A good GEM would have run $600 - $1200. I've had this scope more than half my life and don't use it since I got a C9.25. It tracks well enough for telephoto lens astrophotography and is far more portable than the 9.25.
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Update - I did end up getting a GEM, CG5-ASGT. It's given my C8 a new lease on life.
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Update 2 - I made an improved version of this with a photo tripod instead of the long stick/counterweight setup. Much better. See https://pbase.com/emagowan/improved_c8_camera_platform