A Scope for Caravaning

[DRCORTEX]

Welp, for better or worse, just sold my 12" GOTO dob. He got a good deal, considering I threw in all my 2" EP's

So now, what do I buy. I am looking at a ALT/AZ EQ6, and an 8" Celestron SCT. Like the mount, simply because it can handle an 8" with ease, want to move to more serious photography in the future, and it seems a very stable mount, that can handle 20 kg, and best of both worlds, visual and astro later. Seems ideal for my GSTAR, especially with live view. Yes, it is a heavy mount, but I need something stable, that will not be a burden into/out of - a caravan.

Your thoughts please ?

Cheers,

Doc

[foc]

If you are going to the expense and weight of a AZ-EQ6 you might as well put it on a Berlebach wooden mount or other suitable mount for a better ride

[Ukastronomer]

???? caravanning, wont the EQ6 and scope weigh more than a Dob ??

[Rainmaker]

Future proofing :thumbsup:

[Wavytone]

Speaking of which there are an AZEQ6 and Skywatcher 180 mak in the ice classifieds... nice combination. I’d take the mak for lunar & planetary, while for imaging and DSOs the mount could easily carry an 8”-10” f/5 newtonian or the SW190 mak newtonian. Example of AZEQ6 with two scopes...

[casstony]

For taking in the caravan I'd choose an Evolution mount - super quick and easy to set up yet strong enough easily carry the 8" sct. When you get to imaging buy the AZ-EQ6 or similar.

I own both mounts and there's a world of difference in portability.

[glend]

This is a big subject, and I have edited down my original post on this topic.
I don't wish to discourage anyone's dreams, but imaging in itself is a big learning curve if your coming off a zero base. I would suggest you give yourself time to learn before you hit the road.
Then think carefully about what you take with you and be realistic about what you can do with it. Aim for simplistic setups that meet your objectives, and if imaging go for fast optics and recognise that darkness is required (and that can mean sacrificing being close to amenities and comforts of the big parks). Be experienced in setting up and aligning an EQ mount. Know how to guide the setup and have all the bugs worked out at home.
Think carefully about your scope choice, and storage, as most don't take kindly to being pounded by corrugations. Having it on the back seat of your vehicle is always better than in a caravan storage.