idorikun20

Thanks @johninderby that's clear. Nice picture. I will try to get those clamps indeed. I see you use counterweights; do you deem them necessary for the SW120?

Thanks all for your responses and good advice! I go for the TS-Optics AZ5 indeed! Sorry to ask... feel a bit helpless here :') but it comes without a saddle plate. Is this the thing that is still needed then, a dovetail clamp to hold the scope? A bit confused as to what the "saddle plate" exactly is. https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/language/en/info/p7887_TS-Optics-Optics-XL-Premium-Klemme---Adaption-fuer-gro-e-Teleskope-und-Kameras.html

Hi all! I would appreciate some advice on mount selection a lot! I will own the Skywatcher Evostar 120 ED (5.6 kg, 900 mm focal length). At first, I will mainly use it for viewing and not astrophotography. Therefore, I opt to go with an Alt-az mount without go-to. I read a lot about the importance of a stable mount that will not be prone to shakiness. But I find it hard to determine a "variable" of the mount to base my choice on... perhaps only max. load capacity. Where I live in the Netherlands, the Stellarvue is unfortunately nowhere available... also not in neighbouring countries. I found the following options so far (links included): Vixen Porta II (https://www.astromarket.org/alt-azimuth-zonder-goto/vixen-montering-porta-ii-incl-statief/p,14828) Explore Scientific Twilight I (https://www.teleskop-spezialisten.de/shop/Telescope-Mounts/Azimuthal-mount-ALT-AZ/EXPLORE-SCIENTIFIC-Twilight-I-azimuthal-telescopic-mount-with-steel-tripod::3738.html?language=en) BRESSER Twilight I (https://www.bresser.de/en/Recommendation-Lists/INTERESANTES/EXPLORE-SCIENTIFIC-Twilight-I-telescope-mount-with-tripod.html) TS-Optics AZ5 (SKYTEE) (https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/language/en/info/p4537_TS-Optics-AZ5-Alt-azimuthal-Mount-with-tripod-and-fine-adjustment.html) Would any of these be a good choice? Sometimes a saddle or tripod is not included, should I know something about that too to make a good saddle / tripod choice? Thanks a lot in advance for any help!