12" GSO on EQ Platform Question

[prova]

looking at upgrading my OTA in the near future and am wondering will my current EQ5 mount hold a 12" GSO scope?

if not, then what is the recommended mount for that size OTA without spending a crazy amounts?

thanks!

[DJVege]

I believe the suggestions are always at least an EQ6. (Check out Iceman's setup).

[prova]

yeah that's really what i wanted to know

"what is the absolute minumum size/mount i could use a 12" tube on"

[iceman]

EQ6 is minimum for the 12".

A few people have our 12" newts on an EQ6. Some others have them on a G-11, which would be better if you can afford it.

[prova]

cool, got that sorted!

next question is, to those who use the 12"/EQ6 combo, is there a big physical difference in size, would I need a small step-ladder now that the OTA is much bigger than my current 8" ?

[iceman]

I actually wouldn't recommend a 12" newt on an EQ6 for visual observing.

The eyepiece ends up way off the ground and in weird positions. You'll also find it difficult to get tube rings to fit the 12" tube.

If you're only into visual observing, put the 12" on a dob mount and get an Argo Navis.

[rmcpb]

If you are into high power visual consider an equatorial platform. Eyepieces stays in a logical position, eyepiece height is only a few inches higher than normal, tracking at 400x is automatic, good for short exposure astrophotography on planets and is a LOT cheaper than a GEM for a 12" scope.

If you are into low power, wide angle views then just nudge the scope when necessary :) That is even cheaper!!

[prova]

so really, i should be keeping my current 8" setup for astrophotography and then saving up for a 12 or even 16" Lightbridge/GS Dob for observing?

[DJVege]

Yup!

Though you'll need a small step ladder for that 16" LB! ;)