A small mount for my small Mak?

[Space Oddities]

Hello!

Recently, I bought my first telescope, a SkyWatcher 4"/102mm Maksutov. I started using it on a tripod, but it's not very convenient and difficult to aim.

I was thinking about getting a small mechanical mount, that could fit in a backpack, and allow me to follow those damn planets  

I don't want to spend too much on this, and I might even buy it second hand, as it's just for observing.

Any recommendation? Are cheap mounts like the Celestron CG-3 worth it?

Thanks for your advice!  

[vlaiv]

Backpack size is difficult to achieve in EQ.

Probably best option would be to go with a small tracking mount and use it on sturdy photo tripod? It does not have to be EQ mount in this case, alt az capable of tracking will be a good fit for planets.

Something like this:

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p7007_Skywatcher-Star-Adventurer-travel-mount.html

 

[vlaiv]

Maybe even something like this:

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p416_Skywatcher-German-equatorial-mount-EQ1-with-tabletop-tripod.html

(if it can be mounted on photo tripod instead of table top tripod)

If looking for "full size" EQ mount, then you probably should not go below Eq3 model (but not cheap, can add simple RA tracking motor for relaxed planetary observation):

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p2769_Skywatcher-German-Equatorial-Mount-EQ3-2-with-field-tripod.html

[Alan64]

47 minutes ago, Space Oddities said:

Hello!

Recently, I bought my first telescope, a SkyWatcher 4"/102mm Maksutov. I started using it on a tripod, but it's not very convenient and difficult to aim.

I was thinking about getting a small mechanical mount, that could fit in a backpack, and allow me to follow those damn planets  

I don't want to spend too much on this, and I might even buy it second hand, as it's just for observing.

Any recommendation? Are cheap mounts like the Celestron CG-3 worth it?

Thanks for your advice!  

A bit odd that you reside in Munich(?), yet listed an item located in the U.S.  In any event, the Celestron CG-3 is the same as the Sky-Watcher EQ-2...

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p417_Skywatcher-German-equatorial-mount-EQ2-with-field-tripod---special-offer--.html

It's cheaper than a go-to mount.  You can attach an inexpensive 9V-battery motor-drive to the RA-axis of the EQ-2 and automatically track any object...

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p395_Skywatcher-Tracking-motor-for-EQ-2-mount.html

I would suggest a lithium battery given the coming winter.

The mount can certainly be broken down for travelling.  I don't know if it would fit into a backpack however, but if there's a will there might be a way.  The mount would certainly support a 4" Maksutov.  I have an EQ-2 myself, a Meade...

Although, all the brandings and marques, including the CG-3, are made in China, and perhaps even at the same factory.

[Craney]

One of these came up recently for sales second hand.....

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p6694_iOptron-SmartEQ-Pro-Goto-Mount-with-Aluminium-Case.html

I think (somebody correct me if wrong)  that it will fit in a rucksack..... and it can be operated on regular batteries......