iEQ45 or NEQ6?

[LewisM]

Time for a new mount - these 2 mounts are competitive priced with each other so not an issue. Main focus is astrophotographic work.

So, iOptron iEQ45or Synta NEQ6? I am well versed with the Synscan of the Synta product, but I am adaptable, so learning new hand controller stuff is not an issue. What I DO want is:

1. GOOD alignment accuracy (I have found the HEQ5 wanting, so could only hope the NEQ6 is better)
2. good motor accuracy in tracking - I have read the iEQ45 capable of 5 minute unguided round stars...
3. good guiding accuracy

My lean is toward the iOptron right now, but if the NEQ6 is capable, I may consider that as well (and have some commonality with my visual HEQ5)

[Logieberra]

I'm not real familiar with the iOptron stuff... but one thing if for sure - Synta / Skywatcher have sold THOUSANDS of EQ6 / NEQ6 Pro varients of this mount, they've been building them for years. I had one and loved it, superb value for money.

Re pointing accurancy - with precise GPS coordinates, time zone, good polar alignment through the suppolied polar scope and a simple three star alignment - pointing accuracy always put objects within the field of view of my refractor and Nikon D40 chip.

Do some image searches with variations of 'EQ6', 'NEQ6' and 'EQ6 Pro' within the Deep Space section of this site, google images and Flickr... results speak for themselves :)

They also come with a 5 year warranty...

Good luck, Logie.

[brian nordstrom]

:) Hi Lewis , I have the IoptronIEQ45 and love it , it is much easier to set up than the EQ6 mounts , I am up and running in under 5 miniutes
On the tracking I have never had a problem with that either . ;). Very good .
Oh one more thing , at ouir dark sky nites up here I have noticed the IEQ45 is a lot quieter than the HEQ5's and EQ6's on the field .
I think whatever you decide will be a good choice .
Brian.

[Logieberra]

A balanced view... Sounds like a tough choice now...

[LewisM]

OK, so some more details -

1. Scope: Vixen VC200L
2. MAYBE setup the ED80 as a guider pigybacked

I take it the iOptron is fine for this weight/setup?

I am leaning iOptron still. Read some more reviews, and mostly very high for the iOptron - though, same for the NEQ6 too.

[LewisM]

Went with NEQ6

[brian nordstrom]

:) Sweet mount Lewis , after using the HEQ5 , this new mount will be a breeze to use , good luck mate and we are looking forward to some photos of the new rig , and what she will do . lots I can imagine :thumbsup:.
Cool mate , aint it sweet how things can change in the matter of 2 weeks ? :D.
Brian.

[Logieberra]

:) best of luck with her. Solid choice.