser is the most inexpensive best answer for me. Picked that up on Cloudy Nights. The CG4 eats batteries fast. It’s not practical to use them. Tracking dips after 50% is expired. The slow motion controls are the same ones you find on all Chinese mounts and need replacement using long focal lengths. There’s a market need for a solid, yet portable, eq visual mount. Something excluding plastics. Clear skies.

[@MountainFisher]

@@GarnettLeary I got it and it does not shake when I merely focus my scope. It is the length that messes it up on the Twilight. I don't really want an EQ manual, but no one makes any heavier AZ with slow motion controls than the Twilight One.

[@juliotankt]

Great review. Could make a review on this tracking device as mostly review on goto system compared with this type of dual axis tracking device. Looking forward!😃

[@GarnettLeary]

That’s a good idea. Honestly, I prefer manual tracking on dual axis systems such as this. I currently use a generation 1 Orion Atlas without an autoguiding port. I’m a bit old fashioned. Despise pc’s outside. I’m making a precision tracking video for eq mounts that should get everyone to five minutes. Clear skies.

[@TanNguyenProductions]

Fantastic review!

[@janhayashi729]

Aloha again, Garnett. Jan here in Honolulu, I am looking for a head mount tracker for my C5 scope and CG4 tripod. Saw one that I liked, but it comes w/ the tripod I already have and Skywatcher does not sell the head mount alone. Noticed that you have one attached to the CG4 tripod in your video, which one is that, and can you let me know how you like it? I'd like something that tracks the planets automatically for photographing. Anything you recommend, I will take a look at. Thanks again for your help, Jan

[@GarnettLeary]

Celestron 93522 Dual Axis Motor Drive (Advanced CG4) a.co/d/33bsdQ3

[@GarnettLeary]

Hello. That link is the product I’m using in the video. I love it. You can also purchase an AC adapter for it so you don’t run through batteries so often. It’s important to note it’s not for slewing. All of it’s directional controls are designed around centering and guide correction. You can achieve some pretty good medium length exposures of deep sky at modest focal lengths. Where it truly shines is planetary. For that it’s basically all you need.

[@chrisfleming7531]

great review man

[@GarnettLeary]

+Chris Fleming thank you. You gotta come by and pick it up. Try it out.

[@chrisfleming7531]

Garnett Leary will do

[@muhammadlutfiubaidillah6115]

wow the best review

[@GarnettLeary]

Thank you for watching

[@bluegarren9361]

Thanks for the video. I'm new to all this. My question is how does the motor controller keep objects on track? It doesn't have GPS, so what makes it move? Thanks! Blue

[@GarnettLeary]

Welcome. The motor rotates the gears at Sidereal rate to match the apparent rotation of the Earth. If you have it polar aligned properly then in theory wherever you lock the clutches is where it should continue to track. There are periodic errors as nothing is perfect. To counter this the controller has guide correction keys. You can make very fine adjustments if your object starts to drift off center. My experience with this particular setup has been very good. It’s not unreasonable to shoot minute long exposures wide field with modest polar alignment accuracy and it’s excellent for solar system objects. In short it’s either on “rotating” or off and not. I hope this helped.

[@GarnettLeary]

Additionally there is no go-to function. With this setup you must locate the object, lock the clutch in, and engage the tracking motor.

[@chasmokam5660]

Will do, but at $150, I think it will be hard to pass up. If complete and in working condition and if I have a dovetail or can get one at oceanside. I still have a lot to learn. I have a Canon 5D Mark IV that I am hoping to use with the Vixen Polarie. I will be in Mexico in June to give everything a try! I also have an ancient Celestron 11" NextStar XLT. That I am hoping to use. Thanks charlie at prvs period net

[@cattaraugustonawanda4426]

My CG-4 just arrived and it is ok but I am disappointed with some features. The cable knobs are about 10deg or more out of alignment with the cables and the two caps for the polar alignment scope hole keep falling off. The price would be fair if everything was functional. Planning to try to replace the cable knobs and fix the caps. Setting rings are a bit floppy with inaccurate arrows. Wish I could have found something better and affordable.

[@GarnettLeary]

Sorry to hear. I don’t think there’s a better deal at the price point. I lined the caps with thin felt. I’ve had to do that on a lot of stuff including my 180 Maksutov lens cap. Plastic is junk bottom line. Those knobs are mass produced lot. I found them getting in the way because they were so stiff. The setting circles are horrible. That’s true even on my Atlas 2. At best they’re ok for reset to home position. Even on a midrange mount like the Atlas they’re too small to be accurate and far to easily dislodged. Don’t expect decent setting circles on anything unfortunately. I hope you make your improvements and end up loving the mount. It is one that I personally love and greatly enjoyed.

[@cattaraugustonawanda4426]

@@GarnettLeary I'm a retired modelmaker/machinist/designer and am amazed at poor quality of astronomy hardware in general. In a production setting this stuff could be way better if the set up was better and people involved actually cared. Am, best case, going to look for more flexible springs for replacement and at least replace the knobs. I went for Televue eyepieces after seeing some of the less expensive stuff out there. Adding felt to the caps sounds like a good idea !

[@GarnettLeary]

Cool background. Yeah, I agree, and I’ll say it: “Chinese mass produced garbage.” Lol. I guess appropriately we have to rate something as less bad rather than how good. Lol. There are exceptions. Lunt Solar Systems, Takahashi, etc. High end brands. High end QC. High $$$$ too tho.

[@bobbrockway453]

Very helpful review. I'm getting one to replace my shaky EQ-1. I heard there was a problem with the main bolt that attaches the mount to the tripod. Only a few threads engage and some people have had their scope fall as a result. Do you know if this has been fixed? Have you checked yours?

[@GarnettLeary]

+Bob Brockway That's interesting. No problems here. I can assure you it threads way up into the mount. I purchased mine within the last two years so it's possible it was a fixed issue if so. With the center mount rod fully threaded there is absolutely no way it will separate accidentally. You could contact Celestron to confirm if that was ever a problem. Their staff is very helpful. I did a little research and found guys having trouble with it getting stuck and not being able to separate it. Nothing light grease wouldnt fix. I'm guessing they overtightened it or temperature changes swelled it.

[@bobbrockway453]

Well Garnett, my new CG-4 just arrived and I checked the thread engagement. It looks like you got lucky. Mine has 1 1/2 threads engaging when fully tightened. I removed the flat washer and got one more thread to engage for a total of 2 1/2 threads. That's about 1/4" of rod engaged. I know a machinist. I may have to get him to turn it for me. I would really like to get at least 3/8" to 1/2" of threads engaged. First I am going to contact Celestron and put it on them to fix this problem. Other than that this is a great mount and your review was fantastic. Very helpful. Thanks.

[@MountainFisher]

@@bobbrockway453 If you still have it and the threads are getting worn out you can go to an auto parts store and take the bolt with you. They can match it up to a stainless Helicoil and once installed it will be stronger than the original threads.

[@bmlsb]

Nice review thank you. Do you know of any good qualitycamera tripods that that can do fine adjustments to eliminate as much shaking when using high zoom?

[@GarnettLeary]

Thank you and yes. An amazing piece of kit is the Orion Precision Slow-Motion Adapter. You’ll need a tripod with a removable head but that device is excellent for what you’re asking. A high quality Manfrotto fluid head will work too but very costly. On a decent tripod that Orion head will do the same thing for under $50 usd.

[@bmlsb]

Garnett Leary Thank you I’m going to check it out right now

[@bmlsb]

@@GarnettLeary Just ordered 👍

[@mayberryastronomy6335]

How did this setup work for astrophotography? I contacted High Point Scientific about getting a setup and this is the budget mount they recommended. Have you used it to photograph an galaxies or stuff like that? Thank you for your time!

[@GarnettLeary]

It’s accurate enough for short exposures with say up to 400mm. You can expect similar results with the popular star trackers. If you set the motor drive correctly you should be getting better than 1 minute subs. There’s an article online where a guy mods the hand controller to include a guide port. I never took it that far. It can grab valid data in say bortle 5 or better but don’t expect consistency in 2 + minute exposures. The only reason I’d opt for this mount over a current star tracker is weight capacity. If that’s not an issue than a star tracker would be a better option overall imo.

[@mastercaptain8695]

Can this mount be used for 1 degrees north latitude? Or will the weight hit the leg, I want one but that is a big concern as I live right next to the equator

[@GarnettLeary]

I’m sorry I’m not 100% sure. I’ve long since sold mine. I know the dial runs from 0-90 degrees. That’s all I’m certain of.

[@heklik]

Does it track good if mounted with a motor gear ?

[@GarnettLeary]

Initially yes but as your batteries approach depletion you’ll notice a lot of variation. Converting to AC also comes with issues. Irregular voltage seems to drive it off course. You absolutely have to check an alignment star and make corrections over time unfortunately

[@daviddenson3324]

I see the CG4 advertized with a 20lb rating, not 15lbs

[@MountainFisher]

It will take more if you don't motorize it, but it can take 20.

[@packrat2113]

What would happen if say, my little nephew was to decide to move the telescope to view something else in the sky white the motor is still on?

[@GarnettLeary]

Depends on where he grabbed it. You could get away with repositioning it by grabbing the tripod legs or the mount head but by the scope could do damage. I say that because there could be some applied pressure across the gears and the potential to strip them. If you mean to say just repositioning the telescope itself then you should release the clutch lock first. That should effectively disengage the drive so that you can freely move the scope. If it was forced across the gears then there may be damage.

[@Ghryst]

you forgot the essential part of any mount review - blind spots... in which directions can the mount not point to???

[@JT-gm4fk]

I have been looking at the goto all view mount that you can order with the skywatcher 80 telescope...roughly 1250 for the package but the mount has mixed reviews...the cg 4 is the other one Im considering. Any advice between the cg 4 and the motorized mount that Im referring to?

[@GarnettLeary]

Are you referring to the Skywatcher S20150?

[@JT-gm4fk]

@@GarnettLeary Im not sure of the model number but its the skywatcher allview mount with remote costing about $455 by itself but comes with the skywatcher ed80 for $1250 .

[@GarnettLeary]

For that price I would get an HEQ-5 and that allows some wiggle room for a decent reflector. The mount is the same I thought it was. I imagine it’s quite enjoyable for visual but it is an alt/az mount. Regardless of it’s precision it will be victim to field rotation. The german EQs, such as the HEQ-5 have hand controllers with go-to functionality. Depending on how heavy a scope you plan to use you could get a light EQ-3 Pro all the way to an EQ6R-Pro. Tried and true is Skywatcher name regardless. For the amount of money you’re considering spending I cannot recommended an alt/az mount. That is if photography is an interest also.

[@JT-gm4fk]

Appreciate the response, the heq 5 is around 1200 by itself. The package I am referring to comes with the mount and the skywatcher ed 80 for $1255. I do not have a telescope yet. I plan to purchase a skywatcher ed 80 for 850...that leaves me $400 for a mount in my budget. So I am leaning toward the one in your video. My total budger for scope and mount is $1250.00

[@chasmokam5660]

I am a total newbie. There is CG4 for sale near by. I am really looking for a stable tripod to put a Vixen Polarie Star Tracker on, although a CG4 looks like an overkill for my use? Can someone tell me if it would work? thanks... nice review... C

[@GarnettLeary]

I’m certain it would stable but you might need a reducer for the center thread. I don’t remember it’s diameter. Something to quarter-twenty bam. A trip to Lowes would solve it in any case.

[@montygore]

Hi. is this a tracking or do you have to move it with the buttons? Thanks for the videos

[@GarnettLeary]

The motorized function is an add-on. It does not autoguide.

[@montygore]

Thank you for the answer.

[@GarnettLeary]

No problem. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask. If it’s something I’m familiar with I’m glad to help.

[@mickeysizemore3515]

Hi. Really enjoyed your review. I just bought the Celestron Omni XLT150 from the local club. It's in really good condition. This is my first true telescope. On the RA upper housing, there are two marks, one is like a metal piece of tape with an arrow and on the other side is one that is formed in the metal. On mine, they are about 8 degrees off from each other. Is this normal or depending on how you mount the optical tube you use one or the other?? Nothing in the manual at all about it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@GarnettLeary]

The tape banded one should be an RA setting circle. There should be an arrow so you can calibrate it. Don’t waste too much time with it because on MOST all commercial mounts the markings are too small to be useful. Look up “setting circles on telescopes” if you want more info. It’s a detailed subject. The other mark should be an indicator for the home position of the scope. That is to say if aligned then your scope should rest pointing fwd at whatever angle latitude you set with the counterweights underneath. I’m taking a stab at the most probable things you could be referring to. If you’re asking if two individual marks are misaligned by 8 degrees then I can help also. Very rarely are those metallic stickers placed correctly. 90% of mounts come out of assembly in China. It’s probably a misplaced sticker. I say that because mechanically it would be impossible to tweak the yolk 8 degrees. There’s four bolts mounting the saddle to the dec yolk. Occasionally people will rotate them 90 degrees so that a dual dovetail can be used with the markers and still point home position in a fwd facing. That would be 90 degrees separation from the mark tho. More likely it’s that the metal plate is not glued in the correct spot. Everything else comes off a very precise mold. Check that. Feel free to elaborate and bring additional concerns here. I love to help if I can.

[@mickeysizemore3515]

@@GarnettLeary Hi, Thanks for replying so quickly. The sticker is in a slot that was actually an indented cast on the head. The circle setting ring doesn't move at all. The other arrow I was talking about was cast into the head. Everything is set and nothing is moving or sliding around. To me, it looks like you would use one when you set the tube in one way and the other one somehow else. I did send an email to Celestron but haven't heard back yet. All the arrows and castings look like that's the way they were made and there must be a reason for it being that way. It sure isn't in the manual or anyplace else on google or youtube. I appreciate your reply and I hope to get some reason as to why this is the way it is. Thanks, Mickey

[@GarnettLeary]

Any way you could send me photos? [e-mail]

[@mickeysizemore3515]

@@GarnettLeary Sure can. I took some to send to the guy I bought it from. He didn't own it, he sold it for the astronomy club. That's: [e-mail] Thanks, Mickey

[@mickeysizemore3515]

Just sent them to you. M

[@AliA-jr3iv]

Dose the motor keep tracking after finding your target?

[@GarnettLeary]

Yes. As long as it’s on it is actively tracking. Continuous

[@AliA-jr3iv]

@@GarnettLeary just ordered it now its $399 for the cg and 179 for the motor

[@GarnettLeary]

I hope you enjoy it. I love mine

[@klttrll]

Can I put the Nextsar 8se optical tube on this mount? Also is it manual?

[@GarnettLeary]

It’s too heavy unfortunately. The mount is full manual with a motor as an optional add on

[@klttrll]

Can you put an 8se OTA on a twilight 1 mount? Looking for a manual mount for mine

[@GarnettLeary]

That has a limit of 15 lbs. The 8SE is 12lbs if I remember correctly. That’s a stretch especially if you add accessories. A Vixen Porta II has a 20lb limit which may work. I’m sure that’s enough capacity but it’s a matter of usability. Try Cloudy Nights forum. I’m certain someone has mounted an 8 on something. That’s about the best Alt AZ I’m aware of. It’s a joy to use.

[@klttrll]

Ok, thanks

[@heklik]

Can I use a single axis motor on it ?

[@GarnettLeary]

You can but you’ll obviously have no corrective declination. I actually initially used mine this way and made manual corrections overtime with the slow adjustment knobs.

[@johnnyhuynh3449]

Hello sir! Thank you for your review! would this mount work with the Astro Tech AT115EDT? so sorry for being specific!

[@GarnettLeary]

It could drive it but it would be at the upper end of its limits.

[@johnnyhuynh3449]

@@GarnettLeary Thank you so much for a quick reply! What sort of mount of you recommend? I really don't want the electronic stuff so thats why I was eyeing this one. Thank you sir!

[@GarnettLeary]

The Orion Skyview Pro mount is cheaper and has a higher weight capacity. It can be upgraded to motor drive if needed. Out the box it’s a pretty good German EQ for visual. I’m assuming that’s what you’re after. It’s hard to get bulkier than this without making the jump to a computerized mount. Typically the line is drawn at eq4s. I think this mount would serve you better than the Celestron CG4. Orion has better tech support in my opinion also.

[@johnnyhuynh3449]

@@GarnettLeary again thank you so much! I'll definitely look into it! Clear skies!

[@GarnettLeary]

Same to you

[@ohwell2790]

As of this date Dec 2020 this mount CG 4/ LX 70 is no longer in production. To bad 20 lb capacity.

[@donaldkasper8346]

Capacity is made up marketing numbers. All celestron line rated at $72 per pound counterweight for same mount. Oh wait, legs get 1/4 in thicker. Woopie.

[@TheSatelliteHearts]

Are you sure you're not Billy Bob Thornton?

[@GarnettLeary]

I wish I had his bank account. Happy new year

[@astroadventures3559]

Hey bud my astrophotography set up is 7.2 pounds. Do you think this mount would work ok for 60-90 sec exposures? Unguided. I have a 72ed with reducer/corrector and T7i DLSR . Like I said it is 7.2 pounds all together.

[@GarnettLeary]

Native that scope is 420mm. I’m not sure what your reducer brings it to in fov but the weight is fine. A really good polar alignment should get you a high percentage of keepers out of 1 minute subs. 1 min 30 is possible but likely you’ll see more frames you have to drop. This is a budget friendly setup. If you balance slightly heavy across the gears you can get improved tracking. With the Skywatcher EQ35 available I’d say this mount loses it’s potential. Price point is a little higher but the difference in the two is huge. Have a look at that one. Ioan Nemes is getting an easy 3 minutes on it and all things considered it’s not much more expensive. For long exposures on the motor modified 4 you’ll need to manually guide using a crosshair eyepiece. That gets old. There’s a mod for the controller that allows you to add a guide port if you can solder. If you’re interested I’ll get the link. Ultimately at your target integration time, considering equipment, you’ll be able to reach your mark.. but don’t expect a clean run on every frame and do expect you’ll have to adjust and tweak the gear positions and be at the top of your game on polar alignment.

[@astroadventures3559]

@@GarnettLeary hey thankyou so much for the response. So if I had a budget of 700 tops and I was looking to guiding my 72ed with the .85 reducer/corrector on it and a crop sensor t7i canon, what would you recommend? I just don't wanna keep buying the wrong mount. I bought a Orion star shoot cat ( compact astro tracker) and it said with the dec bracket and counter weight I would be able to track with up to 8.8 pounds. Well I found out the half rule the hard way. Even tho i only have 7.2 pounds on it I still get trailing after only 40 seconds. So I wanna buy something that will do what I have now and maybe the guiding added or a little bit heavier scope.

[@astroadventures3559]

Also should I make sure it's a belt driven? I was looking at a ioptron c25 I believe and it was in the price range. It said tracking can be within -/+ 10 arc seconds.

[@astroadventures3559]

@@GarnettLeary sorry cem25. I can afford that and I haven't found the " what's wrong with it yet" factors. I always tend to look at something for a while and research it. Then I buy it and find out all the things wrong with it. So now I type what the problem with ,x, before I buy. But that Orion tracker ran me almost 400 bucks in the end and I can't even put my scope on it. I wish I would have just bought a good mount in the beginning. That way I can do wide field with only the camera if I want, but also be able to do what I really want with some deep sky. I know my scope it pretty wide field. But there are plenty of great targets at that focal length from what I see.

[@GarnettLeary]

I believe the SW EQ35 is the right choice. Do a KZbin search for Ioan Nemes and have a look at his review. Awesome mount for medium to light setups. Very accurate. The best, cheapest, belt driven system that comes to mind is an HEQ5 and the aftermarket belt upgrade. Fundamentally it’s best to dump more into a mount than the scope. That’s something we all learn the hard way. I recently purchased a Meade LX-85 because I hoped it would bridge the gap between affordable and accurate. I have a few more tests to run before it gets a bad review. I’m at 1.2 tot even with an excellent Sharpcap polar alignment. That’s not very promising. I base the quality of gearing around a mounts ability to get under 1 arc second in accuracy. Most setups that are recommended are around a 1.5-2 pixel scale. It’s perfectly fine for those for long exposures but the true test is say a 1000+ mm focal length. In all honesty that type of accuracy only comes easily with high end equipment. You can easily get away with the EQ35. It has a guide port and a detachable head for camera only setups. So far it’s the best budget mount I’ve seen. Nemes often has guiding at or below .8 tot. That’s pretty good for a mount under $1000. I can’t readily think of another that compares aside from a second hand HEQ 5 with a belt mod.

[@vascoribeiro69]

Did you see the "made in China" sticker?!

[@GarnettLeary]

Most mounts are. Synta of China makes the majority of mounts on the market for Orion, Celestron, etc

[@erdwinjc]

Hello, Have you had any issues with the mount stripping out and breaking apart? Does anyone know if it is possible to change out the part before it strips and drops the telescope?

[@GarnettLeary]

Never had that issue but Celestron website has a whole section of used parts. If you’re talking about the mount head they are occasionally interchangeable depending on what brand you’re after. What exactly are you looking for? If I knew I may be able to get you a link.

[@dr.surendrababu8703]

i want my celestron 127eq to be fit on it will it fit it

[@GarnettLeary]

Yes it will. Get a dovetail bar. Take the rings off the 127 and mount them onto the dovetail.

[@MarceloSarceda]

How many kilos does it support? Thanks

[@GarnettLeary]

It’s rated for 9kg.

[@donaldkasper8346]

@@GarnettLeary Weight rating based on marketing. Notice for example all Celestron mount series have the same diameter counterweight shaft. The heavier the weight, the thicker the shaft has to be. Go to CG-5 for just $1000 more and same mount with tracking goes to 30 lb.

[@TheJollyGreen]

So... how do you know someone's an engineer?... They tell you 😂 Just picking on ya... great video. It's totally true tho 🤭

[@GarnettLeary]

You know because it’s the folks eating the second lunch at NASA lol

[@robertbowen9417]

The slewing speed on the optional drive motors is way slow. I don't trust the clutch. Not much bang for your buck but when you're the only game in town....

[@szaki]

Looks like, it's the copy of the Vixen GP mount, but less quality!

[@GarnettLeary]

It practically is and you’re right.

[@randyx007]

Using this with a C-11 which is only 27lbs...

[@donaldkasper8346]

Ratings based on marketing, not designed load. To prevent metal fatigue at the head, it has to be built for at least 50% above rating. For 8in Z8 for me, this works just fine, 30 lbs counterweights.

[@llamarvasquez1803]

How long of an exposure can you take with this setup?

[@GarnettLeary]

+Llamar Vasquez I haven't pushed it hard yet but 2 minutes seems a fair starting point.

[@llamarvasquez1803]

Garnett Leary that's very good!! How are the motor mount so far I really think about getting it now after seeing your video

[@GarnettLeary]

+Llamar Vasquez really smooth. Don't expect panning speeds but corrective is very fine. A lot of plastic parts in it's construction with an unknown breakdown time. I haven't had it long enough to give you a good breakdown time. Best at price in my opinion for pre-cpu setup.