What mount for this ED80

[Gort]

Hello Good People on this wonderful site,

I just bought this really nice ED80 from Mike and was after some advice re the mount.

I spoke to the people at BINTEL and they suggested an EQ3.

My aim for this scope is to use it as a Grab and Go and I don't have plans for photography in the near future.

I am after something cost effective at say less than $200 as I am finding that I am spending more time (and money) accumulating equipment than I am observing.

Your thoughts ?

Thanks & Regards,

Theo.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=56748

[dannat]

i would actually look at getting a good quality photo/video tripod..that way i can use it for camera later..if not maybe look at the AZ3, andrews comm have them fairly cheap i remember, if purely visual i would not get an EQ mount - i much prefer AZ

[Gort]

Thanks Daniel. Appreciate the response. Az3 is looking the way to go.

Cheers.

Theo.

[dannat]

keep in mind the AZ3 is made at a price point - the stellarvue & WO AZ mounts are better but cost a reasonable amunt more..go into bintel & try it with one of their scopes before you decide..there is also the bintel AZ mount o look at also

[Paddy]

I use an AZ 3 with my ed 80 for solar observing and I'm quite happy with. My only gripe is that there is no tension adjuster for slewing on the altitude pivot. It has a very simple and easy system for disengaging/engaging the azimuth, don't know why they couldn't for altitude. It's not a big issue, it just means keeping the nut on the altitude a little tighter than I'd like, making it a little stiff. Otherwise it's quite easy to use and stable.

[Gort]

Patrick/Daniel,

Thanks for the response. As per usual the people on this site are generous with their advice.

Regards,

Theo

[Gort]

Hi Again,

I am now thinking to go with the Saxon Az4. It's more than what I was hoping to spend but it seems more solid than the AZ3 and has a dovetail plate.

Anyone had experience with this mount ?? To me it looks similar to the Vixen equivalent.

http://www.astronomyalive.com.au/telescope-mounts/altazimuth-type-telescope-mount/saxon-az4-altazimuth-mount.html


Thanks & Regards,

Theo.

[dannat]

Theo - this mount is the same as the bintel skyview, for 279 - there is also a version with an extended column for 379. they are decent mounts

[Gort]

Hi Daniel,

I have just bought a second hand Az3 from the classifieds section (used to mount an sw1000)

This forum has given me both good advice and an avenue to purchase. Great stuff.

Many Thanks.

Theo.