AZ4 mounts... Good for grab and go?

[JulianFR]

I wondered if anyone has experience of using an AZ4 mount... And if so whether they are recommended.

My SW ST 120 came on an AZ3 mount and while I like it in some ways (light and useful with the slow-mo controls) it can also be a bit of a pain... And it has started moving downwards of its own accord so the object shifts quickly out of view; it wobbles on the alt axis.

So I was wondering about an inexpensive and still easily portable alternative like the AZ4. Or maybe a second-hand something else.

The AZ4 doesn't have fine controls though does it?

[Cornelius Varley]

It doesn't have any slo-mo controls, but it doesn't have friction adjustment and is much more stable than the AZ3 because of the steel tripod (same as used of the HEQ5)

[brantuk]

The AZ4 doesn't have slo mo controls but it's a pretty good grab and go mount for most scopes. It's very firm and stable and moves very nicely just by pushing the ota around the sky. Hth

[Naemeth]

As long as the scope is well balanced the AZ-4 will do fine . Nice mount, considering the price.

[JulianFR]

Thanks for the quick replies. I see there are two versions of the tripod... Would you go for the aluminium or the steel-legged version?

[baggywrinkle]

I have the AZ4 and the ST120. Mine is the aluminium type. I find it is OK, thought some folk have said it is not so stable.

IMO the aly version is OK and is very light. Ideal for grab and go.

[Moonshane]

the steel legged is very stable but I imagine the ali one is a lot lighter (and presumably a bit less stable).

the AZ4 is like a dob on a tripod basically. really good for my 6" f5 newt.

personally, I may eventually swap the tripod for a pier type stand but retain the head.

[happy-kat]

You could add a counter balance arm to the az3.

http://www.spacegazer.com/index.asp?pageid=97490

[nightfisher]

I love the AZ4, it has more or less made my HEQ5 redundant! it handles all my scopes from the 60mm swift right up to 100mm f10 TAL and skymax 150 mak, it helps to take a minute to get good balance with the scope, then your set up and enjoying the night sky

[JulianFR]

Thanks again... Seems like the AZ4 is the one to go for. I did see the AZ3 conversion link before. Looks good but DIY is not my strong point. Also, as I mentioned, the AZ3 is loose in the Alt plane and difficult to keep in the right place. I've tried tightening the main bolt but it is already immovably tight and won't go any further.

[hobsey]

This is a great grab and go mount, very stable and even takes my c8 no problem.

[JG777]

I used mine last night for some planetary and moon observing, mounted the Mak 127 on it. It had the alloy legs on which are OK but it can be a bit unstable initially when you sight something up , this is increased by extending legs as well. It helps to fit the metal tray underneath. I have HEQ5 and sometimes use the steel legs from that on the AZ4 and it is quite an improvement,so if I was buying one now I would probably opt for the steel legs, not a huge difference in weight and just as easy to cart around.

[hobsey]

mounted the Mak 127 on it.

I have to say that this is the perfect combination for a grab and go, I do enjoy using this setup.

[John]

Another positive vote here for the AZ-4. Mine is the steel legged version and usually carries my F/6.5 Vixen 4" ED refractor but I have also used my ED120 F/7.5 on it for short sessions. The mount will handle a 6" F/5 newtonian and a 6" schmidt-cassegrain pretty well too.

I've owned a couple of AZ-3's and a Vixen Porta but the AZ-4 is a step up again in my opinion.

[LukeSkywatcher]

Ive never read anything but good things about the az4. Probably best to go for the steel legged version. 

[JulianFR]

Thanks all... Decision made the and I'll order it this w/e from FLO.

[Naemeth]

Thanks all... Decision made the and I'll order it this w/e from FLO.

You'll enjoy it, very reasonably priced and good at grab and go . Let us know how you get on.

[PorkyB]

I really like my AZ4, but I wish I had bought the aluminium legged version as the steel one is a bit bulky and heavy to carry around. The steel one is nice and stable though, so it depends how portable you need it to be.

[JulianFR]

It arrived yesterday... Pity I didn't realise I would also need a dovetail adapter for my ST 120!

No instruction manual annoyingly but I guess putting it together wasn't too complex.

It is certainly big and heavy ... I thought it would be the same size as my SW SupaTrak mount. Nope, it is MUCH sturdier, though that is good of course.

It will be less easy to move as a grab n go unit with the ST 120 but a lot more stable than my AZ3. Looking forward to using it soon!

[Christhorpe]

Enjoy the new mount. I have it for my megrez 90 and I love the portability of it. Sturdy as well. I got the l bracket from telescope house. Perfect for the scope and my 20 x 80 binos.