Would A HEQ5 PRO + 2 80ED's Be Ok?

[whmacs]

Hi Guys,
I'm contemplating buying a HEQ5 PRO to carry two 80ED refractors. One will be used for imaging (via a Canon 400D) and the other as a guide scope with a QGuider CCD camera attached. Weight wise this should be around (3 + 3 + .5 + .2) = approx 7Kg. The HEQ5 PRO has a maximum capacity of 15kg. Two thirds of this would put its realistic capacity at 10kg. I would like to be able to carry all this outside in one trip, thus I've avoided the bigger EQ6 PRO.

As I also have a Nexstar 11 GPS I have no plans to put a bigger tube than the 80ED on the HEQ5 PRO. At approx 7Kgs of equipment do you think I should get reasonable tracking for astrophotography without putting the mount under excessive load?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Stephen

[davewaldo]

I know little about this but....

Would it not be possible to use your nexstar on a wedge and use one ED80, and guide through the nexstar?

It would save you lots of $$$.

[ballaratdragons]

Bert (Avandonk) may jump in here and explain the weight of his imaging gear, coz he uses a HEQ5 to carry all his gear. And you've seen the results he gets :thumbsup:

He's had 8" Klevstov, ED100, cameras etc on it.

[SMR]

Hi Stephen.

I'm using a HEQ-5 with an 8" Schmidt-Newt, which is performing fine and weighs a lot more than two 80EDs.

You'll be right ...

Steve.

[allan gould]

I use an 8"SCT with side-by-side 70mm guide scope. No problems at all.

[whmacs]

Hi Dave,
I actually do this now (N11GPS mounted on Wedge with 80ED on top). I'm looking for a portable setup that I can transport (The N11GPS is pier mounted). I am also interested in doing some imaging with an equatorial mount.

Regards,
Stephen

[whmacs]

Thanks Guys for all the replies, by the sound of things the HEQ-5 Pro should be able to cope with out any issues.

Regards,
Stephen