Help needed - Decision on HEQ5 Pro or EQ6 Pro

[Tamtarn]

We have a Skywatcher 8" Newtonian which we have been using on an EQ5 Mount for astro photography.

We're ready to purchase a new mount and are trying to decide between the HEQ5 PRO and the EQ6 PRO, both with GoTo and SynScan Version 3. We may want to mount a guidescope as well later on.

Is it correct that the only difference between the two is the EQ6 takes a larger load capacity and of course has a heavier overall weight.??

Our load including a guidescope would be approx 12-13kgs.

Eventually we will be putting the mount on a pier and building an observatory. :D

Any comments or suggestions on choice most welcome

David

[Alchemy]

Sorry i cant say i have used either but when i bought my last mount i chose the one that could carry the heavier weight , which in the long term when i bought a bigger scope was worth it.Is there a large weight difference and price difference?

[Tamtarn]

Hi Neighbour.

Price difference not enough to worry about.

Weight difference HEQ5 25kgs - EQ6 34kgs

David

[Alchemy]

Hmmmm , well me id go the 6, there seems to be quite a few others out there using them, ive seen quite a few shots posted in various locations and good ones too, not so many with the 5, Gotta go, (wish the weather would improve here)

[Tamtarn]

Thanks for your input Alchemy, much appreciated :thumbsup:

[Astroman]

I use an Eq6 with my 8" f6 and a 80mm refractor on top, gives you plenty to play with in case you want to upgrade your OTA later. EQ6 handles the weight with ease, and you can throw any sort of imaging device or eyepiece in and you don't have to adjust the balance. If you put it on a pier you will absolutely love it.

Here are all the scopes on my pier...
http://southcelestialpole.org.au/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=488 .0;attach=6714;image

[ballaratdragons]

Barb & David,

I can only pass on the good info I got when asking the same questions earlier this year.

The EQ6 will carry anything bigger you may get down the track, whereas the HEQ5 won't be able to be loaded up too much.

[g__day]

I'd also say the EQ6 gives you more headroom in the future, and means you'll image more within the capacity of the mount.

[Tamtarn]

Thanks Andrew, Ken & g_day.

Looks like we will be paying Bintel a visit tomorrow to check out the EQ6 Pro.

Andrew can I ask if you leave the mount on the pier with a cover over it for protection or do you unbolt the mount and take it inside. I presume you take take the ota off when finished for the night.

Your set up looks good.

Next thing on our want list would be a pier. but it may be a little while before we have an observatory.

David

[Astroman]

No never leave anything outside thats takeable or resellable, I don't trust anyone around here let alone anywhere else. Yes a Pier will make you very happy :)

[PCH]

Andrew,

It's not strictly your thread I know, - but what do you guys with piers bolt/mount them to at the base? Also, why are these things so expensive from the likes of Bintel (($800+) - they look quite simple to make. Or is there something I'm unaware of?

Cheers,
Paul

[Tamtarn]

Paul

Try typing Pier into Search at the top of this page.

And also have a look at DIY Projects.

David

[g__day]

Cost you under $300 to make a pier that is much more solid than those on sale. Especially if you have a friend who's a welder and/or a machinist.

[Terry B]

I have recently bought an EQ6 and I had the same decision to make. I felt that the only reason to choose the lighter mount apart from cost was the ability to move the actual mount. If the weight of the actual mount is important to you, ie picking it up and moving it to where you are going to use it then maybe the lighter mount is better. If you are strong enough to lift the heavier mount then it has lots of advantages as stated in the other posts. It has been said many times before that the best size scope to own is the one that you use the most. The same applies to the mount. If it is a pest to setup a scope it will get little use. Buy the size mount that you will use the most.

[Tamtarn]

Thanks Guys for all the advice.

Called in to Bintel today and purchased an EQ6 Pro Goto with Synscan vers 3.1 :D

Now for another learning curve - Be prepared for more questions :lol: