Alt Azm mount for C6 SE, suggestions please

[chrisp9au]

I've recently acquired a Celestron C6 SE OTA and am now looking for a suitable mount.
My DIY attempts are not proving very satisfactory, and this scope is worth the cost of a good mount.
Importing a Nexstar mount from the USA (ebay), with $200 postage would stretch the budget a bit far.
Whilst GOTO would be nice, I'm happy to just have the ability to track.
So, I'm looking for a driven mount with the capacity for a C6 (5kg/11lbs).
I have a very solid tripod with 2" steel legs so I only really need a mount head.
I only do visual, no imaging, so I'm thinking Alt/Azm, most comfortable for my aching back!

Recommendations would be appreciated, budget $400 ~ $500 inclusive of postage.

Thanks :thumbsup:

Chris

[Wavytone]

Mmmm... Secondhand iOptron Cube should do the trick... Alternatively the iOptron smartstar is a basic altaz with go-to, and Andrewscom.com.au have them priced within your budget.

Better to get something with a matching tripod - not all heads fit all tripods, as I found out with my vixen SXD some years ago - and be prepared to sell or ditch the one you have. The vixen tripod was flimsy compared to one I already had, but without several new parts there was no way I could put the SXD on the one I had, and the quotes from a machine shop to make it for me exceeded the cost of the whole scope, never mind the tripod.

[MortonH]

If you might consider a completely manual mount, the Tele Optic Giro III in the classifieds is a great choice.

[chrisp9au]

Thanks for your suggestions gentlemen.
I'll put up with what I have for the time being.
My wife has suggested our budget isn't as generous as I had hoped! :(

Cheers :thumbsup:

Chris