What is the better astro mount: EQ6R-Pro or iOptron CEM70? Part1: Specs and Features

We will have a look at 2 popular mounts the Skywatcher EQ6R Pro and iOptron CEM 70. We will compare those 2 mounts in depth and in part 2 we will see how those mounts have performed with a look at the phD2 guiding graph. Stay tuned and enjoy!

[@GaryMCurran]

I'm not sure where you're getting some of your numbers from. First, a more equal comparison would have been the EQ6-R Pro versus the iOpton CEM40. The EQ6-R Pro has a 44 pound capacity and the CEM 40 has a 40 pound capacity. The EQ6-R has about a $2,025 USD price tag versus about $2,630 for the iOptron, and that includes the Lite-Roc 1/75" tripod. Of course, the iOptron CEM40, at that price point, has the iPolar versus the standard visual polar alignment scope of the EQ6-R Pro. For astrophotography, since you are already going to need a computer, the iPolar, at least to me, would be more preferable. The tripod for the CEM-70 is $360 USD. Also, the CEM70 comes with a 20 pound, or 9kg, counterweight, at least here in the U.S. the CEM-70 is $3,228, plus $360 for the mount. If I was looking at the CEM70, though, I would be taking a very serious look at the iOptron TriPier, which in $698 in the U.S., but is far more robust than any of the tripods shown so far. So, you would be at about $,4000 for the CEM70 and TriPier, versus less than $2,100 for the EQ6-R Pro, but again, different categories of mounts. Also, both of the iOptrons come with a built in GPS for your location information. Pricing information came from High Point Scientific as of 4/24/2022.

[@ianward9463]

Very interesting I love my CEM70 G. Time to watch part two.

[@tomsastrophotochannel3243]

Thanks a lot, Ian! enjoy ;)

[@tomdaigon8707]

Very nicely done!

[@Lasastard]

Thanks for the video. It's maybe a bit apples-and-oranges since those two mounts are in different classes, both in terms of price and carrying capacity. Considering how close the CEM70 and the EQ8 are in price, I would probably go for the EQ8 with that wooden tripod - unless very high portability is a must. Significantly more carrying capacity, and a lot stiffer in windy conditions.

[@devindrasingh913]

Awesome video, you stated that extending the tripod legs can cause flex. Can that cause Star trails or guiding problems?

[@joachimdirks7376]

Hi Tom, thanks for the comparison. Might be interesting: My CEM70 came w a 9,5kg weight. Cs Joachim

[@tomsastrophotochannel3243]

Hi Joachim, thanks a lot and good to know ;); cs tom

[@frankskeen1310]

i really like your video. But you say you put power to the lower section with the power supply and from the dec plate housing you can plug in your ASIAIR. I was told that in order to use the power out on the saddle up top you need a separate power supply plugged into the dc port next to the I-Port . Is this true on not? I tried mine using the upper saddle housing to get power to my asiair, and on that I had power from the asiair to my camera for cooling and usb3 for the camera, and usb2 for the guide camera, and all that seemed to be asking the mount for more power than it could put out with just one power supply on the bottom of the mount next to the on/off button. Any thoughts would help me.

[@tomsastrophotochannel3243]

Frankskeen1310 nowadays I only use the power ports of my Asiair no longer the ports of the mount. I hope this helps, cs Tom

[@anata5127]

How do they track; guided and unguided? This characteristic defines mount. Rest doesn’t matter.

[@psuaero100]

That's a beautiful tripod. What model is it? I assume it was made for surveyors. Does it require a special adapter to connect to the iOptron mount head? I really like the CEM 70 but that connection to the tripod and the Alt/Az adjustments during PA isn't very user friendly. Having to take the mount outside for each use this seems like a big negative for my situation.

[@tomsastrophotochannel3243]

Hi, the tripod is called Berlebach Planet and you do need no extra adapter for it. And yes I like the tripod too;)

[@orionnebula3487]

Where can you get the CEM 70 for 2600€? I only find it for 3600€...

[@tomsastrophotochannel3243]

Orion Nebula yes 6 months ago this was possible not now, prices went up some 30%.

[@orionnebula3487]

@@tomsastrophotochannel3243 Sad I want to get ohne now 😅

[@tomsastrophotochannel3243]

@@orionnebula3487 sorry for this, good luck!

[@denodan]

The ioptron should be much better, almost $1000 difference, and no tripod, so an unfair comparison really, both great mounts. Ioptron you still got to buy a tripod