Would an AZ4 take an Evostar 120?

[spaceboy]

Hi All

I can't find any load ratings for the AZ4 other than it would take a 150pl but I don't know how much they weigh so that's not much use.

Any comments welcomed.

SPACEBOY

[GazOC]

I have an AZ4 under an f 7.5 ED120 and it works well. I've not tried anything bigger though, I keep meaning to try my 150mm f5 refractor but havn't got around to it yet.

edit: I have the upgraded tripod legs and I think that makes a fair bit of difference to what the mount can take.

[spaceboy]

edit: I have the upgraded tripod legs and I think that makes a fair bit of difference to what the mount can take.

What to Gaz ?

[GazOC]

What to Gaz ?

Oh sorry mate. I thought there were 2 kinds of tripod legs for this mount but looking on FLO it looks like theres just the 1.75" legs. Those are the ones I've got.

Sorry for the confusion.

[spaceboy]

No confusion Gaz. There are two. There is a cheaper aluminum version. When you said upgrade I wondered if it is possible to attach an EQ tripod to it.

[GazOC]

Ah right, so I'm not going mad!!! The tripod is solid, def. recommended.

[John]

I've put my AZ-4 on the 2" steel legged CG5 tripod from time to time. It's really solid then although I'd still hesitate to say that it will handle the Evostar 120 or 150PL OTA's for anything other than low to medium power viewing. Those are long tubes as well as having some weight.

[Adz]

How does the Eq5 compare? Its it a little step up or quite a giant difference?

[GazOC]

I've put my AZ-4 on the 2" steel legged CG5 tripod from time to time. It's really solid then although I'd still hesitate to say that it will handle the Evostar 120 or 150PL OTA's for anything other than low to medium power viewing. Those are long tubes as well as having some weight.

For high powers on an alt/az I think the magnification is a big factor as well. The mount takes the ED120 weight and size well enough but those type of mounts can be tricky to use at high mags no matter what the scope is to a certain extent IMHO.

[spaceboy]

Hmmm that's that idea gone bosh then. I was hoping to use it for both my Evo 120 & 127 MAK. I'm sure the MAK sits fine on on an AZ4 but I use it for splitting doubles and it sounds like high mags are going to be as much hassle as my dob was. Do they not do motors for AZ mounts ?? I was hoping to use the mount for both scopes so I doubt the usual supa trak mount will be up to the task.

[GazOC]

They don't do motors but I think the SkyTee has slow motion controls. For me, with planetary and double starts I like a mount that tracks and that usually means an EQ. I use the alt/az more for more general medium/low power stuff with maybe the odd look at planets and double stars.

[spaceboy]

I have an EQ5 with tracking but was hoping AZ would offer more portability IE: no heavy counter weights to lug around. Never mind back to the drawing board.

Thanks to all for the advice

SPACEBOY