Suitable Alt/Az mount for 6" Refractor

[Mark at Beaufort]

I would welcome some opinions on a  suitable mount. A member of my Astro Society has purchased a 6" Achro Frac and needs a suitable mount for visual observing. The scope is this one - https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/explore-scientific-ar152-152mm-f6.5-refractor-0114152.html#SID=1644

As you can see it weighs 10.7 kgs so will need a decent mount. I don't know his budget but mounts like these two might be outside his budget.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/alt-azimuth-astronomy-mounts/rowan-az100-alt-az-mount.html

or - https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-mounts/skywatcher-az-eq5-gt-geq-alt-az-mount.html

The only one that I can think of is the SkyTee 2 mount complete with tripod, Extension pillar and change of saddles to ADM. I guess this is sort of budget he might be thinking off. I know the SkyTee 2 has a capacity of 15kgs but I really would appreciate some extra thoughts on the subject.

I should have said he does not want an EQ mount.

[John]

Hi Mark,

I think a Skytee II with upgraded clamps and on a 2 inch steel or Berlebach tripod would cope with that. Counterweights on the shaft opposite the scope would be needed I think. The stock 1.75 inch tripod might be a bit on the light / short side.

If he can do without slow motion controls, the Giro Ercole would be another option.

A strong tripod helps to get the most from these mounts when they are well loaded up.

The above will not be entirely vibration free but if the optical tube is balanced they should be quite useable.

 

 

 

Edited October 28, 2020 by John

[johninderby]

The Skytee with an upgraded tripod would handle it OK. Of course the AZ100 would be first choice but much more expensive. 🙂

 

[johninderby]

Photo of my old TS 152  f6.25 and another scope on my old Skytee II. Handled the weight with no problems.👍🏻

[Telescope40]

Hello Mark. 
I run my SW150ED  on a Skytee (well used ) mount. ADM clamp fitted. EQ6 tripod with a @johninderby Berlebach tripod tray mod fitted to it. OTA Weighs in about 9/10kgs with accessories fitted. 
Works rather well IMHO. 

Also use a SW AZEQ5mount in AZ mode for the scope On a Berlebach UNI 28 tripod.  Mount seems to be very near it’s limit but once aligned and running it works for me. 

John 

Edited October 28, 2020 by Telescope40

[Mark at Beaufort]

Thanks everyone for your input. My Herefordshire Astro colleague has seen the posts and now deciding what to do.