Celestron and iOptron are the two most popular brands in the telescope mount industry.
Stargazing newbies and professionals have shown a lot of interest in their mounts. Since both are similar mounts, a comparison comes to mind.
So, which one is better between IOptron ZEQ25 Vs Celestron AVX?
The Celestron AVX is better in terms of mounting system, load capacity, and latitude adjustment. However, it lacks the GPS system which the iOptron ZEQ25 proudly presents. The iOptron also has a better slew speed to fast-track objects. It also consumes less power than the Celestron AVX.
Do you have questions about the two telescope mounts? You are right where you need to be.
Get more information by participating in this discussion. Let’s start.
IOptron Zeq25 Vs Celestron Avx: Quick Comparison
Before we start the battle between the two mounts, let’s look at this quick info table. It will help in the detailed comparison.
| Aspect | iOptron ZEQ25 | Celestron AVX |
| Mount Type | “Z Balanced” Equatorial Mount | Computerized Equatorial |
| Load Capacity | 27 lb (12.3kg) | 30 lbs (13.6 kg) |
| Latitude Adjustment Range | 0º ~ 60º | 7° ~ 77° |
| Slew Speed | 4.5º/sec | 4°/sec |
| Integrated GPS | Internal 32-channel GPS | N/A |
| Required Power | 12V DC(9 ~ 15V), 1.5Amp | 12V DC 3.5A (tip positive) |
| Amazon Availability | Not available on Amazon | Available on Amazon |
Now, let’s move on to the head on battle.
IOptron ZEQ25 Vs Celestron AVX: Detailed Comparison
Choosing a telescope mount can be quite overwhelming. You will get introduced to various options. This can become very confusing.
Among these options, iOptron ZEQ25 and Celestron AVX are one of the best. You may feel tempted to buy any of these. But you might feel confused while choosing like choosing between 8 and 6-inch telescopes.
To make things easier for you, we have compared them in detail. We have highlighted the key aspects just for your ease.
Mount Type:
Mount type is important for the accuracy and compatibility of a tripod. It also determines the quality of handling.
The Celestron AVX shines here. It has a computerized equatorial mounting system. This is totally balanced by a computer and has more accuracy than a center-balanced equatorial mount. That’s why you get this type of soul Nebula shots-
On the other hand, the iOptron ZEQ25 has a “Z Balanced” Equatorial Mount. It is the same as a center-balanced one. Hence it is inferior to that of Celestron AVX.
Winner: The winner of this segment is the Celestron AVX for its computerized mounting system.
Load Capacity:
Load capacity is another crucial thing in tripod mounts. You won’t prefer a mount with less low capacity.
Perhaps, the mount might break down on a heavy load. Hence more load capacity is always a priority.
The Celestron AVX comes out on top here too. It has a loading capacity of 30 lbs or 13.6 kg. This is 3 lbs or 1.3 kg greater than that of iOptron ZEQ25.
Hence, the Celestron AVX clearly phases out the ZEQ25 with greater load capacity.
Winner: No doubt, the Celestron AVX clearly wins for better load capacity.
Latitude Adjustment Range:
Latitude adjustment range refers to the adjustment capacity in latitude. This is vital for the adjustment capacity of the tripod. The more the latitude adjustment range, the more the adjustment facility.
Hence, a tripod with a more adjustment range is preferred by novices and professionals.
The iOptron ZEQ25 comes with an adjustment range of 0º ~ 60º. This means you can adjust up to 60 degrees.
On the other hand, the Celestron AVX has an adjustment range of 7° ~ 77°. This means the adjustment range is 70 degrees which is 10 degrees greater than that of ZEQ25. However, this comes at a cost. You cannot adjust from 0º to 7º.
Winner: As both mounts have their own benefits and shortcomings, we cannot decide on a winner. Hence, we are calling it a draw.
Slew Speed:
Slewing is defined as using a motor drive to move the mount from one astronomical location to another.
Finding a broad region of the sky at night requires a high slewing speed. It’s also used to slew between two distant celestial objects. The iOptron ZEQ25 fulfills this demand with its fast slew speed of 4.5º/sec.
A modest slew speed is needed in order to accurately center the target object in a finderscope. A slower rate is used for more precise eyepiece centering in a telescope. The Celestron AVX can fulfill this demand with its 4.0º/sec slew speed.
Winner: Faster is not always better. In this case, the Celestron AVX wins the battle with a 4.0º/sec slew speed. It gives more accurate tracking than the iOptron ZEQ25.
Integrated GPS:
Global Positioning System (GPS) communicates with the mount and the microprocessor to provide information on the telescope’s position. It also reports the objects within its field of view along with their corresponding angular position.
The user can just press a button on one of these telescopes. Also, it can be transported to any point in the sky. The GPS mount is a revolutionary tool that is altering the telescope-using habits of amateur astronomers.
The iOptron ZEQ25 has this GPS advantage. It comes with an Internal 32-channel GPS. This helps the mount to report the objects. The Celestron AVX does not have this feature.
Winner: The iOptron ZEQ25 wins this one for its iGPS system. It helps a lot in object tracking.
Required Power:
Power requirement is one of the overlooked aspects of a telescope mount. People tend to bypass this point, but it is as important as other factors.
The iOptron ZEQ25 requires a 1.5A 12V DC connection. On the other hand, the Celestron AVX requires 12V DC 3A power with tip positive.
The higher power requirement makes the AVX less economical. Hence, when it comes to cost cutting, it lags behind.
Winner: The winner will be the ZEQ25 tripod for its economical power requirement.
So, Which one is Better?
Both telescope mount is good in terms of usability and builds quality.
The Celestron AVX comes with a Computerized Equatorial mount, better load capacity, and a broader adjustment range.
However, it consumes more power and lacks a GPS system which is a crucial feature. Also, it has a slow skew rate which does not allow fast-tracking.
On the other hand, the iOptron ZEQ25 has a centered equatorial mount but with less load capacity. However, it has a faster skew rate and an integrated GPS system which may help out in sightseeing the umbral depths.
If you want more advanced features and GPS isn’t an issue, pick the Celestron AVX.
Otherwise, the iOptron ZEQ25 is an ideal choice for professionals alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I Need An Equatorial Mount For Astrophotography?
When taking photos of deep-sky objects, an equatorial mount is the most important piece of equipment. The mount is the one part of your setup that should always cost the most. If all you can afford is a mount, you can always use an adapter to attach your existing camera.
Why Are Refractors Better For Astrophotography?
When compared to other types of telescopes, refractors are portable and easy to transport. Both the focus and the focusers are sturdy and simple to use. They function similarly to a professional telephoto lens in a camera. Taking astrophotographs has the potential to produce stunning photographs.
Is The Avx Mount Good For Astrophotography?
A 480mm or smaller auto-guided refractor should work fine with an AVX. You should be able to achieve the desired exposure time. As such, we don’t recommend using this mount for anything longer than 15-30 seconds. Except for, you have a lot of experience with unguided shots.
Conclusion
That will be all from our side on IOptron Zeq25 Vs Celestron Avx. Hopefully, you have got your answer.
Before choosing a tripod mount, always decide on the telescope’s compatibility. This will ease up the process. Do post your thoughts in the comment section.
See you soon.
