Will the SW EQ3-2 Pro SS Goto do?

[GrantEb]

Hi all

I have had withdrawal symptoms after selling all my kit, and need to get up and running again.

So, what would you recommend as a very portable setup, imaging with a max focal length of 200mm?

I imagine the SW EQ3-2 Pro will do? As I understand, it can also be autoguided if desired. Is it a lot lighter and smaller than the HEQ5?

I have thought of the astrotrac, but really like GOTO.

Thanks for the help.

Cheers

[Psychobilly]

If you mean the EQ3 Pro Skywatcher - Skywatcher EQ3 PRO Synscan GOTO

Then yes it will do the job.. there are some issues with the autoguiding on some of them at the moment (all the ones I have tried but have to believe SW when they say its only some of them :rolleyes:...) and not sure how far skywatcher have got in producing a working fix... :(

I Often use mine in preference to the HEQ5 Pro which I also have, Basically i am just getting used to it as its my "portable" mount ... easy one handed carry...

I dont even bother with Star alignment just PA it using the built in polarscope and manually start Sideral tracking...

Peter...

[GrantEb]

Thanks Peter, that's good to hear.

I'll try to get one secondhand, but otherwise new, there's prob a shortage at the moment though.

[Psychobilly]

I tend to use 4 min subs at 50mm and 2 min sub at 200mm I did spend time making sure the polarscope was properly aligned to the mount.. the HEQ5 one is being a PITA...

I have reposted a few images taken with the setup in the 2010 Widefield Showcase...

Skywatcher - Skywatcher EQ3 PRO Synscan GOTO

The Cygnus one is from the pier outside the obs (same mount as the HEQ5...) and the Milkway one was from a cliff top down the GOwer Peninsula last summer... both are mosaics that were teken with the Canon 50mm F1.8 EF III at f4 on the Baader BCF modified 1000D...

Peter...

[GrantEb]

Those are great shots Peter, thanks.