Meet the GEM28: iOptron's Latest and Greatest in Compact German Equatorial Mounts!

Carrying the baton from its predecessors, the GEM28 is the epitome of portability, weighing just a mere 10 lbs. But don't let its light weight fool you—it can handle a whopping 28lb payload! That's a stellar 2.8-to-1 weight-to-payload ratio, achieved by incorporating design innovations from our CEM family of mounts. For folks who love the classic German EQ style and need performance at high latitudes, this mount is for you.

The GEM28 isn't just about maintaining a legacy; it's about improving upon it. We've thrown in user-friendly enhancements like a positive lock gear engagement system that's a breeze to operate, even with gloves on. Add in the built-in Wi-Fi for unparalleled device connectivity and a recordable Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) feature, and you get a mount that not only points precisely but tracks like a dream. Simply put, the GEM28 is the new gold standard in compact German equatorial goto mounts.

But wait, there's more. Our mount comes outfitted with the cutting-edge GOTONOVA® GOTO technology, making it one of the most accurate and robust GOTO mounts you'll find. With a massive object library of 212,000 celestial bodies, you'll never run out of sky to explore. Using the Go2Nova® Hand Controller is a snap, thanks to its 4-line LCD screen that makes telescope setup and object locating a piece of cake.

As for the GEM28A variant, it features an integrated iPolar electronic polar finder scope, ensuring dead-on alignment even when Polaris is playing hide-and-seek. The package also includes a 1.5" heavy-duty stainless steel tripod and an aluminum carrying case for easy transportation.

Ready to Unbox?

Box #1: GEM28 Head with iPolar, Case, and Tray (G282A)
Box #2: 1.5" Tripod for CEM26/GEM28, sans Tray (C26/G28 1.5T)

Key Features At a Glance:

Classic German equatorial design; latitude range from 10° to 70°
Perfect for visual observation and astrophotography
Low periodic error of less than ±12 arc seconds
Payload capacity of 28 lbs, while weighing just 10 lbs itself
Crafted from CNC machined and cast metal
Spring-loaded gear mechanism
Quick-lock gear clutches that are super easy to operate
Energy-efficient stepper motor
Built-in iOptron iPolar™ electronic polar scope
For folks who can't spot the Pole Star, we've got a polar alignment routine
Advanced GOTONOVA® GOTO Technology via Go2Nova® 8409 controller
Integrated ST-4 autoguiding port
In-built Wi-Fi connectivity
USB port for firmware updates and PC control
Standard 1.5-inch heavy-duty stainless steel tripod (weighs 5kg)
Die-cast metal tripod spreader with an accessory tray
Comes in a hard carrying case for ease of transport
Optional add-ons: 32-channel GPS and iGuider™ autoguiding system (#3360)

Specifications

Mount	German Equatorial Mount
Payload *	28 lbs (12.7kg), exclude counterweight
Mount weight	10 lbs (4.5kg)
Payload/Mount weight	2.80
Structure Material	All metal, Casting + CNC machined
Exterior Finish	Powder coating
Periodic error (PE) **	<±12 arcsec
PEC	Yes, Permanent PEC
Worm period	600 sec
Right Ascension worm wheel	Φ88mm, 144 teeth aluminum
Declination worm wheel	Φ88mm, 144 teeth aluminum
Right Ascension axis shaft	Φ35mm steel
Declination axis shaft	Φ35mm steel
Right Ascension bearing	Φ55mm ball bearing
Declination bearing	Φ55mm ball bearing
Worm gears	Φ15.2mm, Brass
Motor drive	1.8º stepper motor, 128X microdivision
Resolution	0.17 arc seconds
Transmission	Synchronous belt
Latitude adjustment range	10º ~ 70º
Azimuth adjustment range	± 6º
Polar Scope	iPolar ^TM electronic polar scope
Level indicator	Level bubble
Hand Controller	Go2Nova® 8409 with ~212,000 objects database
Tracking	Automatic
Slew speed	1×,2×,8×,16×,64×,128×,256×,512×,MAX(6º/sec)
Power consumption	0.6A(Tracking), 0.9A(GOTO)
Power requiremention	12V DC, 5A
AC adapter	100V ~ 240V (included, for indoor use only)
Power-down memory	Yes
Wi-Fi	Built-in
Communication port	Yes (Wi-Fi and USB)
Autoguide port	Yes (ST-4 compatible)
Firmware upgrade	Yes
PC computer control	Yes (ASCOM)
Counterweight shaft	Φ20X200mm (M16), Stainless Steel
Shaft extension	Φ20X120mm (M16), Stainless Steel
Counterweight	10 lbs (4.5kg)
Tripod	1.5" Stainless Steel (5kg)
Dovetail saddle	3.8" Vixen-style, center adjustable
GPS	Optional external 32-channel GPS
Autoguiding	Optional external iGuider 1
Operation temperature	-10ºC ~ 40ºC
Warranty	Two year limited

* OTA size and length dependent, smaller than 6" in diameter is recommended
** Measured with encoder on, 10 minutes

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GEM28 with iPolar in Hard Case

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