Reviews & Ratings for Celestron Advanced VX Computerized Mount 91519 — 5 reviews — Page 1

Easy to set up and align. I was kind of concerned about the motors being noisy, but they aren’t loud at all. The grease in the bearings will be replaced at a later date, the ra and dec aren’t smooth way to sticky.

I bought this mount to replace a CG-5. The AVX mount is definitely a big improvement over the CG-5, which is a very good mount. The AVX has more powerful motors that are quieter, better overall construction, and improved handset. It uses the same type of mounting system as the CG-5. I have tested the new mount with a Lunt 6" APO refractor. That scope with large eyepieces, diagonal, etc. weighs over 20 lb, and this mount handles it easily. The CG-5 would also handle it, but clearly the CG-5 was getting close to its limits. For most scopes at 15 lb or over, you will need to order a second counterweight. I recommend the Neewer 35"x10"x10"/90 x 25 x 25 cm Photo Studio Equipment Large Carrying Bag (CB-05) ($36 on Amazon) to carry the tripod and counterweight bar. It has an outside pouch that holds the tripod spreader--very handy. I use a large Zeikos camera bag (about 21 x 11 x 11) to carry the mount itself, together with the hand control and some accessories. I don't know if this bag is still sold, but I believe that similar camcorder bags are available. I always carry counterweights themselves separately in a box. Tripod extends to 64", which is good for refractors (so you don't have to sit on the ground when viewing near the zenith). FYI-power draw of this mount is around 600 ma tracking, up to 1.2 A slewing, with the Lunt.

My first GEM. Used for visual only. Holds my ES 127ED very stable. Purchased the sky portal wifi unit also. Use a Samsung tablet with Celestron's free sky portal app to align and control the mount. Have not use hand controller yet. Couldn't be easier. Goto's very accurate with 4 star alignment.

This is a well made precision tool for amateur astronomy. It is a good value compared to other comparable German eq mounts. It was on sale for $729 plus an additional 5 percent discount here, so I got this for less than $700. As long as one takes the time to align properly, it is very accurate.
I recommend the 5 amp Celestron AC power adapter, as the screw on plug connector will not come loose like the less beefy 2.5 amp adapter will. Of course, if one is using a power pack via the cigarette style power plug, this is not an issue (as this also has a screw on plug).
I am using this for visual and for short exposure (<10 minute subs) astrophotography with a wide field Barska 65 ED refractor. This scope is so small and light, it was easy to balance with the included counterweight. When balancing, just remember to adjust it so that the weight is ever so slightly to the counterweight side.