Alt-az mount for SW Equinox 100 or 120

[marco]

Hi folks,

I'm looking at getting a SkyWatcher Equinox refractor to take out on the green opposite my flat. I'm probably going to get the 100mm though the budget may stretch to a 120.

Either way, I'll only be able to afford a fairly cheap mount until I have the pennies for a HEQ-5(or possibly a EQ6). I was thinking of getting a Alt-az mount just to bridge the gap until I get the HEQ-5. Any suggestions on what would be able to handle the scope?

Thanks, Mark

[John]

I would have thought something like a Giro II mount on a nice tall Berlebach tripod would be suitable. I don't think an AZ-4 or a Porta Mount II would be up to the 120 although they might cope with a 100.

[marco]

Thanks for the reply, I've also looked at the Evostar pro which looking at the specs are lighter than the respective Equinox models. Still I've plenty of time to decide what to get...

Mark

[johninderby]

You might also consider this 100mm APO. I had the Telescope House version, and it really was a very nice performer and light enough to use on an AZ-4 or Porta mount. I did a head to head comparison with an ED80 and CA was the same. They have an amazingly good 2.7" focuser as well, miles ahead of the Equinox crayford.

http://www.acecameras.co.uk/asp/web/recorprod/1/product/14412/cat/1886/ph/cat/keywords//recor/1/SearchFor//PT_ID/1/product.asp

Review

http://www.acecameras.co.uk/content/images/products/avian-ss-100/avian-starseeker-100-sky-at-night-review.pdf

The Telescope House version

http://www.telescopehouse.com/acatalog/Revelation_100mm_Apochromatic_Refractor.html

John

PS

Why don't I have it now? Please look at it's replacement http://stargazerslounge.com/equipment-discussion/98614-wo-flt98-feathertouch-r-p-focuser.html

[marco]

Thanks for the reply John, I've seen the Celestron 100ED-R Apo with a CG5 mount for £475 and looking at the specs, it has the same glass as the Equinox som optical performance visually should be more or less the same.

I may end up going with that instead because it seems good value for money and it won't take me as long to save up for the HEQ-5 and maybe buy a new focuser if the one with it isn't brilliant.

The FLT-98 looks a very nice scope though its a bit out of my price range!

Mark

[johninderby]

The Celestron C100 ED is a very nice scope. The focuser is not too good but it can be replaced. As the standard focuser has a unique screw on fitting to the tube you will require a fairly inexpensive adaptor ring (from Agena Astro in the US) so that you can fit a standard focuser.

http://www.agenaastro.com/Agena-Crayford-Adapter-for-Celestron-C100ED-p/paf-ag-c100ed.htm

However other than the focuser the C100 ED is a good choice.

John

PS

Yes the MoonLite focuser is an option but it is ££££££