HEQ5 Vs EQ5, worth it?

[Abitofsense]

Hi,

I'm about to buy a new Skywatcher 200p (1st scope and definitely the one I want) and I'm wondering should I just stretch to a HEQ5 now. Ill only be looking to do basic AP (planets etc) and will be mainly visual. Is the HEQ5 worth the extra few ££? Has anyone used both with a 200p?

Thanks

[billyharris72]

Hi there.

I've used the EQ5 with a 200mm Newt and found it struggled a bit, especially if there was any breeze. Not to say it wasn't usable but the HEQ5 handles it very comfortably. Maybe not an absolutely essential upgrade, but a very nice one if your budget will stretch. I put it off for ages but it was well worth it.

Billy.

 

[Craney]

Careful.....   with a HEQ5 you will be sucked into the murky world of half decent astro-photographs,  DSO lists, subs, flats, ..... and then all your money will disappear. 

[xtreemchaos]

deff go for the HEQ5 if you have the cash, the EQ5 is a good mount its just the HEQ5 is better , worth the extra cash. goodluck. charl. 

[wookie1965]

If I had the funds when I got my 200p I would of got the HEQ5 rather than the EQ5, saying that I have had some brilliant nights with it but I am visual only.

[johnrt]

The HEQ5 is a totally different beast to the EQ5, much better mount all round, it is rather more a mini EQ6 than a beefed up EQ5. If you can afford it go for the HEQ5 without question.

[Abitofsense]

Thanks for the replies. I'll definitely go for the HEQ5. I'll probably end up regretting if I didn't