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Craig
Since your keen on starting out with a small refractor for Astrophotography eg ED80 just keep in mind your total payload on the mount you select and whether in the future you may go for a larger scope at some stage
General rule of thumb or recommended max payload for AP ( telescope , imaging camera , guide scope, guide camera , flatterers , adapters , finder scope, dewheaters, cables , hubs , power supplies , dove bars etc. etc..... ) should be no heavier than 60% to 65% of the total rated payload of the mount
Examples
Skywatcher HEQ5 mount max payload rating 13kg ( recommended max AP payload rating 9kg )
Skywatcher NEQ6 mount max payload rating 20kg ( recommended max AP payload rating 13kg )
Skywatcher AZEQ6 mount max payload rating 22kg ( recommended max AP payload rating 15kg )
Skywatcher EQ6-R mount max payload rating 20kg ( recommended max AP payload rating 15kg ) *** this mount has a slightly higher AP payload rating than the previous older model NEQ6 or EQ6
The types of refractors your looking at to get started with are only around 2.5 to 3.0 kg then adding your AP gear would bring the total AP payload to around 5 to 6 kg
So the HEQ5 would suit your needs now but if you decide later on to buy an 8” newt then you would need a larger mount like a EQ6-R mount as the AP payload on an 8” f5 newt is around 14 to 15kg
Hope the above makes sense and provides some insight into Astrophotography payloads and sizing the most appropriate mount
Good luck with your choice and hope your get up and running soon
Cheers
Martin
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