Ap900

[matt]

Does anyone know who sells this mount here in Oz?

Thanks

[RB (Andrew)]

If buying new you need to go on a AP waiting list for a long while.
No one to my knowledge is a distributor here in Oz.

You've got more luck buying a second hand unit.

I'd instead consider a Tak NJP for the load you are considering.

[matt]

And what would that load be, Andrew?

I'm considering an awfully broad range of scopes in various sizes and weights, as well as attachments

Will keep an eye out for 2nd hand, and check out the TAK NJP

[RB (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by matt

And what would that load be, Andrew?

Whatever load you were considering putting on the AP900.

[matt]

The AP900 suits me fine, based on the research I've done knowing the load and purpose.

The Tak also looks good

[gbeal]

Both are excellent, evidently. I have the EM200, and had the AP600, both smaller brothers of the two you are now considering.
The NJP will be cheaper to buy used, and both are often for sale on Astromart. The AP900 I believe breaks down, into two smaller parts, but from all accounts is a HUGE piece of mount, so don't drop it on yer toe.

[jase (Jason)]

As previously mentioned, Astromart is your best shot for the AP900 (second hand). Wait list is considerably long for one off the production line. A second hand AP900 GTOCP3 goes for around $US8k. I've seen some AP900 GTO's (CP and CP2) go for less - around $US6k.

A second hand Tak NJP - Temma 2 goes for around US$5K.

In both cases, prices excluding shipping from the US and does not include a tripod (equatorial head only) - which is typical for the high end mounts. You generally mount them permanently on a pier or purchase the tripod at additional cost.

I'll "name drop" the Losmandy Titan as a user of this mount. May or may not meet your criteria. You can pick up a new one for A$11k (including shipping from US). Its priced between a new Tak NJP-temma 2 at A$10 and Tak EM400-temma2 at A$12k.