tomato

If I had the option again I would have paid the 200 euros to get the Mesu as a two section bolt together unit. My single piece Mesu travels safe and secure in a hefty flightcase but it really is a two person job to lift it in and out of the car.

100% agree regarding the Mesu 200's reliable and accurate tracking performance. I set mine up and take down for each session, it is a robust piece of kit. Biggest scare to date was when l didn't secure it properly in the back of the car and it fell over, but survived intact. It is now transported in a (large) flight case. I use a home made, very heavy pier style tripod, a cross between the one sold with the EQ8 and the Mesu one. You would not describe it as a grab and go but as you point out there is no point going to a dark site with a set up that trembles in the breeze. The new lattice style tripod on the Altair Astro website looks pretty sturdy but I have not seen any reviews. Steve