For visual use only I have found the predecessor to the CGEM, the CGE, to be a good mount with very accurate pointing even if you are not precisely polar aligned (you need to input 2 alignment and three calibration stars). Both the Orion and Celestron mounts at least in the $1400 price range leave something to be desired for imaging without significant modifications as David Rankin and others have pointed out. The higher end Vixen and the Losmandy mounts are much better. If your budget allows it the MACH1GTO from Astrophysics with 45 lb. capacity is far superior and weighs less. -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Hards Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2010 10:37 AM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM? It's time for a new mount. I'm looking at the Orion Atlas, and the Celestron CGEM. Soliciting comments from owners/users of both. Thanks! _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com