I'm really tempted...or not

[emadmoussa]

Since I got my portable EQ-3 mount, I've been pondering about mounting my 6" refractor (11Kg) on it. According to Skywatcher the EQ3-2 has a maximum payload of 7Kg for visual, what happens if I overload it with a 11Kg telescope? Will it write its suicide note?

I guess the best way to know is to do it and then having broken something weep over the debris

[swamp thing]

Don't think it'll break, it'll just be utterly useless, wobbling like a jelly.

[JB80]

Yeah I don't think I would.

The 150 PL is only around 6kg and for some they can't handle it on a EQ-3. I know a lot of that comes down to the long tube length but the 6" frac isn't exactly short either.

Personally I find it borderline and can make do but 11kg I wouldn't go near.

[JamesF]

I'd agree. I think you'd really be asking too much of the mount.

James

[emadmoussa]

I actually bought it to be the arms and legs of the 80ED, but while I achieved portability and quick set-up now I find myself craving for more aperture and portability. Difficult to achieve, I know.

[Colin A]

Is it really worth the risk? Personally I wouldn't chance it.

[astrofox]

I agree with swampthing, you wont see a thing with the scope vibrating.

[LukeSkywatcher]

I have to go with the flow here. I know this type of tripod (aluminium rectangle legs). I have a 90mm refractor on either an EQ1 or EQ2 and the OTA weighs next to nothing but the vibrations from the tripod are terrible. So i dont think putting a 6",11Kg scope on it would be a good idea.

[emadmoussa]

Well, I carefully gave it ago last night.

You know the song .. ''baby monkey riding on a big baby monkey'' ? Well, last night it was light grown-up gorrila riding on a big...as it were.

I could easily see the whole set-up toppling off and crashing with the first breeze.

[glowjet]

That really looks like asking for trouble

[planet15]

I mount a 6" SW frac (about 11 kg with finder scope and EP) on CG4, and it seems handling fine. CG4 was rock solid at all positions even the 6" frac pointing at Zenith ( although, at this position, I must sit on a decking chair to look into the EP). CG4 is a good mount, highly recommended.

[Russe]

lol... great picture....

I don't think that's an option. But everybody here has already given their opinions which don't differ from mine...