Which mount?

[Portech7]

Hi all

Which mount?

Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro (without Rowan mod, can't afford that 😁)

Or

Celestron Advanced VX

Will use for both visual astronomy and astrophotography.

Not buying for a few months but good to see opinions.

 

 

[John]

I'm not a great equatorial mount user but I have owned both of those. I would go for the HEQ5 because I think it's more robust, tried and tested and has more capacity.

The AVX was pretty good as well but I do think that the HEQ5 is a better overall mount.

 

 

[Skipper Billy]

HEQ5 - you can always do the belt mod at a later date.

[JamesF]

Or look for a used one, perhaps even already belt-modded.  They seem to come up for sale relatively regularly.

James

[Portech7]

Cheers all.

I think the HEQ5 is what I was leaning towards and as Skipper Billy said I could look at the belt mod at a later date.

Both seem to have good following so I'm sure either would be good.

The HEQ5 does initially look the sturdier of the two.

Appreciate the help and opinions all, thankyou.

[Swoop1]

I have the unmodded HE5 Pro myself and I haven't been dissapointed.

I have used it with a Celestron C6 for visual and AP via a sony mirrorless and likewise with a Skywatcher 150mm Newtonian.

[Merlin66]

+1 for the HEQ5pro

[Dr Strange]

While both are made by Synta for some reason their house brand, Skywatcher, seems to perform better mechanically than its cousin the Celestron. However the Celestron Hand Controller software is head and shoulders above the Skywatcher Synscan software in terms of ease of use and features. So if that is a requirement then the Advanced VX is the better path to go down. 

[TerryMcK]

HEQ5Pro. I’ve been spoilt by it already having the belt mod done.

[Portech7]

Hi again

Just come across the Meade LX85. Specs say payload of 15kg.

It's under £700 new.

No idea on Meade products. Not sure how user friendly the controls are either.

Anyone come across this mount?

[Portech7]

It's ok, just found some not too positive reviews of this mount😏

[newbie alert]

Maybe a cem25 in the mix?? Same sort of payload capacity 

[KGX]

Just got the Az-Eq6. Great mount, lots of capacity and nice to have the Az option for quick viewing sessions. Can even add a second scope in that set-up.

[Portech7]

CEM 25 could be an option as just within budget but the AZ EQ6 is too rich for my budget.