EQ 5 Pro goto with a Sky-Watcher Skymax-180 PRO

[valleyman]

Is it possible to use the Sky-Watcher Skymax-180 PRO on a EQ5 Pro, or is it on the limits weight wise, I have a Atik 314L+ that would be used for astro or an Opticstar SL131C.

Would I be pushing the mount to its limits?

Pat

[Cornelius Varley]

The 180 weighs 16 lbs and the Eq5 has a load capacity of about 20lbs (both taken from the Orion T&B website). For planetary imaging you should be OK, for DSO imaging it might be a bit marginal.

[oldpink]

I've used a 200p SW on an eq5 with reasonable results but you have to get the balance really good

[Grotemobile]

I used to use a C11, on a CG-5 mount.

I was told, it over loaded.I done a

lot of planery imaging with it.You will have

no trouble with that set up.

Steve

[AstroGZ]

Should be absolutely fine, I use a 200PDS on an EQ5 for deep-sky astrophotography with no issues.  

[Macavity]

I have a much-added-to MAK150 (weight about 16lb!) on an *HEQ5* and feel

it is close to the limit. I am *just about* happy with Video Astronomy (imaging)

with a 16lb 8"/F4 barefoot Newt. Or maybe I'm becoming WIMP-ish with age?

[valleyman]

Thanks for all the reply's,

The 180 looks like being my next purchase

Pat

[r3i]

I recently got one for visual and planetary/lunar imaging and have been very pleased with it.  I haven't had much opportunity to do any imaging with it as yet but the views through the eyepiece have been great.

As others have said you should be OK for planetary imaging.  

As for DSO imaging, it's not just the loading limit of the mount that may present you with difficulties, it's also the fact that a scope with a focal ratio of F15 and a focal length of 2.7m isn't really ideal for that kind of work.  But as you have an ED80, you're already sorted in that department.

[Pete Presland]

The MAK180 is a terrific planetary scope and will fine on the EQ5. I use my C9.25 on mine occasionally for planetary imaging and its been ok.