M42 - Orion Nebula

Thank you! There is such a thing. I aligned it a bit more. And along the way, I figured out how to stretch the levels. :-)

With the CEM26, I've only managed two sessions so far. I can only compare it to the EQ3-2, which is unstable and its results are essentially unpredictable.
The CEM26, controlled by Astroberry, behaves reliably. It completes its alignment in a maximum of three (maybe four) iterations—so it's quick. Polar alignment can be done very precisely, with deviations literally within arcseconds. During guiding, there are deviations that can reach up to 3", but I think I need to record PEC (which I haven't done yet).
And the most important thing—it's really, really light. That's critical for me because I have to carry it 1.5 km one way.
The only annoying thing is the two bolts for mounting the tripod—it's just some kind of oversight.
Otherwise, yes—I need more imaging time, but there's no clear sky.
And what is it about the GEM28 that doesn't suit you?

It takes a maximum of two iterations to align. But that's where its advantages end. It guides just like yours, and I think that's poor. The mounting system is also terribly annoying, so I carry it without detaching it from the tripod. Now I realize my choice should have been the AZ-EQ5...

I've looked at your photos. Considering the 10-minute exposures, I think they look very good. iOptron has released instructions on how to eliminate backlash. You could try adjusting that—maybe that's the issue.

The backlash is set, the Dec guiding speed is set to 0.9x, but the guiding is just so-so. However, the photos come out fine because the focal length is 342mm. I also have a SmartEQ Pro+, and I must admit, iOptron mounts are just so-so...