Best EQ mount for a 10 inch GSO reflector?

[GSL]

I have a 10 GSO Dob and due to budgetary restraints, I can not really afford to upgrade too much. I'm fairly new to astronomy, and will probably want to do some fairly basic photography eventually.

I was thinking that putting my 10 inch GSO reflector on a go to mount may be a practical way to keep costs under control. (I am aware that Iceman has taken some outstanding photos this way.) Just wondering if an EQ 6 go to would be the smallest recommended mount for this kind of setup, or if an EQ 5 go to would suffice? Any alternativer ideas would also be welcome.

Thanks all.

[oggie doggie]

GS, I am no expert and am currently going through the same thought process as you. From what I have read the EQ6 would be required for a 10 inch Newt if you wanted to do quality photography.
Hope this helps.

Mark

[iceman]

Hi GSL.

I'd really recommend the EQ6 as minimum - for photography, stability is very important. You don't want a small mount which makes the 10" wobble amount in the slightest breeze or every time you touch the scope, focus, change filters etc.

[Geoff45]

I agree with the comments above. I wouldn't put anything bigger than a 6" scope on my EQ5. But then I'm conservative--I would't put anything bigger than a 6" on a GM8 either
Geoff

[madtuna]

Hi GSL :)
if you're interested, there is a nice little astronomy club in your area and we regularly meet out at Jerrara. plenty of dobs and plenty of experianced members only too willing to help
pm me if you want details

[GSL]

Thanks for input and advice. Seems like I may be on the right track then with the EQ6 go to. Is that the one you are currently using Mike (Iceman)?

P.S. Madtuna (S), I use a different user ID on this site. I am also a W.A.A.C.er and was actually at Jerarra with you last week checking out your new Vixen (no doubt the cause of all this horrible weather!) See you at the meeting on Thursday!

[iceman]

Yes, I use an EQ6 with skyscan v 2.0.5, and I mount my 12" newt on it.

It handles it, but not with a lot of spare capacity. It's a long tube and takes 25kg of counter weights!

[GSL]

Is it an EQ 6 pro you use? (I think that the EQ pro is the go to version.) Is skyscan the software program? I am still a little confused with some of the finer points. Also, is an EQ a brand name or is it a generic type of mount? Would you recommend a particular brand of mount? Thanks again.

[madtuna]

ah dude! :) I didn't realize it was you lol that mount I had the Vixen on is the EQ6 Pro.
Although I've only had that mount a few short months I can not praise it high enough.
Of cause it's no Losmandy G11 but it will do me until I either win the lottery or find the big one at Hillend.
The mount is far more capable than I am.

[peter_4059]

GSL
You can get goto in both the EQ6 (black) and EQ6 pro (white) versions. The pro has come down a lot in price - I'd go for that version if I was buying one today. There used to be three black EQ6 versions - basic RA/DEC motor driven, goto ready and full goto. Skyscan is the full featured hand controller that the goto version has that contains the object database. The other versions just have a hand controller with RA/DEC slew buttons. The goto ready version is same as the goto except you don't get the SkyScan controller but can add one later.