Tele Optics (APM) Giro 2 Deluxe

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Brand and Model:Tele Optics (APM) Giro 2 Deluxe
Price ($USD):$260
Type:Alt-Azimuth
Attributes:un-checkedMotorized un-checkedPEC un-checkedGoto
Electric Power:12V DC
Weight (lbs.):~7
Description:Single arm or twin arms, very smooth motion like a well made dobsonian, perfect for quick look and star hopping. Can carry very very big load compared to its size and cost.

Dual axis drive can be added optionally, supporting GOTO (PC required) and CCD auto-guide.

Vote Highlights Vote
Tele Optics (APM) Giro 2 Deluxe
I like this mount on a heavy Bogen/Manfrotto tripod.
It can support much more than my Sky90, (even with my considerable load of Coronado Solarmax90, MaxTuner90, Tak Extender Q, and the TV binovue.)

The Movements are superbly easy, smooth and natural.
Before I got it I thought it would be nice with slow motion controls built into it, but now after using it, I know that is not necessary at all. The movements are as easy/smooth as my Portaball 12.5"!

A classy product, highly recommended.

Overall Rating: 10
Performance:10 Ease of Use:10 Value:10
Weight: 10 (Trustworthy Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=122638

Tele Optics (APM) Giro 2 Deluxe
Fine mount for heavier scopes. Use it with an 8" f/3.5 Newtonian (about 20#) on an ITE "ash" tripod (Chinese) and it is much steadier than the scope was on a Super Polaris. Also nice that the eyepiece doesn't change position as you pan around the sky.

Very smooth, although you have to crank on the knobs to hold things still. Haven't entirely gotten the hang of moving about the sky yet (have used it only a few times). It takes getting used to after using a polar aligned scope.

Not as inexpensive as the $260 price tag would suggest. That is for the head alone. With a solid tripod and dovetail plate for mounting, counterweights (you don't need to fully counter the weight of the scope, but some high fraction of the scope weight (75%?) is good), plus a custom washer to hold the head to the tripod (from ITE), the price is closer to $700. But nothing this steady is available that I know of for much less than twice that amount.

Overall Rating: 9
Performance:10 Ease of Use:9 Value:8
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=231776

Tele Optics (APM) Giro 2 Deluxe
Handle two scopes: 8" SCT + rich field refractor, now I can see the full glory of M45, the finer detail on dimmer DSOs... the rich field refractor is an unmatched finder as well!!! woo~~~

Overall Rating: 10
Performance:10 Ease of Use:10 Value:9
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=193805

Tele Optics (APM) Giro 2 Deluxe
smooth

Overall Rating: 9
Performance:10 Ease of Use:10 Value:8
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=130216

Tele Optics (APM) Giro 2 Deluxe
It is very very good. But don't try to add a drive to it unless you really have to, like me.

Overall Rating: 9
Performance:9 Ease of Use:10 Value:7
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=129965

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