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