Weight capacity of mounts

[Bullfrog (Jeremy)]

G'day all,

Just a quick question. I've just recently upgraded to a heavy scope. I went from a Skywatcher 120mm acro to an RC8 on a HEQ5. Do the counter weights on my mount count towards to weight limit of the mount or is the weight limit just purely what gear you put on?

Cheers

[astroboof (Steve McN)]

Payload usually refers to what you mount on the.. mount, as in a telescope of some variety. Counterweights are variable.

I think that's right, but you know, when you are right you are always right, and when wrong, always wrong..

[Atmos (Colin)]

Most of the time the mount payload doesn't take the weights into consideration. When it does though, they tend to say that it does. I guess a general rule of thumb is that if it just gives a number then weights aren't included.

[raymo]

The HEQ5 is rated for a PAYLOAD of 13.7kg. This weight works o.k. for
visual use, but is a bit much for imaging, 10kg being a good figure.
I have about 11kg of scope and accessories on mine.
When advertised as load capacity, it can be ambiguous, being either
inclusive of weights or not, but when listed as payload, the figure is exclusive of weights.
raymo

[Goschencat (Rex)]

Interesting thread.
As a returning newbie looking to downsize, for various reasons, I wonder if it would be best to go for the heavier EQ6 mount first up, rather than the EQ5 for the weight limit reasons you mention. I notice some people are selling their 5 and moving to a 6. And I'm aware of one friend who wished they had purchased the 6 first time around.

I imagine the scope, finder, guide scope, guide camera, main camera, other accessories etc all add up in weight, depending on your setup.

Do you have any thoughts on if the 6 may be an overkill or is price the main limiting factor there. (Although I'm sure there must be other benefits to an EQ6 other than just weight capability)

[raymo]

Hi Rex, There are several factors to consider when downsizing.
Why are you downsizing? grab and go convenience? physical
limitations re carrying the equipment? Change of usage of equipment?
I am 80ish and find the 6 too difficult to lug around, and will happily
stay with my HEQ5. I imagine that this is not your situation.
The HEQ5 will happily handle an 8" Newt or a 9.25" SCT and it's accessories for astrophotography, or a 10" f/4 or 5 Newt or 10" SCT for
visual.
If you don't envisage ever wanting to exceed those sizes, then the 6
is unnecessary. If you might at some stage want to go bigger, then
the 6 would be the mount of choice, unless you want to go a lot bigger,
in which case you might need the 8.
The only significant benefit the 6 offers is the load capacity. It's
features are pretty much the same as the 5.
raymo

[Goschencat (Rex)]

Hi Raymo,
Thanks for the feedback.
My main reason would be a change of situation.
I purchased the LX200 when I was a bit younger (and fitter) and my original installation had it pier mounted. But since moving around between Qld & Vic the setup hasn't re-established itself .

And I would love to try some other facets of this hobby, so looking at moving to something like a 100 or 120ED on an EQ5 (or 6) with imaging gear attached. So extra guide scope, Guide cam, Canon EOS main cam. Usual entry level astro imaging type setup. (Not really sure what gear at this stage as the idea hasn't fully materialized in my head yet)

But (in the old days) a solid mount was seen as all important, and if I'm going to buy a new one I'd rather get one that will do me for a while. And I'm sure it will still be lighter than my current field setup

[MattT]

Hi Rex,
Having had both 5 and 6 EQ's I get the 6 and skip the 5. The 6 is bigger but not that much bigger.

My 2 cents FWIW

Now I have gone completly nuts and use an EQ mount that weighs in excess of 150 kgs....and thats with no counterweights or scope on it...and I love it and it is still transportable, just takes time to set up

[Goschencat (Rex)]

Thanks Matt, good feedback.
I have heard others say much the same. So it seems that has fixed the mount decision 😄
Now I need to work out what's going on it.
I note that one of the local suppliers has a nice combo setup with the EQ6 and ed120 SW. That may be a nice start.

Plus I still have to sell my LX200 12", which will be a sad day, but necessary.

Thanks for the help.