iOptron GEM28 Review

iOptron GEM28 Review

If you're an astronomy enthusiast, you know the importance of having a reliable and sturdy mount for your telescope. And that's where the iOptron GEM28 comes in. This mount has been making waves in the astronomy community, and we're here to give you a comprehensive review of its features and performance.

What is the iOptron GEM28?

The iOptron GEM28 is a German equatorial mount that's designed to handle telescopes up to 28 lbs in weight. It's made of high-quality materials, including aluminum and stainless steel, and it comes with a built-in iPolar electronic polar scope. This mount is perfect for astrophotography and visual observing, making it a versatile and practical option for any astronomer.

Features and Specifications

Let's take a closer look at the iOptron GEM28's features and specifications:

• Payload capacity: 28 lbs
• Mount weight: 10 lbs
• Mount head dimension: 8.75 inches x 4.25 inches
• Tripod height: 31.5 inches - 49.2 inches
• Tripod weight: 9.9 lbs
• Electronic polar scope: built-in iPolar
• Motor type: Servo motor with a resolution of 0.07 arc seconds
• GoTo system: Yes
• Power requirement: DC 12V, 5A

 

As you can see, the iOptron GEM28 is a lightweight and compact mount that can handle telescopes up to 28 lbs. The mount head's dimension is just under 9 inches in diameter, making it easy to transport and store. The tripod height can also be adjusted between 31.5 inches and 49.2 inches, making it easy to find a comfortable viewing position.

One of the standout features of the iOptron GEM28 is the built-in iPolar electronic polar scope. This scope makes polar alignment a breeze, saving you time and frustration during setup. The mount also comes with a GoTo system, allowing you to quickly and easily find celestial objects in the night sky.

Performance

The iOptron GEM28's performance is impressive, especially considering its compact size and weight. The servo motor has a resolution of 0.07 arc seconds, which allows for accurate tracking of celestial objects. The mount is also very stable, which is essential for astrophotography.

During our testing, we found that the mount was easy to set up and use. The iPolar electronic polar scope made polar alignment quick and straightforward, and the GoTo system worked flawlessly. We were able to find and track celestial objects with ease, and the mount remained stable throughout our observations.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact
• Easy to set up and use
• Built-in iPolar electronic polar scope
• Stable and accurate tracking

Cons:

• Payload capacity limited to 28 lbs
• The tripod is not the sturdiest

 

Overall, the iOptron GEM28 is an excellent mount for anyone looking for a lightweight and versatile option. Its built-in iPolar electronic polar scope and GoTo system make setup and finding celestial objects a breeze, and its stable tracking is perfect for astrophotography. The only downside is its limited payload capacity and the tripod's slightly wobbly design.

To sum it up, the iOptron GEM28 is a reliable and versatile mount for telescopes up to 28 lbs. Its compact size and built-in features make it a great option for astrophotography and visual observing. The electronic polar scope and GoTo system make setup and finding celestial objects effortless, while the stable tracking ensures accurate and smooth observations. While it may not be suitable for heavier telescopes or rugged conditions, the iOptron GEM28 is an excellent option for any astronomer in need of a lightweight and practical mount. So if you're in the market for a new mount, the iOptron GEM28 is definitely worth considering.

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