Worthy upgrade from an HEQ5 Pro

[Saturn488]

Not looking to upgrade anytime soon but thought I would throw the question out there.

What would be the most logical choice from an HEQ5 Pro?

Going by price point the HEQ5 Pro RRP is $1,299 so I am thinking maybe around the 3-4k would be a good upgrade.

[bojan]

Depends on what you want to do with better/bigger/ more expensive mount.... and why.

[Startrek (Martin)]

If you are considering upgrading due to heavier payloads then the EQ6-R is an excellent choice
I use both HEQ5 and EQ6-R mounts
Very happy with both but obviously the EQ6-R is a far superior mount in every aspect
My EQ6-R Mount only cost me $2,300 brand new back in March this year and is manageable for me ( I’m nearly 60 years old and a light build )

Upgrading all depends on your needs and circumstances

[Saturn488]

Originally Posted by bojan

Depends on what you want to do with better/bigger/ more expensive mount.... and why.

Oh yeah sorry!

Astrophotography. Currently using a refractor with a crap tonne of equipment attached. Maybe also the ability to use a RC 6" or larger as well.

[casstony]

Celestron CGX has spring loaded worms, but the head weighs 44 pounds.

Skywatcher AZ-EQ6 is the best of the EQ6 variants IMO, weighs 34 pounds.

There are also other lighter high capacity mounts from Vixen and Ioptron.

[bojan]

I have old EQ6 (black, belt modified and Bartelized (or OnSTEP-ed) by myself), with C11 (and counterweight).
In the near future, I intend to load it with 10" Newt (12kg + counterweight) and I do not expect issues (it will be permanent setup, under ROR obs.

[Slawomir (Suavi)]

In the past I upgraded from a belt-modded HEQ-5 to AZ-EQ6. Didn’t notice any significant improvement in guiding graphs, but the AZ-EQ6 was a definitely stronger mount with more torque than my HEQ-5. However, I noticed a significant improvement in guiding graphs, degree of backlash and pointing accuracy when I later upgraded to Mach-1.

[Startrek (Martin)]

My EQ6-R Mount guides considerably better than my HEQ5 in all different seeing conditions
The HEQ5 is carrying a 6” f6 newt ( payload about 9 kg )
The EQ6-R is carrying an 8” f5 newt ( payload about 12 kg )
Both mounts tracking and Goto via EQMOD and Stellarium
Both guiding through PHD2 with same guide scope and camera

The EQ6-R also recovers much quicker after a “Dither” than the HEQ5

Based on the last 5 months experience , my EQ6-R is a far superior mount to my HEQ5

[raymo]

Martin, I suggest that you not compare the 5 and the 6 using your experience with one or two of each.
The six is not intrinsically any better than the 5,[obviously, it can carry a heavier payload], they are both made to a price, and in fairly large quantities, and hence they vary in quality, and particularly in tracking ability.
You can also find q.c. variations in mounts a step up from the Chinese ones;
the worst proper[as opposed to EQ1s and the like] GEM I have owned was a Vixen Super Polaris I bought new many many years ago when they were
considered the best thing since sliced bread, in their price range. The clutches on both axes used to jam solid in the engaged position, and much more importantly the backlash in R.A. was horrendous, and could not be adjusted out because the gear was not concentric with the R.A. shaft. I bought it whilst on a visit to the U.K. and could not afford the freight to ship it back there, so had to get a gear machined here at considerable expense.
The long and the short of it is that with anything less than premium
quality mounts it is pot luck, but they're generally pretty good these days.
raymo

[Startrek (Martin)]

Raymo
Have you used the EQ6-R ?
Im not suggesting everyone’s situation will be exactly identical as mine ( nothing is when products are manufactured from China / Taiwan ) But there’s a good chance that it will be similar or close enough to make a reasonable assessment
In my case the facts are correct , and I’m just stating “my” experience only, not a general bland comment across the board. I’m sure folk will read the word “my” in my comment
Thanks for your concerns and comments

[raymo]

Hi Martin, I wasn't including the R; I have no experience with it, so cannot comment on it.
raymo