Hi all, thanks for looking at this post.
I am wanting to test a Skywatcher AZ/EQ 5 (tripod or pier) and an iOptron AZ Mount Pro to see how they handle my Orion EON 120mm refractor.
My reading on various forums suggests that both mounts may have trouble of one sort or another with 120mm and larger refractors. Yet other reading suggests no problem at all. I suppose the best thing to do is to test my refractor on those mounts before committing $$ to buy one.
If you are within say a one hour drive of the ACT and are willing to meet and let me try my refractor on your mount, I would be like to hear from you either via this thread or via PM if that suits you better.
The refractor weighs just under 7 kg and all the other bits and pieces (mounting rings, RDF, 2in diagonal and the heaviest EP I have) add another 2 kg for an all up weight of 9 kg. The manufacturers' data on both mounts suggest they can carry more than that.
I have a Skywatcher HEQ5 that is happy to carry this refractor without a second thought but an ALT/AZ mount has the attraction avoiding those awkward viewing positions that an EQ mount offers from time to time and "simpler" alignment.
I know careful attention to balance in AZ and ALT is important and that a short extension pier may be needed to ensure the scope does not hit the tripod legs when positioning near zenith.
I know the Skywatcher AZ/EQ 6 would have no problem with my refractor but alas I have lifted and carried it's mount head and come to the conclusion that in a few years time I will probably be too difficult to carry and setup hence the interest in lighter weight mounts.
If you have either mount and have used a refractor similar to mine on, I would like to hear about your experiences.
If you have any suggesst on accessories I should consider for either mount I would like to hear from you.
For those that have an AZ/EQ 5, is it compatible with the HEQ5 tripod without the need for any adaptors?
If you have suggestions on other mounts with ALT/AZ and goto capabilities that I should consider then I would like to hear about them. The dual scope feature on these two mounts isn't that important to me - they just happen to have them.
Thanks
CatznStars