portable alt az goto mount?

[AlphaOrionis]

I'm looking for a decent alt/az goto mount to use with an ED80 Apo (weighing 5-8lbs, depending on which one I buy). I've been searching a lot for one of these mounts sold seperately, but as it stands it seems like I have no choice but to buy in a bundle.

Considering that my tube +dslr will probably end up at ~10lbs, Im wondering if anyone would have any suggestions. This will be for short exposure astrophotography and I know that an EQ mount would be better, but I live in the city and I might not benefit much from long exposure anyways, and the entire setting up hassle.

It seems right now that my cheapest option is to buy a Nexstar SE4 and to just keep the mount. I can't find any details about this mount, and I'm not even sure if it can handle the 10lb load.. Are there other affordable options for me? Maybe the SLT mounts?

Cheers!

[Joseki]

If you're doing astrophotography there's going to be plenty of hassle to deal with anyway.  eq mounts aren't really that bad.

however you can get the SE mount on its own:

http://www.highpointscientific.com/celestron-nexstar-se-computerized-mount-91203

and quotes 12lb weight limit.

ioptron mounts also springs to mind

http://www.optcorp.com/ioptron-cubepro-goto-alt-azimuth-mount.html

there's also (for more money) alt az version of the HEQ5 mount - dual mode so you can keep your options open.

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-mounts/skywatcher-az-eq5-gt-geq-alt-az-mount.html

[happy-kat]

I have seen just the mount sold in clearance on First Light Optics and Astroboot.

[ronin]

Alt/Az is no real use for imaging with a DSLR as that implies long exposures and the mount is not suitable.

[happy-kat]

Ronin this post shows what some are achieving with out an eq mount and if the OP goes in with their eyes open to the limitations and does not set their expectations above what might be managed then they may be happy with the tradeoff on the mount chosen.

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/228101-the-no-eq-dso-challenge/?fromsearch=1

[AlphaOrionis]

Ronin this post shows what some are achieving with out an eq mount and if the OP goes in with their eyes open to the limitations and does not set their expectations above what might be managed then they may be happy with the tradeoff on the mount chosen.

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/228101-the-no-eq-dso-challenge/?fromsearch=1

This ^

I understand EQ mounts are best, but given my current situation (living in an apartment building downtown) the EQ mount would just end up picking dust and I wouldnt want to lug it around. I plan on getting an EQ mount somewhere down the line, but for now I know what to expect of an Alt/Az and I know its limitations. These pictures are, in my opinion, more than satisfactory for beginning astrophotography.