The SkyWatcher AZ-EQ-5 Pro is a more portable version of the manufacturer's excellent EQ-6 Pro mount. It offers many new features not only for the astrophotographer but also for the visual observer. Based on its power handling, it is recommended for visual use in azimuthal mode with up to 25 cm Newtonian telescopes, 25 cm SC/MC systems or 15 cm binoculars. The mechanical head weighs only 7.7 kg (without counterweight).
The SynScan handheld also features an LCD display for commutation, and a database of more than 42 900 objects that can be accessed with the touch of a few buttons. It also supports computer communication, making the mount controllable from a PC, and last but not least, it can be connected to a GPS receiver. You can find more information about the control here.
The 4.5 cm thick steel feet and the considerable size of the mount create excellent stability. Thanks to the ball-bearing shafts with fewer gear ratios than the basic EQ-5, periodic error is also very low, which can be almost completely eliminated by driving through the built-in autoguide port. Astrophotographers will also appreciate the very fine corrections (up to 0.25x star speed) and the possibility of a teachable periodic error correction (PEC).
Here is a summary of what it offers over similarly priced mounts:
- The motors on the RA and DEC axes are connected to the mount with a ribbed belt, which ensures minimal backlash and quieter operation. When shooting astrophotography, the mount responds faster to corrections, allowing for more pinpoint stars.
- Encoders on both axes allow you to quickly move the telescope anywhere by hand after beataniting without the hand control losing orientation. This saves time when switching between sky areas.
- One of the weaknesses of the smaller SkyWatcher mounts was that they clamped the shaft at a point when fixing the shaft, which moved the telescope slightly. The redesigned axle clamping mechanism eliminates this minor annoyance.
- The mechanism head can be tilted to azimuth mode, allowing another telescope to be mounted in place of the counterweight.
- The telescope mounting rail has been moved closer to the axis of rotation, thus reducing the torque on the telescope. Smaller counterweights are required for use.
