Which EQ mount for a 150mm refractor?

[dulwich.hill (James)]

Hi,

I have recently acquired a large Skywatcher 150mm aperture, 1200mm focal-length refractor. The scope came with an EQ4 (previous version of EQ5) mount and aluminium tripod. It produces terrific images of Mars and Jupiter.

However, I get a lot of telescope shake after focus and RA adjustments. My guess is the mount/tripos combination is just not up to the weight and length of this telescope.

My question is: should I look to upgrade the mount? Which mount should I buy? In terms of usage, I would really like something that can at least automatically track stars/planets. I would also be interested in doing some very basic photography using our old Canon EOS 300 analog camera.

So far I have found: EQ5, HEQ5, HEQ5Pro, EQ6, Losmandy GM8 and Vixen Sphinx range.

The HEQ5Pro looks promising, but it seems many people complain about the build quality of unit? I want hassle free viewing.

Thanks in advance!

James

[lacad01 (Adam)]

If you can afford it go for the EQ6, if money is no object go for a Losmandy, not really sure about the Vixen

[duncan]

Hi James,

I have the very same scope sitting on a HEQPro5 and haven't had any trouble at all. It tracks very well and has no vibration problems that i can tell.
I've only just started out on the path of "AstroPhotoDollarography". So far the only problem has been the scope and mounts dimwitted operator.

I've included a pic of Saturn that i took only a couple of nights ago in very poor seeing conditions. I've still got an awful lot to learn but it looks well focused.This is only my second attempt at photography.
Hope this helps you.

[dulwich.hill (James)]

Thanks guys for your thoughts.

Glad to hear Duncan that you have the same scope and got rid of the shakes with a better mount.

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE PHOTO OF SATURN!!!! My son and I were in awe of what this telescope can achieve.

Duncan, what else did you have to buy to connect a camera to this scope?

James

[duncan]

Hi James,
I had previously bought a 12" Dob which i still have. The only thing i had to buy is the Toucam 840.(webcam).
I just set up, drop in the 2x Barlow,Focus and vwahlah!!.
I am now using a hartmanns mask to get focus(see projects and articles).
This image of Saturn is not a good one by any means. But what it does show is that rank beginners can get something!!!!.
A 5x Powermate (like a barlow) will give me a much bigger image.
But all in good time, gotta save the pennies,LOL.
I'm thoroughly enjoying the challenge, except these damn clouds.
Cheers James,
Duncan

[Geoff45 (Geoff)]

The GM8 will be too light for a 6" refractor unless you're going purely visual and even then I have my doubts. I have a GM8 with a 4" refractor + guidescope+camera equipment and it only just handles the load.
Geoff