EQ. MOUNTS

I HAVE AN ORION SKYVIEW PRO MOUNT WHICH I HAVE BEEN USING
FOR MY ASTRO-TECH 102 REFRACTOR AND IS HAS BEEN MORE
THEN FINE.
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A CELESTRON 9.25 SCT WHICH WEIGHS 20LBS
THE EQ MOUNT IS RATED @ A 20LB LOAD.
BUT WITH THE EYEPIECE, FOCUSER, AND DIAG., THINGS ARE
A LITTLE SHAKING FOR VIEWING.
I PURCHASED SOME DAMPENING PADS, BUT I HAVE NOT GOT A CHANCE
TO TRY THEM YET.
SHOULD I SELL THIS MOUNT AND GO FOR SOMETHING HEAVYER
THE CELESTRON CG5 IS RATED AT 35LBS FOR $699 GOTO
THE ORION SERIUS IS RATED AT 30LBS FOR $1,195
CAN THE CELESTRON CG5 BE THAT GOOD AND HALF THE PRICE??
CURRENTLY WITH CERTAIN EYEPIECES AT CERTAIN MAGNIFCATIONS, DAMPENING TAKES 3-5 SECONDS EVERY TIME I FOCUS.

I would take EQ mount load ratings with a grain of salt. Most are over rated but it sounds like the Sky View Pro is either a little under rated or Orion is just being more honest. In my experience there is no difference between the Sky View Pro and the CG5. They are of similar weight and construction. Both will give you 2-3 seconds damp-down time with a C9.25, especially in breezy conditions. If you can swing it I would suggest the Sirius model.

Victor
I have the CG-5 ASGT mount and a 9.25" SCT. They work fine together for visual, and probably for planetary/Lunar imaging, but would not be a good match for longer duration imaging.

Be sure top get the model with the 2" steel legs and enough counterweights.
I hope this helps.
Steven Jindra

I have a related question. I have the same Orion SVP mount (which I hyper-tuned) on a pier and was considering a Meade 10 SCT. (around 25 lbs)). Is this just wishful thinking or could the mount have a chance? Thanks