And yes, a Redcat 71 would be a good match. I have a 100mm f2.8 prime that I'm planning on using with a Canon 60D (modded) until I get used to using it, and then was considering one of the slightly smaller Redcat 51 or maybe a Zenithstar 61 scope.
And yes, a Redcat 71 would be a good match. I have a 100mm f2.8 prime that I'm planning on using with a Canon 60D (modded) until I get used to using it, and then was considering one of the slightly smaller Redcat 51 or maybe a Zenithstar 61 scope.
Thanks Warren.
Sounds lime a good setup and would really be good for those who need to travel to a dark site.
... Looks like a nice setup. Very tempting! Would I buy it? Not sure as it only takes me 5 min max to put the EQ6-R and Esprit in the car (imaging train intact). I even use the EQ6-R for the FMA180!
Now if going overseas thats a different matter but there again it’s usually travel in the Northern Hemisphere summer where is doesn’t get dark!
It does open up other Imaging opportunities, however I feel personally that too many choices can sometimes dilute focus and expertise in core activities.
I just saw an approximate 22 June 2022 availability for the StarAdventurer GTi on the SkyWatcher Australia website. My guess is that this probably relates to units already on order rather than for stock.
That's right, JA.. at least based off the details provided to me by Bintel who said the 23rd for my order.
Initially it was June 6, but that date has slipped across the country.
Adam, did you pre-order in the first lot of GTI's through Bintel? I thought I remember their website saying that the first batch were due in late May back when the mount was first announced.
The date has shifted around a fair bit. Hoping the 23rd is still on track!
Some people in the US have been told 2023 at the earliest. I'll be cancelling my order if that happens.
Hmm, that's a concern. I'll probably do the same if it's delayed that long and order an iOptron Skyhunter instead.
I'm chasing a super lightweight, fully automated rig that I can set up on my roof for a night's imaging and control remotely because it's the only spot on my property that's clear of the trees. This little mount would be a great solution. I haven't been brave enough to haul up my AZ-EQ6 and set it up on the roof tiles haha
Just ordered mine from Bintel on backorder looking forward to this little mount ,will be putting on a w/o 90 weighed in at 4kg plus guide scope dslr all up 5.1kg .i need something like this because my AZ-EQ6 stays in the observatory and because of back problems i cannot lift very much cannot wait to give this a go
Do you think it will balance that 5.1kg rig with the included 2.2kg counterweight?
I noticed a few photos shown the the Skywatcher what's up webcast https://youtu.be/rUY29PJSitE where a few rigs that I guestimated to be around 5kg and they were all balanced with EQ6R counterweights. However, those rigs looked to have quite a high center of gravity. I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem if you rigged everything nice and low
The date has shifted around a fair bit. Hoping the 23rd is still on track!
Some people in the US have been told 2023 at the earliest. I'll be cancelling my order if that happens.
2023? The last I heard they were due late June / early July, the original shipments having been moved back from early June.
Do you think it will balance that 5.1kg rig with the included 2.2kg counterweight?
I noticed a few photos shown the the Skywatcher what's up webcast https://youtu.be/rUY29PJSitE where a few rigs that I guestimated to be around 5kg and they were all balanced with EQ6R counterweights. However, those rigs looked to have quite a high center of gravity. I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem if you rigged everything nice and low
Hi Matt,
I think you should be OK balancing your ~5kg payload using the standard counterweight based on looking at a Steven Morris (Hello Steve) YouTube video, which shows him demonstrating a balanced ~3.6kg load (SW Evolux 62ed, Nikon Z7 with Nikon battery grip) with the standard 2.3kg counterweight HALF WAY along the counterweight shaft. Extrapolating from there, if the counterweight was moved to the extreme end of the shaft I'd expect no problem in dealing with a 5kg payload with a similarly low centre of mass.
If your situation becomes marginal for balance you could consider locating any guide scope, if it's a mini type, to below the main scope possibly attached to the underside of a longish dovetail bar. Also ensure the counterweight shaft uses the lower of the two counterweight shaft mounting screw holes.
That's been there for a while. They haven't updated their site (in fact, the July date was for the second batch of orders.. first one was sold out and was supposedly for June)
Bintel emailed the people in the first batch of pre-orders yesterday saying August, so the July date will be pushed back for others.
I pre-ordered mine through Testar, and the other day I enquired via email as to arrival dates. They got back to me pretty quickly and while they didn't specify a date, they did state that the Star Adventurer is expected for delivery late this month.
EDIT: I spoke with imprecision...late July is when the company will take delivery, so shipping to customers may be a little longer.
Yes, that's the one. Correct URL...
