Which lightweight manual AZ mount?

[Ags]

To mount a Skymax 102 or a C6, which would be best:

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p9995_Skywatcher-AZ5-azimutaler-Montierungskopf-ohne-Stativ.html

-or-

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p11386_Artesky-Azimutale-Montierung-mit-Feinverstellung-fuer-Instrumente-bis-7-kg.html

-or-

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p11387_Artesky-Azimutale-Montierung-mit-Feinverstellung-fuer-Instrumente-bis-15-kg.html

Obviously the larger Artesky unit would be future proof but I think the smaller one would be sufficient. Not sure I like the way its mechanics are exposed - I have images of my long flowing locks getting trapped in the mechanism!

 

[jjohnson3803]

I have a SW AZ5 and I've been pretty happy with it (purchased from FLO).  Might need the factory grease cleaned out and replaced, but it's not critical as far as I'm concerned.  The max load I've put on it (on a Manfrotto 475B tripod) is about 5.5kg and I think that's close to the practical maximum load (for my set-up).

I use the short slo-mo knobs which are a huge improvement over the long, dangling ones in my opinion.

Edited April 30, 2021 by jjohnson3803

[johninderby]

The Hercules alt-az mounts (also branded Artesky) leave a lot to be desired. Nice idea but not that great to use. Need some further development work. Search Hercules Mount on Cloudy Nights.

The AZ5 at least works well if not overloaded. 

Edited April 30, 2021 by johninderby

[Jiggy 67]

I’m also considering an AZ5. Am I right in thinking it will take 9kg with a sturdy EQ5 like tripod? I want a grab and go for my Sw 100ED but worry, with accessories whether it would be overloaded. Apologies if I’m high jacking  this post

[Tiny Clanger]

3 minutes ago, Jiggy 67 said:

I’m also considering an AZ5. Am I right in thinking it will take 9kg with a sturdy EQ5 like tripod?

Yes . The oft quoted lower rating (5kg ?) is due to the limitations of the aluminium tripod it is sometimes bundled with.  As you'd expect, t has no problems with my SW 127 mak at 3.5kg and probably another 500g of finders etc. I have my az5 on an old manfrotto 55 tripod.

Heather

[Ags]

Ok, AZ5 it is then! I was tending towards it based on looks alone...