EQ3-2 or EQ5 for Bresser AR 102/1000?

[Seeq]

After help with my last post I'm swinging between the Skywatcher Evostar 102 and the Bresser AR 102/1000. I am currently favouring the latter having read some reviews on here.

At the moment I will be using it for visual and I am on a fairly tight budget. I do plan to set up a small observatory in the future and will look at upgrading to something like an NEQ6 to support the extra weight or even a whole new setup altogether. I'm in no rush to do this as I want to learn the skies and enjoy observing for now.

My question is, for an interim mount for frac of this size would an EQ3-2 (Exos1) suit, or is it necessary to save a few more pennies for the EQ5 (Exos2)? I believe the Bresser is a bit lighter than the Evostar?

If I do eventually get a whole new setup then I'd be possibly looking to keep the frac and mount for portability to take to star parties, etc so this may factor in as well.

Thanks

[dannybgoode]

I'd always get the best mount you can. An EQ3 is a touch wobbly for my liking. An EQ5 is a happy medium between stability and portability. 

An EQ5 will give more options later should you wish to swing a different scope and maybe try a bit of imaging. 

[Peter Drew]

+1 for Danny's recommendation. 

[John]

I've owned a couple of 4" F/10 refractors and I agree with the above - the EQ5 would be quite a bit steadier.

[xtreemchaos]

+1 for the EQ5, deff the better, it will carry your scope well for vis and prity good for AP too if well balanced. goodluck. charl.

[Seeq]

Thanks for al your help. The eq5 it is then. 

[dannybgoode]

It's easy in any hobby to spend just that bit more but in the case of the mount you're making the right choice. 

I think a lot of people of put off astronomy because they rush and by the wrong kit and get frustrated by the results. 

You'll like the EQ5-very decent mount and no harm in looking on astrobuysell for a decent secondhand one. If it's been well looked after there isn't a great deal to go wrong with them.