Quote:
Originally Posted by Screwdriverone
Hi Peter,
Sorry to do this to you, but I had another thought.
If you are contemplating the Andrews MC150 on EQ5 for $699, why not go for the MUCH better optics of the Promak 150 from Skywatcher $599, and mount this on the EQ3 mount which Andrews sells for $199?
Total then is $798. Only $100 more than the MC150, but on the EQ3 rather than the EQ5.
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OR..... put the 150 mak onto a GSO alt-az mount for $298 incl dovetail adapter. Nobody here seems to mention this mount, but it seems to be a hot ticket item in the US right now judging by the CN forum.
I just took a look at the Andrews site. That eq3-c looks way too small and flimsy for the mak. Yuk!
Again I firmly believe that an eq mount runs contrary to the concept of having a convenient, lightweight and portable setup. For a start, you're dealing with dead weight in the form of counterweights and the extra complexity and fiddle factor compared to using an alt-az.
The same goes for the 6" newt on eq mount. We are now looking at a scope heavy and cumbersome enough that its little or no more convenient than the 10" dob you already have, but with less capability.
You should be aware that maks suffer long cool-down periods before they give their best. This is the trade off.
The r130 needs a focuser upgrade as the supplied plastic focuser really is bad..
Its not easy is it?