davyludo

Oh dear... that doesn't sound great Hope you get it sorted Mike.

Out of interest - has anyone else got the AZ5 and used it with a 127 mak? I'm looking at the AZ5 and 127mak bundle and I'm interested to hear if anyone has tried out this setup. Cheers, Davy

Hi Mike, Perfect - thanks for the extra info. I'm tempted to just cut the peg off my AZ4 tripod and take the same approach as you. Put the adaptor money towards eye pieces Might just take the plunge and order the AZ5 head on payday!

I know adaptor plates are a nice easy/clean way of doing things....but I'd like to point out that Mike has put the AZ5 head on a Vixen tripod (that looks like it has similar fixings to the SW tripods) without an adaptor (see images in following post): @mikeDnight could you possibly let us know your thoughts on how you feel how well the AZ5 is attached to your tripod (without adaptor)? Does it feel secure enough, or do you feel an adaptor plate would be a better option? From what I can see - you had to cut off the little alignment peg and then replace the M10 bolt (assuming same as SW tripod fixing size) with a 3/8" bolt to attach the head? By the way, what length was the bolt? If you feel it is secure enough....then maybe this is the easiest and cheapest option. It probably means that you can't use the accessory tray/spreader on the AZ4 steel tripod. I assume with the Berlebach adaptor still allows the M10 rod that the tray attaches to, to be fitted....and the aligment peg doesn't need to be cut off. Thanks again Mike for all your help and info - sorry to bother you with more questions.

It's a shame that this adaptor is fairly expensive (in my opinion) because I also think it's potentially the best solution. Can't understand why they didn't stick with an M10 fixing. Weird

I've wondered what the heavy duty version will be like as well. Does anyone who's bought the AZ5 happen to know if there is any information in the user manual about the heavy duty version? Other than that it can take a 9kg load.

Awesome, looks like there are a few options out there then. Looks like you might still have to trim the alignment peg/stub. Trying to decide what to do with my AZ4 steel legged tripod - don't know whether to cut the peg off and then just use a 3/8 bolt and washers, for cheap and cheerful. Or whether to spend money and buy some sort of adaptor. Come on next pay day!

Thanks for taking photos Mike - that's really useful to be able to see the difference in size. The AZ4 does look a bit bulkier than the new AZ5! It does look like there is less distance between the Alt fixing and the top of the Az section (if that makes sense). Maybe the 150p will be just too big for it. FLO have a kit with the AZ5 and 130ps - from the image it does look like it might be tight when getting close to the zenith. Guess we just need to wait until someone with a 6" Newt tries it out! Thanks again for your help

I'd be interested to know if this is an option as well - I was actually thinking about this last night! Previously I was going to get a 150p-ds on an AZ4, but I changed my mind and went for something smaller and more portable to take away on camping trips. It would be good to see the AZ4 and AZ5 heads side by side. I would imagine that the new AZ5 tripod might be a bit wobbly....but if the AZ5 head is similar to the AZ4 in terms of size and stability, then fitting a more stable tripod might make the AZ5 suitable for the 150p-ds (I've heard of quite a few people using the AZ4 for it). I've already asked Santa nicely if he could possibly bring me some telescope fun things this year....so far I need to streamline my list though!

After some pondering....I'm thinking about potentially getting the AZ5+tripod package to use for grab and go viewing/camping trips (seeing as it sounds pretty light compared to AZ4). Then buying the adaptor so that I can use the AZ5 head on the AZ4 steel tripod for home viewing. The AZ4 head might end up just gathering dust! Think I'll hold off until John has had the chance to review the AZ5 and Pronto mounts. Plus wait for FLO to get the Berlebach adaptors in and just order it all in one go.

Hi Helen, Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I'm getting closer and closer to sticking an AZ5 on the credit card.... Cheers, Davy

I wonder how difficult it would be fashion a little converter plate so that the AZ5 head can be attached to the AZ4 tripod.....and if there will be enough demand that someone might start producing these. I would like the AZ5, but don't have the available funds right now. Might hold out for some reviews to appear before I decide to purchase. Plus....I don't think I've seen anything but clouds for months This is a good point. I'd be interested to see someones comparison with the same head and different tripods. I hadn't thought of this, but was surprised by the 5kg. The skywatcher AZ4 manual states the same load capacity for both steel and aluminium leg versions: https://storage.googleapis.com/skywatcher-canada/upfiles/en_download_caty01334362158.pdf

Hi Scott, I've not used any of the ES eyepieces, so can't really comment on them...although I now want to try one after reading John's comment! I do have the X-cel LX 25mm though, and I really like it. Feels nice an robust in the hand, no complaints about the views with it. Although, being fairly new to astronomy and having only tried the cheap eyepieces that come with a new scope or the X-cel LX range...I don't know how much my opinion is worth.