New mount for Skywatcher ST120

[mikemabel]

Although i am really pleased with the new scope i am becoming increasingly frustrated with the az3 mount 

I am looking to replace this asap before any new eyepeices etc.

What do you recommend? 

I am finding that i need extra height for the eyepeice for comfortable viewing and that the thought

of some GOTO capability would be nice.

I had thought of using a Nextstar se 6 /8 mount or a skywatcher az goto if is up to it or

a EQ3 or EQ5 GOTO mount. I would like to do some occasional imaging

Ease of use is very important to me

cheers

[damnut]

Hi MikeMabel,

I have an st120 and started out too with the AZ3 mount. Its just not man enough for the job. Quickly moved to an AZ4 which transformed the use of the scope. Also added an extension so it saved my back. The scope is bullet proof and goes everywhere on hol, impervious to sand, snow and dog slobber..

You wold also be able to sell the AZ3 to partially fund the new mount.

[David Smith]

If you want to image anything other than the Sun, Moon or bright planets then you'll need to consider the EQ3 or 5 options. The 3 would probably be adequate but the 5 better if you think imaging will become a big part of your hobby.

If you just want to do moon and planets then the AZ4 will be ideal.

[mikemabel]

I agree with the scope Brown Dwarf, Jupiter and Venus have been brilliant with it . How did you add an extension to the AZ4 ? , like you my back will not take too

much leaning. 

If i can get some occasional video or image with that mount then it sounds good

[damnut]

Hi There,

It is a tube extension that attaches to the tripod and then the mount goes on top. It raises the telescope so makes viewing easier.

Below is the extension I use on a skytee mount it is the white steel tube before the mount. I did not have a pic with the az4 on it.

[Earl]

What is your budget?

The new EQ5 Alt Az and EQ hyprid could be ideal for you.

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-mounts/skywatcher-az-eq5-gt-geq-alt-az-mount.html

[mikemabel]

Cheers Brown Dwarf. Would the EQ5 extension tube  fit ? If it needs a bit of fettling i have a handy brother in law

is that an upgraded focuser on the skywatcher scope?

Sorry Court Jester thats out out of my field of view at the moment , maybe for the future

[John]

Cheers Brown Dwarf. Would the EQ5 extension tube  fit ? If it needs a bit of fettling i have a handy brother in law

is that an upgraded focuser on the skywatcher scope?

Sorry Court Jester thats out out of my field of view at the moment , maybe for the future

The AZ-4 uses the same fittings as the EQ3-2, EQ5 and HEQ5 mounts. The Skytee, Skytee II and Giro mounts are the same as well. So the 16" EQ5 extension will work with all these mounts. It's a great addition but does add quite a lot of weight to the mount / tripod. Not that thats a bad thing necessariliy.

[damnut]

As John above, directly fits and whilst it does add some weight there is no turning momentum as it fits vertically on the mount.. No fettling required

[mikemabel]

Cheers for that 

its come down to a choice between the AZ4 and the Skytee 2 , both with an extension fitted.

The skytee appeals as at some point another scope will be added to my collection ( my ancient modded tasco 60mm ref could be added for now)

I've seen the thread about adding motors to it something again for the future

Skytee it is !

Thanks John for your advice and photo

[John]

I've owned both the AZ-4 and the Skytee II. Both are great but the Skytee II has higher capacity in terms of the scope weight and tube length that it will support. Do consider upgrading the dovetail clamps though, the standard ones can have issues with thread stripping and consequential scope security.

[damnut]

Hi MikeMabel,

The Skyte II is a great mount, my pic above is the extension  with an skytee on it. I would very much agree with John in terms of replacing the mounts with adm saddles.. This is my main setup on a portable pillar with a skytee II...

[mikemabel]

Wow what a setup Brown Dwarf ! 

What is the larger scope ?

It seems that replacing the mounts is a good idea but in peeves me a bit to have to replace / upgrade something that should be 

satisfactory in the first place. 

The saying a  "hapeth of tar " comes to mind

Cheers

Mike