C11 on EM-200

Hi everyone,

I'm currently considering buying a fairly cheap old Celestron C11. My current mount is a Takahashi EM-200 Temma2 Jr, which is rated for 16kg (35lbs). From what I've been able to find out, the C11 tube weighs 12kg (26lb). So, the OTA itself should be OK on this mount. I'm planning on piggybacking my Willy Optics Megrez 80FD (about 3kg/6.5lb). I'd like to be able to image with the Megrez piggy-backed on the C11 - so another couple of kgs for imaging equipment and maybe a bit more for counterbalance weights, I'm not sure.

This seems to be pushing it with this mount, though I have heard the weight limits on the Tak mounts are very conservative, and I don't plan on imaging with the C11 other than some planetary imaging with a webcam. I'd like to hear from anyone with a similar setup. I'm loathe to upgrade the mount as I just got it and am pretty happy with it.

I'd love an AP900 but I imagine they're quite pricey to get shipped over here in Japan, where Tak mounts are cheaper and good value.

Cheers,
Stuart

For imaging that would be over the top. Your system would be susceptible to every little wind and shake. I found my C9.25" on the Tak EM-200 to be a marginally shaky combination, even with nothing loaded on beyond an AP 2" diagonal, a Radian and a Telrad. For the EM-200, I would image below 27lbs at the most, without wind. The C-11 has quite a wind profile. How about a G-11?

Best,
Ivan