Orion Atlas or Skywatcher EQ6??

[ncwolfie]

I currently have an AVX mount for my edgehd 8 which is pier mounted in a roll off roof observatory. I am mainly into astrophotography with only occasional visual use. Nothing but problems out of my AVX. Have tried until I can't try anymore with it. So trying to decide on a new mount within my budget. Of course a paramount would be nice but way out of my budget.

Looking at an Orion Atlas or Skywatcher EQ6 Any thoughts on which would be best or concerns with either? I need to make a decision quick as the skywatcher is on sale until the 18th if I go that route. 

Thanks in advance for any advice

Randy

[ronin]

Owing to it regularily occuring on CN Orion will support you for spares etc but if you sell the mount on and get a better one for yourself (Paramount) in the future the buyer of yours gets no support, spares or anything from Orion.

Say this as it is a possible aspect for you to consider. Also this happened to someone a few days back on CN. For information I have the idea there is one retailer that will order from Orion for non-original users and ship but they are Canadian based. Costs more but they get the item.

Not sure how good an EQ6 is, there are a number of reports of Skywatcher's having software hiccups but in honesty this seems to be the smaller mounts, so I half guess that the ones like the EQ6 are a bit better regarding the internals.

I am considering a bigger goto then the ones I have and the reality is I cannot see any that appear reliable. I get the idea that often some new almost useless feature is added rather then simply improving the reliability and operation.

Interesting your problems with the AVX, I read on CN someone who was asked to suggest a good AP mount and said they would not suggest the AVX as they would like to keep the person as a friend.