Mount for future setup!

[twelly27]

Hi all

Ive been doing this since last Christmas and now I would like to get a proper astrophotography setup sorted, I'm planning to get a skywatcher ED80 for Christmas unless anyone suggest another scope for good DSO imaging, I'm stuck for the mount though I was trying to get a used NEQ6 but its been sold, so I'm back to either a HEQ5 or a EQ5, I would like to add a guide scope aswell when the time comes, I will be using my skymax 127 on the new mount ill get up to Christmas after that I think the new scope will most probably stay on it,

I would just like to know suggestion comments of past experience and advice as to what to go for, as all of you know things get expensive and I can't afford to buy something then need to upgrade again soon after I'd like things to last a few years before I need to upgrade etc.

I would like the set up to be portable as the chance might come up to take it on holiday or to really good dark skies in this country

Thanks

Chris

[JamesF]

If you've got that long to wait I'd hang about and see if another NEQ6 comes up. On the other hand, I'm really not sure I'd describe them as "portable".

James

[twelly27]

When I say portable I mean as in out it all in the car and pop off kinda thing haha

[Spikey]

The HEQ5 and NEQ6 will both happily take the ED80 plus a guidescope, cameras etc..

I've owned both and the HEQ5 was easier to move about than the NEQ6 as its quite a bit lighter.

If you plan on upgrading the scope to something heavier and I mean like C9.25/C11 heavy or multiple imaging scopes then go for the sturdier mount capable of a higher payload - in this case the NEQ6.

If you're not bothered and plan to stick with the ED80 and a guidescope then the HEQ5 is absolutley fine and is an excellent mount.

[twelly27]

The HEQ5 and NEQ6 will both happily take the ED80 plus a guidescope, cameras etc..

I've owned both and the HEQ5 was easier to move about than the NEQ6 as its quite a bit lighter.

If you plan on upgrading the scope to something heavier and I mean like C9.25/C11 heavy or multiple imaging scopes then go for the sturdier mount capable of a higher payload - in this case the NEQ6.

If you're not bothered and plan to stick with the ED80 and a guidescope then the HEQ5 is absolutley fine and is an excellent mount.

i think until I get my own house and get a proper well paid job I'm going to stick with easier simple things to move and store parents don't want scopes and stuff all over haha thanks! Ill have a look for a used HEQ5 then I don't mind going second hand on a mount ill be buying the scope brand new thought

thanks

Chris

[twelly27]

Just another point is there much difference between HEQ5 and EQ5 or is the HEQ5 just a lot sturdier?

[Naemeth]

Just another point is there much difference between HEQ5 and EQ5 or is the HEQ5 just a lot sturdier?

The HEQ-5 is not only sturdier, it's also more accurate. The HEQ-5 Pro Synscan / Syntrek makes imaging far easier than the EQ-5 Pro Synscan. If you get the HEQ-5 Pro 2nd hand, you won't be paying any more than you would for an EQ-5 Pro Synscan, so there aren't really any advantages to getting the EQ-5 that I can see .

HTH

[twelly27]

The HEQ-5 is not only sturdier, it's also more accurate. The HEQ-5 Pro Synscan / Syntrek makes imaging far easier than the EQ-5 Pro Synscan. If you get the HEQ-5 Pro 2nd hand, you won't be paying any more than you would for an EQ-5 Pro Synscan, so there aren't really any advantages to getting the EQ-5 that I can see .

HTH

Just the answer I wanted! Thanks I've got a syncscan mount now and I'd love to keep using it makes it so much easier for me thanks!

Thanks

Chris

[Naemeth]

Just the answer I wanted! Thanks I've got a syncscan mount now and I'd love to keep using it makes it so much easier for me thanks!

Thanks

Chris

I'm not sure I was clear.

If doing DS imaging, an equatorial mount is a requirement because of the field rotation that occurs if the mount is Alt-Az. Both the EQ-5 pro synscan and HEQ-5 pro synscan would be much better than your current mount to avoid field rotation, but the HEQ-5 is the better one out of the two.

[twelly27]

I'm not sure I was clear.

If doing DS imaging, an equatorial mount is a requirement because of the field rotation that occurs if the mount is Alt-Az. Both the EQ-5 pro synscan and HEQ-5 pro synscan would be much better than your current mount to avoid field rotation, but the HEQ-5 is the better one out of the two.

yep I've known that for a while I haven't suffered from field rotation yet though not took enough time for it to effect but I understand that for the pictures I want and exposure times I need that an EQ mount is a must