iOptron Smartstar PR GoTo Mount

[Jon Sales]

Does anyone have any information on these mounts?

Are they any good or are they about £300 cheaper than an HEQ5 for a reason?

They look the same more or less and the spec is very similar.

Was gonna try one with an ED on it for DSO AP.

[johnrt]

The max weight load (which in reality you don't want to exceed half of) on this mount for imaging is 25lbs = so 11kg, which makes it about the same as an EQ5, rather than a HEQ5.

Don't skimp a penny on your mount - buy the best one you can afford, people image on an HEQ5 minimum for a good reason. You won't regret the extra investment in the long run.

[rowan46]

Itr's closer to the cg5gt than the heq5, apparently not as accurate as either. The reviews on cloudy nights are not encouraging. They are discontinued now so anything you find will be old stock I think the forthcoming ieq 30 is its replacement

[Jon Sales]

Thanks guys.

HEQ5 GoTo it is then with a descent ED80 mounted on top.

And I'll also get a Dob

Any thoughts on the ED and Dob gentlemen?

[rowan46]

depends on your budget

[Jon Sales]

Around £1200 to £1500 for the lot.

[rowan46]

not a lot for all 3 so you are talking 750 for the mount. 10 inch dob is probably out with that budget so skyliner 200p and whatever you have left for ed 80 and adaptors and bits starwave 80ed is getting good reviews for value at the moment