Celestron Advanced C8-SGT-XLT vs Celestron CPC 800 GPS (XLT)

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Mon, 04/18/2011 - 18:35

 

Hi there,

I don’t know if this is the right place to ask this, but here it goes.

My questions is regarding CCD observations:

Sould I choose the Celestron CPC 800 GPS to have Permanently Programmable Periodic Error Correction or the Celestron Advanced C8-SGT-XLT  to have the german equatorial mount benefits ?

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
The Mount is Everything

The German Equatorial mounts also have PEC, so there is no advantage to the fork mount systems in that regard. 

Assuming you are talking about a permanent observatory set up, I think you should get as much mount as you can afford, so you go German EQ. Even if you start with an 8" OTA you can always upgrade to 11" or 14" if you have a beefy enough mount. With a fork mount system, you have to buy the whole telescope and mount to upgrade.

If you plan to travel with the system, then you get whatever you can actually move, set up and tear down easily eough that you will actually do it, or all your gear will just end up collecting dust in a closet or your garage.

Mike