Meet iOptron's latest pocket rocket, the GEM28 German equatorial mount! It's a featherweight at just 10 lbs but don't let that fool you—it's tough enough to carry a 28lb telescope. That's a killer 2.8-to-1 weight-to-payload ratio, all thanks to the design secrets we borrowed from our CEM mount series. For folks who dig the classic German EQ style and need to work at high latitudes, this one's for you.

We've souped-up the GEM28 with features that make life easier. There's a positive-lock gear system that's a snap to use, even if you're rocking gloves. Its built-in Wi-Fi gives you a whole new level of connectivity, and it has recordable permanent periodic error correction (PPEC) so you can reuse your best PEC training sessions. When it comes to pointing and tracking accuracy, this bad boy is on point.

Now, let's talk tech. The GEM28 comes loaded with our top-of-the-line GOTONOVA® GOTO tech. It's got a beefy 212,000-object library so you'll never run out of stuff to check out. The Go2Nova® Hand Controller is super user-friendly and features a big 4-line LCD screen.

For the GEM28A version, there's an iPolar electronic polar finder scope built right in. It's a game-changer for accurate alignments, especially when the pole star is playing hard to get. The whole thing sits on a LiteRoc heavy-duty stainless steel tripod.

What's in the Box:

• Box #1: GEM28 Head with iPolar and Tray (G281A)
• Box #2: LiteRoc Tripod without Tray (C26/G28 LiteRoc)

Feature Rundown:

• Classic German equatorial design with a latitude range from 10° to 70°.
• Great for visual stargazing or snapping astro pics.
• Super low periodic error, less than ± 12 arc seconds.
• 28lb payload capacity and a mere 10lb mount weight.
• Crafted from CNC machined and cast metal.
• Spring-loaded gear system for smooth operation.
• Quick-lock gear clutches that are easy to handle.
• Energy-efficient stepper motor.
• Built-in iPolar™ for fuss-free polar alignments.
• For the Pole Star-shy, there's a special polar alignment routine.
• Comes with the Go2Nova® 8409 controller packed with Advanced GOTONOVA® GOTO Tech.
• Integrated ST-4 autoguiding port for long-exposure photography.
• In-built Wi-Fi and USB port for updates and PC control.
• Heavy-duty LiteRoc tripod made from stainless steel and weighs 7.5kg.
• Die-cast metal tripod spreader with a tray for your gear.
• Optional goodies: 32-channel GPS, hard carrying case, and iGuider™ autoguiding system (#3360).

So there you have it, the GEM28 sets the bar for compact German equatorial mounts with goto functionality.

Specifications