AZ3 capabilities

[ed9428 (Kris)]

Hi everyone.
Just wondering if an AZ3 would be capable of carrying a 150mm f/5 refractor.
It will mostly be low power viewing only occasionally having a peak at higher power on planets.
I want it for a grab 'n' go travel scope.
I know a refractor this large is out of its load limit just wondering if anyone has any success especially since it is a short tube basically just for low power visual use.
Thanks Kris.

[casstony]

The AZ3 is only suited to small, light scopes. While the 150 f/5 is a short tube refractor, it is not a particularly short telescope and still weighs something like 18 pounds.

[Damienandwendy (Damien)]

Hi Kris,

I found that the AZ3 needed a counterweight with the 80mm short refractor, so it would definitely struggle with something heavier.

cheers

[omegacrux (David)]

Hi Kris
Definite no I tried
Same scope , az3 too tippy scope is just too heavy . And those az3's are a poor design
I use an old Eq5 turned to 90'
Works a treat for visual

David

Ps disliked the az3 so much I gave it away !

[ed9428 (Kris)]

Ok, thanks for that everyone.
I do not have a budget for a 150mm short tube and anything bigger than an AZ3.
How does the AZ3 handle a 120mm short tube achro? I see they are sold as complete sets together so I assume they are compatible.
Is there a big viewing difference between a 120mm f/5 and a 150mm f/5?
The 120mm may be better as I want something I can throw in the car on camping trips.