Keep my EQ6? or change for a HEQ5?

EzyStyles (Eric) · #1 22-02-2006, 11:25 AM

Hi,

Recently i have purchased an EQ6 with Skyscan. Realising that it is too heavy to be move all the time, i was thinking of exchanging it for a smaller version the HEQ5. It is to fit a 8" scope. The EQ6 w/skyscan was $2150 and HEQ5 w/skyscan is $1685 meaning if i exchange it to a HEQ5, i'll pocket $465 back.

Just want to ask on opinions whether it is worth changing it back for a HEQ5?

many thanks

h0ughy (David) · #2 22-02-2006, 11:39 AM

The EQ6 can easily be broken down and carried. I personally think that the value for money will come down the track when you wish to place a large aperture scope on this mount. By removing the weights from the setup in can easily be moved without the scope on top. But it is your choice? If setup correctly, the EQ6 will be more stable HEQ5 IMO

janoskiss (Steve H) · #3 22-02-2006, 12:07 PM

Heavier usually means sturdier, so it's a compromise. 8" f5 will probably be a breeze for either, but like Crazy Dave says, if you decide you want to put a larger scope on it later, you might wish you had the EQ6.

JohnG (John) · #4 22-02-2006, 12:08 PM

My opinion, don't do it, you should always get the heaviest mount you can afford, you are swinging the 10" off it arn't you, for that reason alone you should keep the EQ6, FWIW the 8" would go even better, lighter weight, EQ mounts can always be broken down into lighter components. You WILL regret it.

JohnG

acropolite (Phil) · #5 22-02-2006, 12:14 PM

I agree with the others, and I haven't ever seen the two side by side for comparison. There can't however be that much difference in weight and size and the added carrying capacity and sturdiness of the EQ6 may be necessary as you progress.

ving (David) · #6 22-02-2006, 12:20 PM

gotthe eq6 now, and you are probably the envy of quite a few poeple here because of it

if you are imaging there is no such thing as "too sturdy"

JohnG (John) · #7 22-02-2006, 12:21 PM

Meant to say GEM's can always be broken down.

JohnG

rochler · #8 22-02-2006, 12:33 PM

I guess, but I'd hafta agree with the group on this one. I think you'd be better off keeping the EQ6 despite the extra weight, coz it's gonna be sooo handy when/if you catch 'aperture fever' and get a bigger OTA or if you get into astrophotography in a big way. Even if you aren't putting a big OTA on it at the moment, hanging lots of extra camera gear on it requires better stability etc.

Up to you really, but you could end up regretting it if you quit it now...

Good luck on your tough decision!

[1ponders] (Paul) · #9 22-02-2006, 12:42 PM

If there is one golden rule in amateur astronomy and that is "Bigger is better"

Not really but you get the drift. If you are going to try your hand at imaging then consider this bit of maths.

Take the carrying capacity of the EQ6 and divide by two (50%). From that subtract the weight of your 8" newt, a guidescope, a camera, finderscope, telrad, attachment for camera to scope and all the other bits and pieces that end up being on your scope/mount. Now how much do you have left out of the original 50% You won't have much if any.

Now do the same exercise with the HEQ5. Which has the greatest left over or the smallest deficit? That's the one to get. I'm betting it'll be the EQ6.

Oh and btw in one of your other threads I made mention about the weights of mounts. It's not so much the weight as the awkwardness of it. My G11 mount without scope but including weights is around 45 ish kg. Take the weights of and its only about 30 kg. In itself not really that heavy. but boy it is awkward to move. But you work it out. Once you learn the best place to pick it up from it'll be fine. Oh and don't have your legs fully extended (if they are) you don't need them extended that far if your imaging and having them shorter (fully retracted is best) adss to the stability.

Sorry rambling on there. The long and the short of all that is, Keep the EQ6

EzyStyles (Eric) · #10 22-02-2006, 01:02 PM

Thanks for the replies all. Really helped me out.

I know keeping the EQ6 would be a better choice. But what if im planning to go down the astrophotography path and not the visual path? i dont think i will be getting any bigger aperture tele. planning to get ED80 and digital SLR soon. With the $465 back, could really help me to purchase the equipment as im struggling abit but got addicted to it

is HEQ5 that big of a difference to EQ6? oh forgot to mention if i swap it back, it is for the HEQ5 "PRO". and the hand controller is only v2.02. so might get an updated version too. also read somewhere the EQ6 has problems too?

When viewing and taking pics, the legs on the EQ6 mount are not extended at all, infact, i still think it is too high to look into the focuser was one of the reasons to maybe decide on the HEQ5 pro.

your formula 1ponders seem to be ideal. thanks mate

ving (David) · #11 22-02-2006, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EzyStyles

Thanks for the replies all. Really helped me out.

I know keeping the EQ6 would be a better choice. But what if im planning to go down the astrophotography path and not the visual path?

then the eq6 is the better mount for astro pics.... really stability is everything... just save for anything else you need/want.

allan gould · #12 22-02-2006, 01:18 PM

There should be an HEQ-5 Pro review with picture coming soon to this site. I routinely run an 8" SCT on mine and its almost flawless.
Regards, Allan Gould

JohnG (John) · #13 22-02-2006, 01:22 PM

According to the specs I just looked up, the EQ-6 has an instrument weight capacity of 25Kgs, the HEQ-5 Pro, 15Kgs, the standard formular for a mount that will be used for astrophotography is the instrument and all equipment should not exceed 2/3 the carrying capacity of the mount, Paul has put it correctly, that is what I would be working on.

Tough decision isn't it.

JohnG

Striker (Tony) · #14 22-02-2006, 01:35 PM

EQ6 with Skyscan...the rest has been said....lol

EzyStyles (Eric) · #15 22-02-2006, 01:55 PM

Ok, added a Poll

I have to decide today so i can cancel the order for the HEQ5 if i decide to keep the EQ6.

h0ughy (David) · #16 22-02-2006, 02:05 PM

Ezy if you thought that lugging the gear around was going to be easy, and set up a breeze, with no problems whatsoever then I think your reaction of "too heavy and not easy to move" sounds about right. You already own the EQ6, so I don't see where the arguement for and against should be carried on. I am not exactly sure what you really want, a light mount to carry heaps of stuff? Doesn't work unless your floating around in space! there are more learned people with heaps more experience than me, you've read what they have said, and I am sure you have researched it well too. if in doubt get the heavy duty version, if you have no doubts then go for the other mount. aesthetics is not everything! Whatever you do , enjoy what you have and enjoy the moment.

Striker (Tony) · #17 22-02-2006, 02:10 PM

I say buy both....then you know your right eitherway....lol

EzyStyles (Eric) · #18 22-02-2006, 02:27 PM

i forgot to add:
Keep EQ6
or
HEQ5 Pro + "$465 cash back"

not a straight swap otherwise i'll keep the EQ6 obviously

Dave, i know with the heavy mount, i'll get lazy carrying it out and back into the house was another reason.

I should list some of the main reasons what i was thinking:

- Heavy to carry out
- Can get some cash back so i can invest in other equipment
- newer version of hand controller instead of v2.02a (not sure the difference but peace of mind)
- goto feature not accurate? maybe HEQ5 abit better?
- heard EQ6 has issues later

might be more but i can't think right now

Striker (Tony) · #19 22-02-2006, 02:30 PM

I can just see your post in 12 month...or if it was me 3 months.

Dam I wish I kept the EQ6 I want a bigger scope now......lol

Miaplacidus (Brian) · #20 22-02-2006, 02:33 PM

Sorry, but your original post doesn't say if you ARE planning on photography. If not, just put the OTA on a dob base for $100.