iOptron CEM26 Mount Overview

The iOptron CEM26 is one of iOptron's smallest in their lineup and highly popular for wide field astrophotography. The CEM26 features belt drives, a sturdy tripod and the perfect stable platform for astrophotographers. Join me as I take through the features and function of the mount.

[@gabem6863]

Just ordered one to replace an AVX. So I do agree on how loud and stiff the AVX is. Decided on this one as the replacement based on my experiences with the CEM60 I have for my 10" SCT. Looking forward to playing with it.

[@13squier]

Re: latitude/altitude knob adjustment, the holes in it are intended to accept the supplied Allen key to make it easier to turn. See page 12 of the manual

[@karlk672]

I have the GEM28, very nice mount, best in class for money and load capacity.

[@thedeathlyhallows8087]

I just bought my first Ioptron mount today. And I bought a Ioptron CEM26EC. I decided to go for the EC version because of the guiding accuracy that the EC contributes to. I am really looking forward to using this mount with my Redcat 51 and Redcat 71 in particular. And as always, 10 days of torrential rain has been forecast starting tomorrow. I will receive my new mount on Monday.

[@Astrolavista]

Nice overview. I'm very tempted by this mounts sister, the GEM28.

[@mattlock248]

Thanks for taking the time to share! Thinking of getting one and I enjoyed this Vid

[@ScottDavies]

Great stuff 👏 Will be getting the GEM28 and your video was very helpful 😉

[@ronb112]

Nice review. Only mount in this price range that is in stock at a shop in this area. Everything is sold out right now in EU. Same with the telescopes.

[@prezcs9418]

Thanks! Very nice overview

[@AlexisABermudez]

Thanks for this overview! Still waiting for mine, It's been almost 4 months already. Think you missed talking about the threaded holes on the mount to add the iGuider autoguiding system. Any recommendations for a 12v battery to power the mount and USB options on the go, like the one you are using?

[@MaximumAstronomy]

I used a 12V power supply from Amazon to power it for about 6-8 hours in the field. Super simple and rechargeable

[@easy56wedge]

Is it possible to get an adapter for the dovetail to use a DSLR and telephoto lens with Arca-Swiss mount? This seems to be exactly what I’m looking for. I do not own a telescope but love taking photos of the night sky. I currently use an iOptron SkyGuider Pro with my Nikon D610 and 150-600mm telephoto lens. However I’ve found the combined weight of the camera/lens/counterweights exceeds the max payload of the SGP. I also have on order a ZWO guide scope and ZWO 120mm guide camera - no idea when they’ll ship sadly. Thanks for your video and any help you can provide to my questions.

[@MaximumAstronomy]

Yes you can. You can even make one with some finderscope brackets and a piece of thick aluminum to hold the ball mount, guide scope and such and then attach a dovetail to the bottom. It’ll be easily supported with this mount

[@easy56wedge]

@@MaximumAstronomy in your opinion, would the setup I just described - and using the CEM 26 - be overkill for me? I’m not an astronomer, I’m a hobbiest photographer with a fascination of the night sky. But I also take Milky Way photos with landscapes, wildlife, etc.

[@MaximumAstronomy]

@@easy56wedge It think it would be a little overkill. The SkyGuider Pro is good up to around 10 pounds but you have to balance it nicely and have it polar aligned.

[@phcalama]

Hi. Lucky I happened upon your video.....I've ordered the same mount and scope. Wondering if the 10lb counter-weight would have worked if the scope were moved further back in the dovetail? Also wondering if the threaded holes on the mount might accept a dovetail base that would accommodate other guide scopes/cameras?

[@stefanopolo5532]

shouldn't the counterweight bar lock knob be screwed on from the opposite side?

[@danielalbertoencaladacalle4276]

do you think it can be used on a regular photography tripod?

[@MaximumAstronomy]

Definitely not. Way too heavy for a regular tripod, plus the mounting system needs the tripod that it is supplied with as it doesn’t have a 1/4, 20 size bolt to attach on.

[@framed-tales]

Great presentation by the way! I preordered the CEM26 on January 7 at Woodland Hills Telescopes, CA. It has not arrived yet! Do you know what's going on with the shipping? I haven't seen too many reviews yet. So everyone is facing the same problem I guess!

[@MaximumAstronomy]

IOptron is just like all the other manufacturers, backed up and have backorders for months lead times. They are manufacturing and shipping as fast as they can but a lot of them don’t have their mounts yet due to massive backlog COVID has created as astronomy was one of the biggest hobbies affected. But you’ll get it, but it’ll take a while. But they’re going as fast as they get them in!

[@jr10]

Awesome review. Do you think this amount would be compatible with the ASIAIR Pro? Thanks again for sharing.

[@MaximumAstronomy]

It sure will! I’ve tested and used it with mine

[@jr10]

@@MaximumAstronomy thank you so much for the quick response. Subbed your channel.

[@jr10]

@@MaximumAstronomyone last question. Did you link the ASIAIR to the mount using a USB cable, or the Wi-Fi connection? Thanks again for the help.

[@MaximumAstronomy]

@@jr10 You have to link it by the USB if you want it to guide the mount for you. I’ve always done it by the USB and it works like a charm.

[@jr10]

@@MaximumAstronomy thanks again. I think if you get the time in the future, maybe you should do a video on how you set that up. There are a lot of newbies out there like myself that would like to see something like that. :)

[@lavers_1]

do you still like it?

[@stancostin]

Can it be modified to work manually?

[@curlywurly4436]

I've heard that some people reported, having some backlash issues, on it. Is this the case with yours too? And are you happy so far with your Mount? I'm considering buying it too.

[@MaximumAstronomy]

I haven’t had any issues with mine

[@curlywurly4436]

@@MaximumAstronomy Great to hear! and thank you for the answer. Are there any differences (besides the payload obviously, and gps vs built in wifi) between the CEM 26 and CEM 40 in user experience? And what exactly can I do with the built in wifi/ what are the adventages? Is it just for standard control, or can I use the wifi to connect to stellarium or something similar? (if you tested that already). There arent many reviews on the internet, unfortunatly.

[@MaximumAstronomy]

@@curlywurly4436 You can WiFi to connect to any laptop, smartphone or tablet for control of the mount. The main advantage of the CEM40 is just how much more it’ll take weight capacity wise, but it also has higher resolution encoders right out of the box. So it will better at tracking errors than the CEM26, but that’s where guiding comes in to correct it on both mounts for imaging.

[@curlywurly4436]

@@MaximumAstronomy Thank you for your reply! You've gained a new Sub. Do you know which software can be used to control the mount on Smartphone/Tablets (android)/ which did you use/tried out yourself? Your answers were pretty helpful so far :)

[@MaximumAstronomy]

@@curlywurly4436 SkySafari is the best of the best. Super simple for GoTo stuff and the ASIAir for Astrophotography

[@carolsantulis1990]

Why would one want the CEM26 vs CEM26EC at almost 2x the price? Thanks.

[@MaximumAstronomy]

That was my debate! As long as your equipment tracks accurately it’s not needed

[@davidwiniger3799]

why not the 28?

[@chandrainsky]

How do you connect with a laptop or something similar? Looks like it comes with the dinosaur age ST4 guide port only?

[@MaximumAstronomy]

Connect to the USB on the bottom of the hand controller

[@Spetsnaz1984]

Is it compatible with kstars ?

[@Tony67032]

any chance you could do a review on the ioptron az pro ?

[@MaximumAstronomy]

I’d be happy to whenever I can get my hands on one.

[@Brighamdoc]

Thanks -

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

Pounds? Are those English pounds?

[@KumarChalla]

Looks like they changed the counterweight mount. I just gotmy CEM26 and it has the conventional screw type counterweight pole holder: i.imgur.com/NFUUp3X.png