I haven't been very successful in my search for a mount That will meet my needs well and my budget of under $5000..
I hope to purchase a Tak TOA150 some time in the future and am looking for a mount that can drive and hold that scope well for the time being.
I am close to purchasing a Losmandy G11 from a member on this website, but several reviews say it struggles due to the long moment arm of the toa150 and that wind of just 10mph can generate a wobble with that scope mounted which is not what you want for astro imaging.
Appart from the G11 and skywatcher EQ8 I can't think of any mounts that might be suitable.
The ultimate desired step could weight as much as 40kg.
If anyone can suggest a mount new or used that they feel wouldbe good for such a long heavy scope please let me know.
Hi John,
Under the 5k mark, the G11 is excellent value and the build is amazing. It has a stated carrying capacity of 27 Kg but I have had much more than that on mine. I have heard of one that successfully carrier almost 100kg but it would require exceptional care.
The TOA is a heavy beast, without extras. If you are planning imaging, you will also need to add 5-10ks for that gear. Unless you have a very sheltered site, wind is going to be a problem.
G11 has a long and successful history but its fiddly to use. I have not used an EQ8 but there are mixed opinions of its build quality.
A Tak NJP all the way, as mentioned one is in the classifieds at a good price (no connection with the seller). I have the mount that replaced it and have nothing but praise .
EQ8 should be suitable, with excellent PE and capable of throwing a lot of weight around with precision. If considering an EQ8 for portable use, try lifting one first. The head is very heavy and the tripod, while extremely stable, is only slightly portable. The much lighter G11 would probably be more suitable for portable applications.
EQ8 External finish is very ordinary, so if appearances/bragging rights matter to you, look elsewhere.
The EQ8 does not have spring loaded worms, so there is backlash and you have to set up weight biases to deal with it when imaging - but I guess you also have to do that with the G11 and NJP (someone please correct if this is wrong).
A fellow member suggested that I forgo the stepping stone and jump to a Paramount MX from the get go...
I understand this this is a brilliant mount but does any one know of one that might be for sale second hand??
Also on the list now it the Losmandy Titan second hand ofcourse.....
for the money the eq8 will be worth it. the G11 would be great as well but at its limit, as for the titan being 5 grand - id snap it up in a heartbeat, but that's unheard of. the eq8 will be good, though weighty. but then the titan is weighty too so what are you after? portability, reliability, flexibility (options). peter is right about the upspecced g11, but if you take out the class issue there is considerable bang for buck with the EQ8.
i own an EQ8, Heqpro5 and a titan50 as well as a G11
Yep, unless you are keen on serious robotic/automated use and assuming it has no unseen issues then THIS is your best option IMHO
I attach a few guide star plots using my NJP loaded up like THIS and that's with no PEC, no ProTrack and just polar aligned using the inbuilt Tak polar scope
While there are no guarantees in this game and there will always be a horror story or two with any model of mount, I have never had to "tune" or buy upgraded worms or re-grease or otherwise adjust my NJP mount even once in the 10 years I have had it, using it both portable and in an observatory
Yep, unless you are keen on serious robotic/automated use and assuming it has no unseen issues then THIS is your best option IMHO
I attach a few guide star plots using my NJP loaded up like THIS and that's with no PEC, no ProTrack and just polar aligned using the inbuilt Tak polar scope
While there are no guarantees in this game and there will always be a horror story or two with any model of mount, I have never had to "tune" or buy upgraded worms or re-grease or otherwise adjust my NJP mount even once in the 10 years I have had it, using it both portable and in an observatory
Oh well you said under 5 grand and now jumping up to MX/ titan class prices good luck in your search
Thats how it is in this field of interest....
you never stay on budget....Beren...
An IIS member has kindly offered his titan for 5k. and its definately something to think about.....
but reading reviews and opinions, it seems that the 2 mounts that people swear by are the AP1200GTO and the Paramount MX, with the edge slightly in favour of the PMX....
Now the decision is do i stick to my initial 5K budget or do i just get something i know i wont be in any rush to upgrade for the next 10 years...??
Thats how it is in this field of interest....
you never stay on budget....Beren...
Agreed been there, done that ......been a member of this forum for a little while and I have never seen so much high end gear on sale in the last six months. There's a TOA-150 listed as well plus the AP1200 in the classifieds great opportunity, big saving's over new especially with the dollar starting to slide south.
the TOA150 sale is pending.....
I am keeping close watch in case it falls through...
What are peoples thoughts on the Losmandy Titan?
i hear many people have had to do several upgrades and updates and tweeks to get them to perform.....
John
Quote:
Originally Posted by beren
Agreed been there, done that ......been a member of this forum for a little while and I have never seen so much high end gear on sale in the last six months. There's a TOA-150 listed as well plus the AP1200 in the classifieds great opportunity, big saving's over new especially with the dollar starting to slide south.
)
......been a member of this forum for a little while and I have never seen so much high end gear on sale in the last six months. There's a TOA-150 listed as well plus the AP1200 in the classifieds great opportunity, big saving's over new especially with the dollar starting to slide south.
