Choosing an equatorial mount with a belt drive means weighing tracking hardware against the way you observe and image. I put the Celestron CGX first for its 55 lb payload and straightforward hand-controller operation, the MirroSky GX35 ahead for lightweight travel and its included guide camera, and the Explore Scientific iEXOS-100-2 in the lead for accessible app-based control and quiet belt-driven tracking. Those strengths serve different setups: capacity, integrated imaging tools, or a smaller system with flexible wireless control.
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All three combine belt drives with worm gearing, but the supplied information differs in detail. The CGX is the heavy-load choice, while the GX35 puts a guidescope and camera in the package and weighs 8.8 lb. The iEXOS-100-2 offers WiFi and Bluetooth, though its full GOTO operation may depend on having a compatible tablet. I compare them by the practical fit each offers, while noting where published details leave questions a buyer should resolve before choosing.
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- The Celestron CGX has the highest stated payload at 55 lb, making it the clearest fit here for heavier telescope and imaging configurations.
- The MirroSky GX35 weighs 8.8 lb and includes a 53mm ED guidescope with an IMX662 guide camera, though its maximum payload figure depends on the included counterweight.
- The Explore Scientific iEXOS-100-2 pairs quiet stepper motor belt drives with WiFi, Bluetooth, and tablet-based ExploreStars control.
- Only the CGX listing specifies a hand controller; the iEXOS-100-2 and GX35 emphasize app control, with different platform support.
- The supplied CGX information does not state its weight or several setup details, so buyers should check fit and transport requirements before purchase.
| Celestron CGX Computerized German Equatorial Mount and Tripod, 55 lb Payload |  | Best for heavier telescope setups | Mount type: German equatorial | Payload capacity: 55 lb | Motors: High-torque servo motors | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| MirroSky by Spectrum Optical GX35 Smart EQ Mount with Guide-Scope and Imaging Module |  | Best compact imaging package | Mount weight: 8.8 lb (4 kg) | Payload capacity: 22 lb (10 kg); 28.5 lb with counterweight | Counterweight: 4 lb (1.8 kg) with shaft included | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Explore Scientific iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight Equatorial Telescope Mount and Tripod for Astrophotography |  | Best for wireless, tablet-based control | Mount type: Equatorial | Control system: PMC-Eight with eight independent CPUs | Connectivity: WiFi and Bluetooth | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| equatorial mounts with belt drive system | Mount type | Payload capacity | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celestron CGX Computerized Ger | German equatorial | 55 lb | Belt drive |
| MirroSky by Spectrum Optical G | — | 22 lb (10 kg); 28.5 lb with counterweight | — |
| Explore Scientific iEXOS-100-2 | Equatorial | — | Clutched dual-axis worm gears with precision stepper motor belt drives |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Celestron CGX Computerized German Equatorial Mount and Tripod, 55 lb Payload
The CGX is my pick for buyers whose first constraint is the telescope and imaging gear they need to carry. Its 55 lb stated payload is well above the GX35’s 22 lb standard figure and the iEXOS-100-2’s unspecified capacity in the supplied details. That makes the CGX the clearest option in this lineup for a heavier configuration, though payload alone cannot tell you whether a specific telescope, accessories, and counterweights are a suitable match.
Its belt-driven system and high-torque servo motors are paired with a NexStar+ hand controller. The controller’s 40,000-object database, guided tours, and custom filters make this setup feel oriented toward direct operation at the mount. That is a different approach from the iEXOS-100-2’s tablet-centered ExploreStars app and the GX35’s iOS or Android app. Buyers who want a physical controller included will find the CGX easier to assess from the details provided.
Capacity comes with a practical tradeoff: the product information supplied here does not give the mount’s weight, transport dimensions, or detailed setup requirements. I would check those points before planning regular travel or deciding that the CGX fits a particular observing site. It also lacks the GX35’s included guide camera, and no belt-drive accuracy figure is provided. The CGX makes the most sense when its greater stated capacity and controller matter more than a compact, imaging-ready package.
Pros:- Highest stated payload in this comparison at 55 lb
- High-torque servo motors paired with a belt drive
- NexStar+ hand controller included
- Controller offers a 40,000-object database, guided tours, and custom filters
Cons:- The supplied details do not state mount weight or transport dimensions
- No guidescope or guide camera is listed as included
- No directly comparable tracking-accuracy figures are provided
Best for: Astronomers building a heavier telescope setup who want a stated 55 lb payload and an included hand controller.
Not ideal for: Travel-focused buyers who need a stated low mount weight, or imagers looking for an included guidescope and guide camera.
- Mount type:German equatorial
- Payload capacity:55 lb
- Motors:High-torque servo motors
- Drive:Belt drive
- Controller:NexStar+ computer hand controller
- Object database:40,000 objects
- Controller features:Guided tours and custom object filters
Our verdict“Choose the CGX when carrying capacity and hand-controller operation outweigh portability and included imaging accessories.”
MirroSky by Spectrum Optical GX35 Smart EQ Mount with Guide-Scope and Imaging Module
The GX35 stands out because the imaging support is part of the package rather than an accessory the buyer must separately source. It weighs a stated 8.8 lb and includes a 53mm ED guidescope with a Sony IMX662 guide camera. Compared with the CGX, it gives up substantial payload capacity; compared with the iEXOS-100-2, it provides more concrete imaging equipment and a listed mount weight. That combination makes it the most clearly specified compact choice here.
Its drive pairs a worm gear with a synchronous belt, and the listing identifies a 144-tooth RA main gear. The mount supports EQ and Alt-AZ modes and is controlled through a free iOS or Android app. For a buyer assembling a portable imaging rig, the supplied guidescope and camera could simplify equipment selection. The CGX instead emphasizes payload and a hand controller, while the iEXOS-100-2 offers tablet support across Apple, Android, and Windows.
The GX35’s payload figures need careful reading: it is listed at 22 lb, or 28.5 lb with the counterweight, and a 4 lb counterweight is included with its shaft. The higher figure is not the same as a 28.5 lb payload without qualification. It also requires an external 12V 3A power supply, which adds a field-planning task despite its low listed weight. I would choose it for its bundled imaging tools, not assume that its portability means a self-contained power setup or that its maximum capacity matches the CGX in practice.
Pros:- Listed mount weight is 8.8 lb
- Includes a 53mm ED guidescope and Sony IMX662 guide camera
- Worm gear and synchronous belt drive with a listed 144-tooth RA main gear
- Supports EQ and Alt-AZ modes with iOS and Android app control
Cons:- The 28.5 lb payload figure requires the counterweight; the standard stated capacity is 22 lb
- Requires an external 12V 3A power supply
- App compatibility listed only for iOS and Android
Best for: Mobile astrophotographers who want a light mount with an included guidescope and guide camera, and whose setup fits the stated payload.
Not ideal for: Owners of heavier telescope systems, or observers who need power supplied by the mount package for remote sessions.
- Mount weight:8.8 lb (4 kg)
- Payload capacity:22 lb (10 kg); 28.5 lb with counterweight
- Counterweight:4 lb (1.8 kg) with shaft included
- Drive system:Worm gear with synchronous belt; 144-tooth RA main gear
- Guidescope:53mm ED optical guidescope
- Guide camera:Sony IMX662 CMOS, 2.1 MP, 1/2.8-inch sensor
- Operating modes:EQ and Alt-AZ
- Power and app:12V 3A recommended; MirroSky app for iOS and Android
Our verdict“Pick the GX35 for its low stated weight and bundled guiding hardware, provided its payload and external power needs suit your setup.”
Explore Scientific iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight Equatorial Telescope Mount and Tripod for Astrophotography
The iEXOS-100-2 is the most approachable choice for someone who wants wireless control and a compact set of alignment and drive features in one system. Its precision stepper motor belt drives work with clutched dual-axis worm gears, while WiFi and Bluetooth connect to the ExploreStars app. The app supports Apple, Android, and Windows tablets, giving it broader stated tablet-platform coverage than the GX35, whose app is listed for iOS and Android.
For setup, the mount has a polar alignment sight hole through the RA axis, so a polar scope is not required for the described alignment approach. That distinction matters to buyers who want fewer alignment accessories to manage. Its eight-CPU PMC-Eight control system is described as fast and responsive, and the app provides GOTO alignment and access to a large celestial-object catalog. In contrast to the CGX, however, the iEXOS-100-2 may require a tablet for full GOTO functionality, and it does not come with the CGX’s listed hand controller.
This model’s place in the ranking reflects its control flexibility, not a claim that it carries the most demanding rigs. The product details supplied here do not state a payload capacity, which makes direct load comparisons with the CGX and GX35 impossible. It also does not include a focuser, a separate component buyers may need depending on their optical setup. I would shortlist it for app-oriented observing and a belt-driven mount with a simple alignment aid, then confirm capacity and accessory compatibility for the intended telescope before choosing it over the more fully specified GX35 or higher-capacity CGX.
Pros:- Dual-axis worm gears with quiet precision stepper motor belt drives
- WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
- ExploreStars app support for Apple, Android, and Windows tablets
- Polar alignment sight hole avoids requiring a polar scope
Cons:- Full GOTO functionality may require a tablet
- No focuser included
- Payload capacity is not stated in the supplied product details
Best for: Tablet-owning astronomers who value quiet belt-driven stepper motors, wireless control, and a polar alignment sight hole.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need a stated payload capacity, an included hand controller, or a focuser in the package.
- Mount type:Equatorial
- Control system:PMC-Eight with eight independent CPUs
- Connectivity:WiFi and Bluetooth
- Drive:Clutched dual-axis worm gears with precision stepper motor belt drives
- Polar alignment:Sight hole through RA axis; no polar scope required
- App:ExploreStars
- Compatible devices:Apple, Android, and Windows tablets
Our verdict“Choose the iEXOS-100-2 for flexible tablet control and a simple polar-alignment aid, after confirming its capacity suits your telescope.”
How We Picked
I ranked these mounts around the question implied by this roundup: what does a belt drive add to an equatorial mount, and which complete setup makes sense for a particular buyer? Each listed model pairs a belt drive with worm gearing, so I looked beyond the drive label to compare stated payload, control method, portability information, and imaging equipment supplied. A belt drive alone does not establish tracking accuracy or guarantee a particular imaging result; the provided product details do not offer directly comparable measurements for those claims.
The CGX ranks first for carrying capacity because its stated 55 lb payload leads this group and it includes a NexStar+ hand controller with a large object database. The GX35 ranks as the compact imaging pick because its listed 8.8 lb weight and included guidescope-camera combination make its package distinct, even though it needs an external power supply and a counterweight to reach the higher payload figure. The iEXOS-100-2 is the accessible wireless option: its belt-driven stepper motors, clutched axes, and tablet apps are appealing, but a tablet may be needed for full GOTO use. This is a feature-based comparison of the supplied specifications, not a claim of hands-on testing.
| equatorial mounts with belt drive system | Mount type | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Celestron CGX Computerized Ger | German equatorial | Belt drive |
| MirroSky by Spectrum Optical G | — | — |
| Explore Scientific iEXOS-100-2 | Equatorial | Clutched dual-axis worm gears with precision stepper motor belt drives |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Equatorial Mounts With Belt Drive Systems
I would start with the telescope and observing plan, then compare how each mount handles control, portability, and guiding. A belt drive is one piece of the tracking system; the available details do not support a blanket claim that one mount tracks more accurately than the others.
Match payload to the complete rig
Count the telescope, camera, guide equipment, and other accessories you plan to mount, then compare that total with the manufacturer’s payload guidance. Among these three listings, the CGX states 55 lb, the GX35 lists 22 lb or 28.5 lb with its counterweight, and the iEXOS-100-2 details provided here do not give a capacity. The GX35’s counterweight condition matters when interpreting its higher figure. Since the figures alone do not explain recommended imaging loads or balance, confirm the intended configuration with the manufacturer before committing to a close fit.
Look at the whole drive and control setup
All three listings mention belt-driven tracking, but the accompanying hardware differs. The CGX pairs its belt drive with high-torque servo motors and a NexStar+ hand controller. The iEXOS-100-2 specifies stepper motor belt drives and clutched dual-axis worm gears, controlled through WiFi or Bluetooth and ExploreStars. The GX35 lists a worm gear with synchronous belt and app control. These descriptions help compare operating style, but they do not provide equivalent tracking-error measurements, so I would not infer a performance ranking from drive terminology alone.
Choose the control style you will use
If you prefer selecting objects from a physical controller, the CGX includes the NexStar+ with a 40,000-object database, guided tours, and custom filters. The ExploreStars app supports Apple, Android, and Windows tablets, but full GOTO use may require a tablet. The GX35’s MirroSky app is listed for iOS and Android. Check compatibility with the device you intend to bring outside and think about how you prefer to navigate the sky; a control system that fits your habits can make setup easier to repeat.
Balance portability against what comes in the package
The GX35 is the only one here with a stated mount weight, at 8.8 lb, and it includes a guidescope and guide camera. That package has a distinct appeal for mobile imaging, though the required external 12V 3A supply adds equipment to carry. The CGX has much higher stated payload but no weight information in the provided details. The iEXOS-100-2 includes tripod and mount in its title and an alignment sight hole, yet its listed description does not give a weight or payload. Before buying for travel, verify packed weight, power needs, and what accessories are actually included.
Treat alignment aids as part of setup, not a guarantee
The iEXOS-100-2’s polar alignment sight hole offers a way to align without a polar scope. The GX35 supports both EQ and Alt-AZ modes, which gives it more than one stated operating configuration. The supplied CGX details focus on capacity, motors, and controller features. These are meaningful differences in setup options, but none of the descriptions gives a directly comparable alignment time or imaging result. Consider what you need at your observing site, then confirm the procedure and any additional accessories required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a belt drive do on an equatorial mount?
A belt drive transfers motor movement to the mount’s gearing as it tracks the sky. These three products pair belts with worm gearing, though their listings describe different motors and control systems. The supplied information does not provide matched tracking-accuracy measurements, so the belt label by itself cannot establish which mount will produce the best results for a particular telescope or imaging setup.
Which of these mounts has the highest stated payload?
The Celestron CGX has the highest stated capacity at 55 lb. The MirroSky GX35 is listed at 22 lb, or 28.5 lb with its counterweight, while the product details provided for the Explore Scientific iEXOS-100-2 do not state a payload. Check the manufacturer’s guidance for your complete telescope and accessory configuration before choosing based on these numbers alone.
Which mount includes equipment for guiding?
The MirroSky GX35 includes a 53mm ED guidescope and a Sony IMX662 guide camera. Neither the supplied CGX details nor the iEXOS-100-2 description lists a guidescope-camera package. That makes the GX35 the most ready-made guiding package of these options, while its payload and external power requirements remain part of the buying decision.
Do I need a tablet to use the iEXOS-100-2?
The iEXOS-100-2 uses the ExploreStars app for GOTO alignment and access to celestial objects, and the product details say a tablet may be needed for full GOTO functionality. The app supports Apple, Android, and Windows tablets, with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. If you prefer a hand controller supplied with the mount, the CGX is the option in this comparison whose listing specifically includes one.
Which mount makes the most sense for portable astrophotography?
The GX35 is the clearest compact candidate in the supplied information because its mount weight is listed as 8.8 lb and its package includes guiding equipment. Its external 12V 3A power requirement and counterweight condition affect how portable the complete setup will be. The iEXOS-100-2 may suit buyers prioritizing wireless tablet control, while the CGX favors capacity; compare the full packed kit and telescope load before deciding.
Conclusion
I would choose the Celestron CGX for a heavier telescope setup and buyers who want a hand controller with a broad object database. For a portable imaging package with a listed mount weight and guiding hardware included, I would look first at the MirroSky GX35, while accounting for its counterweight and external power supply. The Explore Scientific iEXOS-100-2 is the better match for tablet-based control, wireless connectivity, and a polar alignment sight hole, provided its capacity and accessory fit check out for your rig. Each occupies a different place in this roundup because payload, included imaging tools, and control style point to different buyers.
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