As long as it's not EQ!

After ten years or so of playing with dobs, I'm beginning to become fascinated by the views through refractors-expecially widefield short focus refractors-both achro and apo. Two things about EQ mounts really bug me though....the weight of the mount with counterweights, and what that does to the size and portability of the entire package; and the need to polar align before using. Here's my question: what non EQ mount/tripod systems (camera mounts?) have you found to be useful for telescopes in the five pound range? Any experiences you would be willing to share would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Larry

I agree with you on the equatorial mount. It is nice for tracking, but a real pain to set up.

I have tried a number of alt-az mounts. The TV tip-up cradle style mounts are OK, but you can't reach zenith, and the balance issue is a bit difficult. Also have tried Bogen style camera mounts (e.g. 3160) on camera tripods. They have the same issue in that you can't achieve zenith, balance is tricky (the center of gravity for the scope shifts relative to the center of the tripod as you change altitude), and the ones I have tried are far too wobbly for a five pound scope. The mount I really like is the Universal Astronomics Unistar Deluxe on a surveyor's tripod. You can get to zenith, balance doesn't shift as you change in altitude, and it is plenty solid. I have heard great things about the DiscMount and the Stellarvue, also. Their style of construction is the same in that balance does not shift as you pan the scope upward.

If you are only using a five pound scope you could use a lighter version of the mount and tripod, but it is nice having the extra stability, and if you ever get a larger scope the heavier mount will handle it. (Did I say "If you ever get a larger scope"? LOL)

Larry:

My current favorite mount for my ED-80 is a Meade 4500 EQ mount that I have use in the "ALT-AZ" mode. Point the RA Axis to the Zenith and it becomes balanced single sided mount with the added advantage that it has gear driven slo-mo controls so it can be used "point and shoot" like a Telepod but when are at high mags you can center the target and manually track it.

And of course it fits my number one criteria: It's cheap....

Here is a 100mm F/6 Refractor mounted on the Meade 4500 in the ALT-AZ mode.

Jon

Attached Image:

Thanks for the tip, Bill. I'll go check that one out right now!
Larry

Hi,

Here is what I choose, the WO EZTouch - not the cheapest, but it has room for growth when the time and money comes....
http://www.astromart.com/articles/article.asp?article_id=474

Timm

Larry Seguin said:

After ten years or so of playing with dobs, I'm beginning to become fascinated by the views through refractors-expecially widefield short focus refractors-both achro and apo. Two things about EQ mounts really bug me though....the weight of the mount with counterweights, and what that does to the size and portability of the entire package; and the need to polar align before using. Here's my question: what non EQ mount/tripod systems (camera mounts?) have you found to be useful for telescopes in the five pound range? Any experiences you would be willing to share would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Larry

Larry, check out my review of the Vixen Porta mount here:
http://www.astromart.com/articles/article.asp?article_id=509
I use this mount a lot with scopes up to about 10lbs. I've attached a photo showing my Porta mount on a Samson tripod (easier to use and more stable than the original).

Attached Image:

You might check out the Stellarvue M1; I have one and its very smooth and very stable with my 5# Nighthawk. I used to have the UA Microstar which was pretty equal but not quite as smooth moving, IMO. Both of these would work very well in your situation.

If you want to spend a little more money, look into the Takahashi Lapides Teegul; although it is a little heavier than the other two, it has slow motion knobs for alt and az. I have had one now for about 2 months and really like it.

Eddie

And while your are checking out all these options, don't forget the Giro mounts. They make about 3 sizes of mounts.

I went through all this last year, but I was looking for a mount to carry a larger scope. The size of eq. mounts and counterweights get really big and heavy fast, while the alt-az mounts are still quite portable. (I'm comparing say a G-11 to UA, Stellarvue M7, or a DM-6)

Kevin

How about a pipe mount. One 90 degree elbow is all one needs for alt and az. I've a nine pound newt on one that works dandy. Very affordable!