Skywatcher AZ4 Alt-Az mount - Incoming

[FLO]

We have some details of the new Skywatcher AZ4 alt-az mount

"The AZ4 will be launched in the first quarter of next year. It will be available both with aluminium and 1.75" stainless steel legs. There are no plans to make the AZ4 head available separately."

And some pix:

[John]

An upgrade to the AZ-3 is overdue IMHO but it would be good if it was a bit taller than the previous offerings - my back does not seem to like stooping as much as it used to !.

Looks a bit like the Vixen Porta without slow motions.

John

[TheThing]

What would the load limit be on this mount?

[Rob]

Thats real nice!!............. Skywatcher (Synta) have been busy

[FLO]

What would the load limit be on this mount?

Not sure yet, Ade Ashford in his Astronomy Now feature suggests a 6" Maksutov or larger Newtonian (tried to upload the pdf but it was too big, I'll upload it to FLO and post a link later):

Sky-Watcher is also poised to release a keenly priced heavy-duty alt-

azimuth mount, filling a gap in the market for observers who have a large

optical tube like a six-inch Maksutov or larger Newtonian and regard

equatorials as something of an anathema. If you fall into this category, then

Sky-Watcher’s new AZ4 may be just what you’re looking for.

It is available in two flavours: for weight-saving you can have it supplied

on an aluminium tripod, or for optimal stability you may choose the version

with 1.75-inch stainless steel legs. In either configuration, the AZ4 does

feel reassuringly solid. There are easy to grip friction clutches on both axes

and there’s a stout, 29cm-long panning handle that may be screwed into

one of two ergonomically sited points separated by a 90-degree angle

for additional control.

A rugged Vixen-style dovetail-mounting block ensures compatibility

with a wide range of optical tubes up to around eight inches in

diameter. It’s quite feasible to mount a six-inch Newtonian

on this rig. For spotting-scope users with a mounting

point on the underside, an L-shaped bracket is also

included. Another nice feature is the altitude and

azimuth scales marked in one-degree divisions — a

nice aid to locating celestial objects if you have a

Palm or PocketPC planetarium program.

At a glance: SynScan AZ4

Aluminium tripod model:

Height to altitude axis: 91–142cm

Weight: 5.4kg

Price: £129

Stainless steel tripod model:

Height to altitude axis: 103–135cm

Weight: 8.1kg

Price: £179

[TheThing]

Thank you kindly Steve. Very interesting...

[chrisdg1968]

Steve,

I think this may be just what I am looking for - I see it is due this first quarter, any ideas when may be arriving for sale?

Also, are there any plans for a tracking alt-az mount (not necessarily go-to) capable of holding a tube over 4kg by any of the manufacturers?

Thanks.

[FLO]

... I see it is due this first quarter, any ideas when may be arriving for sale?

There is a delivery due late-Feb, we are hoping they will be on that.

... are there any plans for a tracking alt-az mount (not necessarily go-to) capable of holding a tube over 4kg by any of the manufacturers?

If we hear anything (we are allowed to repeat) SGL will be the first to know