Skymax 127 SynScan vs Skymax 127 EQ3-2?

[DozyG]

I'm looking to buy my first telescope for visual observing and had settled upon getting a 127mm mak, primarily on the basis of portability. LP isn't too bad where we are but there are houses and trees which will cause some obstruciton and I liked the idea of being able to take the scope on camping trips where there's a chance of some unimpeded dark sky viewing. I've been interested in astronomy for ages but the kids are now showing an interest and especially now we're all stuck at home I thought it would be a fun and interesting thing to get them into. 

Anyway, I noticed that skywatcher seem to sell two versions of the Skymax 127, one with a SynScan goto mount, the other on an eq3-2 mount. The OTA seems to have the same spec as far as I can see but visually they're different, one white and black and the other all black. Does anyone know whether they're actually different in performance or construction? 

Also, I was expecting to shell out more for a goto mount, but the version with the goto mount is actually cheaper than the version with the EQ3-2 mount. Is the goto mount likely to be less sturdy and will therefore have more issues with vibrations etc? Just trying to figure out why anyone would go for the eq3-2 mount (I'm sure there must be reason but I know too little to know what it might be!)

https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-skymax-127-synscan-az-goto-telescope.html

https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-skymax-127-eq3-2-telescope.html

 

[Cornelius Varley]

23 minutes ago, DozyG said:

Anyway, I noticed that skywatcher seem to sell two versions of the Skymax 127, one with a SynScan goto mount, the other on an eq3-2 mount. The OTA seems to have the same spec as far as I can see but visually they're different, one white and black and the other all black. Does anyone know whether they're actually different in performance or construction? 

Hello and welcome to SGL. Optically all the versions of the Skymax are the same. The only difference between the version supplied with the AZ Goto and EQ3-2 is the orientation of the dovetail bar and finderscope. These are different to ensure that the finder is at the top of the tube when mounted on their respective mounts.

28 minutes ago, DozyG said:

Also, I was expecting to shell out more for a goto mount, but the version with the goto mount is actually cheaper than the version with the EQ3-2 mount. Is the goto mount likely to be less sturdy and will therefore have more issues with vibrations etc?

The AZ GOTO mount is of simpler construction (the arm of the mount is a one-piece metal casting with a plastic side cover) and the EQ version is all metal and beefier motors driving the mount.

[Martthebass]

In part it comes down to what you want to use the telescope for.  The AZ GOTO is great if you're looking to do mainly visual observing, the GOTO will be an added benefit in helping to locate objects fairly quickly which will assist in stopping the kids getting bored.  If you are looking at the possibility of doing astro-photography/imaging then you really need an EQ mount to do justice (though you can take quick snaps on the AZ of bright objects like planets with eyepiece projection using a camera phone etc) to the 127 Mak.

[johninderby]

The AZ-GTi with the Skymax 127 is a better mount than the Synscan Az version and it can be used with the Star Adventurer wedge in EQ mode if you want to.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/sky-watcher-az-gti-wifi/sky-watcher-skymax-127-az-gti.html

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-star-adventurer/skywatcher-star-adventurer-equatorial-wedge-white.html

 

Edited May 12, 2020 by johninderby

[DozyG]

Thanks for all the prompt and informative replies. The EQ3-2 mount at a similar price point to the goto mount is non-motorised (although I appreciate it can be upgraded to a motorised mount for tracking purposes) so it was a choice between the SynScan and the manual eq3-2. The point about finding things quickly to avoid the kids getting bored is an excellent one, I think that has sold me on the goto option. 

The AZ-GTI mount has thrown the cat amongst the pigeons slightly though, when you say its a better mount, do you mean its more stable and solidly constructed, or is it just easier to use via the smartphone interface than the other goto mount? 

[ScouseSpaceCadet]

24 minutes ago, johninderby said:

The AZ-GTi with the Skymax 127 is a better mount than the Synscan Az version and it can be used with the Star Adventurer wedge in EQ mode if you want to.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/sky-watcher-az-gti-wifi/sky-watcher-skymax-127-az-gti.html

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-star-adventurer/skywatcher-star-adventurer-equatorial-wedge-white.html

 

+1 For the AZ-GTI if you want super light weight goto.

Though if camping on a public camp site, on max speed the slewing to objects will have the other campers chasing you out with pitch forks and lanterns.

For that reason I also have an AZ5 alt az mount for public sites. 

[johninderby]

The AZ-GTi is a more modern up to date mount and yes is better built than the old AZ mount. You can use a handset instead of the WiFi although it doesn’t come with one.

You can also upgrade to a better tripod which improves stabilty further. The old AZ mount comes with a very poor weak tripod which can’t be changed unless you make up some sort of adapter. The AZ-GTi can also be fitted to a photo tripod.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/alt-azimuth/sky-watcher-38-stainless-steel-tripod.html

Edited May 12, 2020 by johninderby

[DozyG]

Thanks for all the input, looks like its the AZ-GTI for me then. 

Can the slewing speed be cranked down to keep the noise levels down on this model? From the spec it has encoder wheels so you can move it manually without it losing track of where it is, so presumably you also have the option of manually moving it to roughly the right area of the sky and letting is slowly do the rest? 

[johninderby]

It’s only noisy during high speed slewing and guiet during tracking. You can selest the slew speed. Yes you can release the clutches and move the scope which is useful if you want to make a large movement of the scope.

The handset manual gives all the detailed info about using Synscan. The app works the same way. The mount comes with hardly any detailed info on using Synscan and causes many complaints about the lack of info as Slywatcher doesn’t mention that you need to download the full manual. 

https://inter-static.skywatcher.com/downloads/Synscan_V4_Hand_Control_Manual_SSHCV4-F-161208V1-EN.pdf

The app.

https://skywatcher.com/download/software/synscan-app/

Can also be used with planetarium software.

Edited May 12, 2020 by johninderby