They all do the same thing, track/guide in equatorial mode. The difference is basically the higher the number the greater the load carrying capacity, the greater the tracking accuracy, the easier it is to attach electronic tracking/guiding and goto, I think 5 comes standard with tracking/guiding now? (I have an EQ4 which doesn't come standard with tracking/guiding, but I have now outfitted it with an Right Ascension drive. ) Also the higher the number the more expensive.
What you get will depend on a few factors. Are you only doing visual work or do you want to dabble in astrophotography.
For visual work with a small refractor you can get away with an eq3 or 4, which would allow you to do some very simple astrophotography. Basically moon and planets. Maybe some piggyback photos if your really really patient and are a glutton for frustration.
For visual work with a smallish (6" to 8" f/6 ish) newtonian, wouldn't even think below eq4 or 5. Even eq 4 would be very frustrating trying to focus without the image moving all around the place. Its not so much the weight it the length of the scope that will flex the declination axis in particular. (well that's been my experience anyway with moderately long scopes on this size mount.)
If your thinking photography. To be moderately successful no less than EQ5.
The thing you need to remember is that the more stable you need your mount the higher the number you need to go. Visually you can get away with a bit of a wobble as long as your not viewing at high magnification. If your imaging, no wobbles.
Hope this helps
The Synta HEQ5 will be fitted with GOTO soon apparently. It will bump the price up a bit but would be ideal for those with 8" SCT's. Anything heavier you would need the EQ6 which can carry upto and a little over 25kg. I think the HEQ5 carries about 15kg, but you have to watch the length of the tube.
It would be nice if they had an image of it Grant. After a quick search I didn't find any infromation about it. The SV-1 that the scope is mounted on looks (with out a closeup view its hard to tell) like an eq3/eq4 bit small for that scope for any serious work
Lee @ Andrews has advised that the SV2 mount on the GS660 looks "stronger and is far better finished than the EQ5" on the competing Skywatcher with the EQ5.
Hi Darren , I have been doing some research for Grant and he wants to do imaging down the track so needs an Eq mount.
I haven't been able to find much on these SV mounts or the availability of Go-To drive kits for them so feel that he may be better of with an EQ5 or better still an HEQ5 .
At least there is lots of info and after market Go-to options available as well as better drive systems for them due to there popularity.
I know they each have there little problems as I have the EQ6 as you know but a little work goes a long way on the larger mounts.
I have advised him to get the 8'f f6 GS dob to start with and then when funds become available get the HEQ5 mount.
This way if he does loss interest his initial out lay will be minamel.
Grant is not far from me as well so our next Astro night he hope to get along with us.
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