AllanK

Stellarvue M1V Alt-Azimuth Mount Head “Weighing in at just 2.5 pounds, the Stellarvue M001V is a small alt-azimuth mount head that connects to any heavy-duty camera tripod column via a standard 3/8-16 thread. This smooth mount employs a 2" Teflon bearing and a stainless steel roller bearing on both axes. Comes with a small Vixen dovetail shoe compatible with all standard Vixen-style dovetail rails. With this M1V alt-az head mounted to a camera tripod, you'll enjoy improved smoothness and stability while exploring the night skies or terrestrial landscapes. Accepts telescopes weighing up to 9 lbs., with the ability to hold slightly heavier loads when a heavy-duty wood or stainless steel tripod is used. This mount is ideal for holding smaller refractors in the 70-90 mm aperture range. Larger telescopes are more suited for Stellarvue's M002C mount. This mount head measures 3.8" in height, 4.8" in width, and is 2.4" deep. The Vixen-style spring-loaded dovetail shoe measures 3.15" in length. The black knob and knurled bottom serve as tensioners. Turn these to adjust the tension in order to allow the smoothest movements in both axes. Slow motion controls are not necessary for this mount.” Also known as.

https://www.altairastro.com/starwave-mini-az-mount-409-p.asp with a Celestron C5.

Finally went for this based on a combination of price, feedback and availability.

Replaced this embarrassing, wobbly photo tripod head. With something which will hopefully be more stable. Plus an eyepiece storage box. Can’t say I’ve been terribly good lately, but I can’t have been terribly bad either. Fingers crossed for some clear skies.

Any thoughts on iOptron CubePro mount with tripod? Found new for £255 from Astroshop.eu? Or should I focus on a decent manual AZ mount?

I’m currently in a similar situation..albeit with a Celestron C5. I was recommended the AZ-5 by many members, but I’m struggling to find them for sale...at least direct retail as there are big mark ups on auction websites. If you can afford to wait it may be worth doing so. My ball head mount needs to go soon...even locking onto the moon is real challenge with it.

There is a real lack of available options;s for AZ mounts out there. Was recommended an SW AZ4 or 5...but good luck finding them lol. Does anybody have thoughts on TS-Optics Tilting Head and Altazimuth Mount for photo tripods? It seems to get favourable reviews and is available now...or would I be better served waiting for AZ5 to come back into. Stock?

As a complete newbie I must admit I’m not sure I can add much to the conversation. I did however replace the stock 45 diagonal on my C5 with this. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08QZ873PC/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_G4MEBZE8TC4Q1NMY18Q1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 To my untrained and inexperienced eye I have to admit I can see a definite improvement but how much better is hard for me to say.

Thanks Geoff..that wasn’t even on my radar.

Thanks.

Front to back dovetail

I have a Cullman Mundo 525 which came with a ball mount head which isn’t the easiest to get stable. Initially thought to replace the mount with an alt Az head.

I know I need to replace the mount and possibly the tripod I initially bought for my Celestron C5. But is there anything else I need to get? Currently have: 45 diagonal shipped with scope 90 Star diagonal dielectric - SVBony 40mm GSO plossl (possibly should just have got 32mm) Celestron Omni plossl - 15mm, 12mm and an optimistic 4mm (all fairly cheap via Amazon warehouse) 25mm eyepiece that shipped with OTA 365Astronnomy deluxe 2x Barlow 2 filters both moon 1x Ostara and a Celestron which came with the 12mm eyepiece as a bonus. This is for me to view pretty much anything - lunar, planetary and DSO.

Just a quick note to say, that after a month or so looking in and “stealing” advice I’ve taken the plunge and signed up. Always had an interest in all things space and owned 2 telescopes which were great for looking at, but not through...a Tasco refractor at age 9 and something which came out of the middle aisle of a budget retailer over 10 years ago. Recently taken the plunge and bought a C5 and hoping to try again. Wish me luck. So far m first post has received lots of advice from a friendly and helpful community.

Hi Heather. Thanks for the advice and welcome. I’ll check out the az5.

I’m just starting out and have recently bought a Celestron C5 OTA as I heard good things and have a tight budget. I had to get a tripod to go with it and (again based on budget) got a Cullman Mundo 525M which is fine for lunar viewings at lower power but anything with higher power becomes really unstable. The tripod has a ball head and I was thinking of replacing with an AltAz mount in the £100 to £150 range...I’ve seen a couple - SVbony SV134 and Omegon A-Z Baby which are in my budget. I’m just wanting something I can use to get me started for lunar, planetary and maybe some deeper space(if possible). Should I go for one of these mounts (if so which one)or ditch my current tripod and get a bespoke astronomical tripod like a heavy duty Celestron? I’ve also seen a version of the Omegon on AliExpress (Sky Rover 2inch Follow-up AZ Pan&Tilt Telescope Mount) for about 1/3 less ...any thoughts on this? Lots of questions but if anybody can give any help it would be gratefully received.