After recommendation for alt/az mount for 80 mm refractor

[ozskywatcher]

Hi all,

I have a 80 mm Skywatcher ED refractor sitting gathering dust because my cheap photo tripod can't cope with the weight.

I am now starting to look around for recommendations for a decent tripod for it. I think I would be looking for a good tripod with alt / az slow motion controls. Essentially I want to use the scope as my quick look scope (ie for quick looks at the Moon).

Is there a particular brand that anyone would like to recommend?

Regards,

Paul.

[ozskywatcher]

Just adding to my previous message, has anyone used either of these?



Skywatcher AZ 3 $149
Skywatcher SkyTee "T" mount $399

The prices are are off the Andrews Communication website at http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm

Regards,

Paul.

[Miaplacidus]

Hi Paul,

I haven't used either, but in the past the AZ3 was sort of the default mount that used to be recommended, to protect noobs from anything less. Nowadays I believe there are better options for beginners, and like a lot of things in this hobby, the differences between them now are minor when compared to the terrible things people had to use just a few years ago.

I have a Panoramic mount which I bought second hand. It is very nice, but too expensive new. (It is set up for encoders so you can use an Argo Navis or similar. Personally, I think that is unnecessary for an 80 mm scope, but many would disagree with me.)

I also have a bogan tripod and a very good alt-az mount on it called a Hercules. This set up is lighter and very "grab and go", but this means that it is better for lower magnification. This also puts the scope off to one side, which is fine when I'm on my own, but I get nervous when there are other people about who might knock it over. Then I prefer the Panoramic, where the centre of gravity is positioned closer to the, er, centre.

Good luck with the hunt.

Cheers,

Brian.

[wavelandscott]

I've got the Bintel Skyview Alt/AZ mount and find it works a treat for my ED80...

[ozskywatcher]

Brian and Scott,

Thanks for the suggestions. The Bintel one looks good.

Paul.
www.nightskyonline.info

[anj026]

I have been using a Vixen Porta for a couple of years now and still like it. I wrote a review not long after I got it (see the review section). It has a little rust around the chrome bolts but otherwise is working great. I used to have a Megrez 90 on it but now it is just the TV60.

[ozskywatcher]

Thanks Andy.

Regards,

Paul Floyd.

[acropolite]

Ditto with the Porta, you can also get encoders for the ArgoNavis to fit the porta.