New Skywatcher mount? CQ350 Pro

[wimvb]

Found this through FB

https://www.skywatcherusa.com/products/cq350-pro-mount-head-only-with-counterweights

The mount looks suspiciously identical to iOptron CEM mounts, with their compact design. On paper, it fits between the EQ6R and EQ8, but its model number is confusing, reminds me of the much smaller EQ35. As the other large SW mounts, it has a belt drive in stead of gears, so lower backlash.

Anyway, this mount falls in the same price range as the "new" JTW P75 Trident mount, which has a friction drive. And which in turn looks very much like a Mesu mount, which also has friction drive. But is double the price ...

These are certainly interesting times we live in, astrowise.

Edited December 2, 2022 by wimvb