Not sure if this is the right thread to place this, but I hope it is.
I have recently acquired a Skymax150 OTA. I use it with an old EQ5 at the moment, but would liike to go GOTO, and I need some help deciding which would suit me best..
Right now,I am hesitating between the AZEQ5GT and the HEQ5Pro, but I am open to suggestions.
I would like do mainly visual observation, with some ocassional light AP.
I like the versatility of the AZEQ5GT, but I am not sure about the tripod.
While I sort of understand why they went with the pier solution, I suspect the pier section would enhance any vibrations. Also I am not convinced about the rigidity and reliability of the leg's tightening bolts.
On the plus side, I like the AZ mode, which I suspect I would use most of the time, and I think it is also easier and quicker to align. But if I want to do some light AP, I would need to purchase a separate polarscope, which is already included in the HEQ5Pro.
I like the HEQ5Pro too, because it seems to be a more neat package, with less wires dangling about, a more robust tripod, a built in polar scope and it is less costly. However, I have noticed when I equipped my old EQ5 with my Skymax, that most of the time the finder points downward, making it awkward to use. Than again, I suspect that would be the case with the AZEQ5GT as well.
I have also looked into EQ6 series, but decided; they would be too heavy for me, as I live in the centre of a very light polluted town and pretty much have to move out every time I want to observe. And those things are heavy.
Anyway, I would welcome any ideas, suggestions, advices from people who have experience with one or the other (or both), or with different ones I have not considered yet.
Thank you very much in advance!