I'm narrowing down my choices for a reasonably heavy-duty AZ mount that can competently hold an 8" f/5 Newtonian - and possibly handle a 10" f/5 as well.
On Cloudy Nights, the DSV-3 seems to be frequently recommended, and I'm pretty sure this will be fine for the 8" scope because the previous owner (Hi Morton!) has a DSV-3. I reckon this would come to around $2000 to import it from the US (with the encoders), after GST, shipping and sourcing a local tripod.
I'm also looking at the new Losmandy AZ-8, although the price I've seen at Bintel ($1649 + $549 for the encoders), seems pretty steep compared to US prices.
More recently, I've read good things about the Japanese T-Rex mount, that also compares favourably the DSV-3 and DiscMounts DM-6. It seems to be better value for us here in Australia than in the US, although would still be $300 more than the AZ-8.
Does anyone have any experience with one or more of these mounts, and could you share your thoughts on my short list?
I might not be the most impartial person to ask...... but,
I was going to get the DSV-3 initially then bought the T-Rex, then sold the T-Rex and knew that was the wrong thing to do so I had another T-Rex custom painted ......
I also just bought another Berlebach Planet tripod, they make such a solid combination.....
stefang had and may still have the AZ-8
Morton has the DSV
issdaol has his TOA150 on the T-Rex
I won't recommend using an AZ mount on a tripod with any newtonian. These mounts are designed for refractors/cassegrains where you view from the back of the scope and track using the handle.
The best AZ mount for a newt is a dobsonian mount.
I won't recommend using an AZ mount on a tripod with any newtonian. These mounts are designed for refractors/cassegrains where you view from the back of the scope and track using the handle.
The best AZ mount for a newt is a dobsonian mount.
My $0.02...
Cheers,
Arief
The T-Rex actually will work well with a newtonian as the saddle can be mounted at 90º to the normal position and the scope set up in reverse,
so the focuser is positioned to face the centreline of the mount and where a refractor focuser would normally be.
That way either the short standard handles or the flexihandles can be used.
You can also fit the JMI train & Track motors to the T-Rex. The mount also has very nice clutch action for pushing to position.
Hi John, I once owned a T-Rex and I miss it a bit, it is a great mount, but not ideal if you only own Newts imho.
I think there are better options in your case, either: 1. rebuild a dob base with better materials (easy to do) or 2. spend the cash on an AZ-EQ6 which has the flexibility to suit a range of scopes and applications.
If you get the T-Rex I foresee a very happy used buyer down the track or a change of telescope type.
As you know the DSV-3 is fine with an 8" f/5 Newt but wouldn't handle anything larger. I bought mine with the knowledge that if I ever want a larger Newt it'll have to be a Dob.
Arief is right that the DSV-3 is designed for Refractors and Cats assuming you want to use both slow motion controls at the same time for high power tracking. However, I can reach them with one hand while observing or just ignore them completely and move the scope like a Dob. The mount is smoother than a typical cheap Dob mount.
Recommend you look at the Gondwana website that Tony posted above. Alex makes some lovely stuff.
Hi John, I once owned a T-Rex and I miss it a bit, it is a great mount, but not ideal if you only own Newts imho.
I think there are better options in your case, either: 1. rebuild a dob base with better materials (easy to do) or 2. spend the cash on an AZ-EQ6 which has the flexibility to suit a range of scopes and applications.
If you get the T-Rex I foresee a very happy used buyer down the track or a change of telescope type.
I also have a refractor & a Mak-Cass, so the Newtonian is just another option. I've found it a bit awkward to use on my GEM - the tube rotation is a pain, and I think my mount (Celestron AVX) is a bit light for the 8" Newt.
The idea to put the Newt OTA on "backwards" is intriguing - but sounds like it might work to get access to the slow-mo controls, or, as Morton suggests, just push the OTA like a Dobsonian.
I had a look at the Gondwana telescopes site - looks good. I think a new Dob mount would start at $550, so worth considering.
As you know the DSV-3 is fine with an 8" f/5 Newt but wouldn't handle anything larger. I bought mine with the knowledge that if I ever want a larger Newt it'll have to be a Dob.
Arief is right that the DSV-3 is designed for Refractors and Cats assuming you want to use both slow motion controls at the same time for high power tracking. However, I can reach them with one hand while observing or just ignore them completely and move the scope like a Dob. The mount is smoother than a typical cheap Dob mount.
Recommend you look at the Gondwana website that Tony posted above. Alex makes some lovely stuff.
Hi Morton,
Good suggestions! The slow-mo controls might be a bit difficult with a Newtonian, but as you say, it should be smooth enough to just push the OTA as with a Dobsonian. I've found the 8" Newt to be a bit fiddly with a GEM, as I think you also did....I did make a "slip-ring" to allow me to rotate the tube, but it does move the position a bit after a GoTo, so it's not ideal.
The scope is great BTW! I'm looking forward to getting out to darker skies soon. Hope to see you at some Sydney observation nights some time; I'll be in touch.
John, If you look at the last pic I posted above, you will see the slow motion flexible cables to the left of the mount, basically your eyepiece would end up just above the cable ends, which means the controls would be at your fingertips as you stand or sit at the eyepiece.
