"somewhat upgraded", yes. in my newer link to the product, the load is stated as 12kg. (possibly due to 2" tripod legs?)
I noticed that TS-express overall gives cautious statements re load.
but a major thing might also be:
the customer with the C9 didn't have such a long tube like mine.
AND on mine, the main weight is at the top.
his tube's main weight was right over the mount head.
I don't know if that's true. But it feels wobbly just thinking of it.
ah, bummer. thank you for bursting my bubble, Shiraz.
No, the HEQ5Pro comes at 2000 NZD and more.
There's a used iOptron Mini Tower (first model) on trademe for $ 1.150.
Alt/Az mounting exposure time would be much longer than what I can do now. But again, my tube is probably too heavy and also too long.
I was almost buying the HEQ5 here on the classifieds. Flying to Melbourne and back same day. But in the end, there'd be no $ gain.
My driveway in the ditch, surrounded by slight hills and to the west and s/w by trees adds to the problem with my current EQ5.
I was lucky to find the Lagoon nebula at the Zenith. But exposure time was reduced to 3.2 seconds, still elongated stars. Frustrating.
The targets which allowed for 8 seconds 4 weeks ago, Derwish, omega centauri, carina etc are now hidden by the south western trees.
There's only so much drift alignment you want to practice when you are under the stars...
Oh, and even if I wanted to do visual observing, which doesn't appeal to me atm, I'd have to buy better eye pieces.
I can only go back to piggy back. or give up.
Good luck with your search Silv , something will come up I am sure .
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