Alternate head for HEQ5 mount

[TheUKDave]

Hi all,

 

I have an HEQ5 tripod/mount, but I'm looking at getting a slightly smaller/lighter/more-portable setup for grab'n'go astronomy to supplement my 'proper' get up.

So does anyone know of any smaller/lighter/non-driven heads (either AZ or EQ) that will fit directly onto the tripod stand that comes with the HEQ5?  That way I can easily whip out the lesser setup on a whim, but still have the option for the full-on driven setup when conditions justify.

 

Cheers,

Dave

[Cornelius Varley]

The EQ3 and EQ5 should fit straight on.

[TheUKDave]

Do you know if the heads are available separately? Or will I have to buy a whole mount+tripod combo (then try and flog the tripod)?

Cheers,

Dave

[Cornelius Varley]

You can only buy full mounts.

[Cornelius Varley]

The Skytee is available either with or without the tripod and is compatible with the HEQ5 tripod http://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-mounts/skywatcher-skytee-2-alt-azimuth-mount.html

[TheUKDave]

Thanks for the skytee suggestion, but that's a fairly heft (and expensive) mount, and I'm looking for more of a lightweight (and cheap :D) option.

I had another thought though, as part of my "smaller/lighter/more-portable setup", I'm considering getting a Skywatcher Startravel 80, which can be purchased in various configurations, e.g. OTA only, tabletop EQ1, tripod EQ1, AZ3, etc.

If I purchase it with any of those mounts, will the head go onto my HEQ5 tripod?  If so, I can just discard (or sell) the tripod it comes with, and I'm all set.  

If those heads won't work, do you know any other configurations of ST80 that would?

Cheers,
Dave

[TheUKDave]

I've noticed as well that these 2 tripod/mounts:

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-mounts/skywatcher-eq5-deluxe.html

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/celestron-mounts/celestron-omni-cg-4-mount.html

Whilst being from different manufacturers seem to have identical tripods (and both identical to my HEQ5).  Do you think therefore a CG4 head would fit on my tripod?

 

Cheers,

Dave

[Cornelius Varley]

4 hours ago, TheUKDave said:

Thanks for the skytee suggestion, but that's a fairly heft (and expensive) mount, and I'm looking for more of a lightweight (and cheap :D) option.

I had another thought though, as part of my "smaller/lighter/more-portable setup", I'm considering getting a Skywatcher Startravel 80, which can be purchased in various configurations, e.g. OTA only, tabletop EQ1, tripod EQ1, AZ3, etc.

If I purchase it with any of those mounts, will the head go onto my HEQ5 tripod?  If so, I can just discard (or sell) the tripod it comes with, and I'm all set.  

If those heads won't work, do you know any other configurations of ST80 that would?

Cheers,
Dave

I don't think the smaller mounts are compatible with the HEQ5 tripod.

 

1 hour ago, TheUKDave said:

I've noticed as well that these 2 tripod/mounts:

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-mounts/skywatcher-eq5-deluxe.html

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/celestron-mounts/celestron-omni-cg-4-mount.html

Whilst being from different manufacturers seem to have identical tripods (and both identical to my HEQ5).  Do you think therefore a CG4 head would fit on my tripod?

 

Cheers,

Dave

The CG4 is virtually identical to the EQ3 but uses the better tripod and will fit the HEQ5 tripod.

[Cornelius Varley]

On 01/02/2016 at 12:03, TheUKDave said:

Do you know if the heads are available separately? Or will I have to buy a whole mount+tripod combo (then try and flog the tripod)?

Cheers,

Dave

Used CG4 head https://grovers.biz/optics/spare-parts-for-telescopes/3154-celestron-cg-4-mount-only.html . no tripod, counterweights or slo-mo cables.

[StevieDvd]

A Vixen GPD mount would fit the HEQ5 tripod, as I have one doing that in my garage. Have a peek at the threads where it is mentioned as it's smaller then others but carries weight well.