Hi John,
Thank you for the detailed information re: your AZEQ5 with my sw 130mm reflector the 5 would easily handle that no problem. When you mentioned that you thought you did not need the dual eq/altaz functions of the mount it really got me thinking in an entirely new direction.
What if the ultimate in ease of use and weight could be found in a separate alt/az mount and eq mount. If you say had a string of nights where by chance or design you could only view for short periods your alt/az mount is out and ready to go. With your preferred visual scope permanently mounted .
The eq side of the equation has some obvious benefits , ie: scope, auto-guider and camera in a permanent setup . Maybe even a specific spot in the backyard (not an obsy per say but just a spot you know you can polar align easily) you could do an imaging run and still have your az mount for visual or EAA.
The question becomes what alt/az mount to purchase, your az/eq5 really only has one competitor in that price point which is the Ioptron AZ mount pro. The overall impressions of that mount are about 50/50 in getting one that does not need tinkering out of the box. The eq side of the equation has several offerings from sw ioptron and the like all of which I am a sure you are well aware of.
I realize having 2 mounts is more money , but just putting that aside for a minute, having separate tools dedicated to one job certainly does sound appealing.
Mike