Astro Essentials AZ fork mount

[Robthepiano]

I’m looking for a manual az mount to use with my Altair Ascent 102ed ( I already have an AZgti) but I can find very little in the way of reviews/ opinions. This Astro essentials for mount appears from adverts to manage a heavier payload. Is it just a case of pushing it to the target and how would that work at higher magnifications?

would it work better with my scope than a Skywatcher AZ5?

[Robthepiano]

Ok I guess I’ll buy a Skywatcher AZ5 then!

[dweller25]

There seems to be very little feedback on the fork mount.

The Skywatcher AZ4 has more feedback and could be a good match for hour 102ED

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/alt-azimuth-astronomy-mounts/skywatcher-az4-alt-az-mount.html

[Robthepiano]

That’s interesting. Are you suggesting the AZ4 would be a better bet than the AZ5? It seems cheaper and I already have the Skywatcher steel tripod and extension pillar. 

[Tiny Clanger]

3 hours ago, Robthepiano said:

That’s interesting. Are you suggesting the AZ4 would be a better bet than the AZ5? It seems cheaper and I already have the Skywatcher steel tripod and extension pillar. 

I'm not 100% sure about the AZ4, not owning one, but I think it uses a 10mm bolt from the tripod. The AZ5 I know has a 3/8" photo standard tripod to head bolt fitting. Check which your tripod has ( skywatcher make both types) , you might have to get an adaptor if there's a mismatch . For M10 tripod to 3/8" head there are £39 astro essentials adapters available from FLO, but the other way round, 3/8" tripod to 10mm head adapters seem to be rare creatures  ...

 

[Robthepiano]

Thanks I’ve checked: both my AZGti and the AZ5 have the same 3/8” fitting.