Grab and go travel mount for >5kg payload?

[LoveFromGallifrey]

Hi all! 

So, I have been looking for a relatively cheap "get up and go" mount/tripod for a 102mm F7 scope (tube length approx. 70cm), weight approx. 4kgs, but with a diagonal and a solid zoom eyepiece on board (unsure of total weight, but planning ahead andnsaying 5kgs). Also hope to use a 60mm finder scope on it if possible, but its ok if not. 

I have been recommended a few different things by different shops. Mainly, the Skywatcher Az4, and even the cheap Celestron heavy duty alt az mount which a significant retailer has recommended (but I am not sure, although the price is lovely). But I'm wondering if anyone else has any recommendations, or advice for me? 

Edited October 30, 2020 by LoveFromGallifrey

[banjaxed]

Both the AZ4 and AZ5 are good mounts but the aluminium tripod is not so good. I use the 3/8” stainless steel tripod with the AZ5 and it can take up to 9kg and is very solid

15 minutes ago, LoveFromGallifrey said:

Hi all! 

So, I have been looking for a relatively cheap "get up and go" mount/tripod for a 102mm F7 scope (tube length approx. 70cm), weight approx. 4kgs, but with a diagonal and a solid zoom eyepiece on board (unsure of total weight, but planning ahead andnsaying 5kgs). Also hope to use a 60mm finder scope on it if possible, but its ok if not. 

I have been recommended a few different things by different shops. Mainly, the Skywatcher Az4, and even the cheap Celestron heavy duty alt az mount which a significant retailer has recommended (but I am not sure, although the price is lovely). But I'm wondering if anyone else has any recommendations, or advice for me? 

 

Edited October 30, 2020 by banjaxed

[KP82]

I had a 4" f/7 triplet on an AZ5 + 3/8 steel tripod two years ago. The combo worked ok. Not as stable as some other heavier duty alt-az mounts like the Altair Sabre v2 (which I sold due to lack of slow-mo) or AYOII, but definitely useable and more portable. If you can cope with slightly more weight, the Skytee2 is a good choice as it's more stable than the AZ5 while retaining the slow-mo.

Personally I've switched my portable visual setup from manual alt-az to lightweight tracking eq. The main reason is less vibration with higher power EPs. The ES iEXOS-100 works very well for me.

Edited November 4, 2020 by KP82