iOptron CEM70

Users in team Dwarfstars: Baryon (2022.03~)

• Specification

1. Mount design: Center-balanced German equatorial mount

2. Drive: Belt and worm wheel

3. Payload: 70lbs (31.75 kg)

4. Weight: 14kg (Counterweights are not included)

• Pros

1. High payload to weight ratio

2. Reasonable price for high capacity mount

3. Stubborn structure

4. Precise tracking ability

• Cons

1. Poor hardware finishings (Exposed wires...etc.)

2. Hard to grab

3. Saddle is located in distance from axis

• Verdict

CEM70 is a budget heavy-duty equatorial mount. You will hardly find such 70 lbs capable mount under USD 3,500. Moreover, it has a high payload-to-weight ratio. It weighs just only 14kg, which is remarkable compared to other german equatorial mounts. Another virtue is its expandability. It has USB and 12v ports on the dovetail saddle for compact wiring.

However, its hardware finishings are somewhat poor, e.g its wires are fully exposed under the polar axis. Also, it is extremely hard to grab and move it. You might think this is not a big deal. But if you consider its weight, especially in a cold climate? It would be a pain in the arse.

One thing you have to consider is the distance from the center axis to the saddle. It is clearly not short. It means you will need more counterweights and you need to carry more luggage. Sadly, iOptron does not offer any extension axles, so your option would be to prepare more counterweights...

• One-line summary

Poor man's heavy-duty mount.