The SkyWatcher HEQ-5 Pro mount is recommended for those looking for a high-capacity yet portable mount suitable for more demanding astrophotography applications. Based on its payload capacity, it is recommended for Newtonian telescopes up to 20 cm, SC/MC telescopes up to 23.5 cm, and refractor telescopes up to 15 cm.
The 4.5 cm thick steel tripod legs and the substantial mount head provide excellent stability. Thanks to the ball-bearing axes, periodic error is very low and can be almost completely eliminated when guiding via the built-in autoguider port. Astrophotographers will appreciate the highly precise corrections possible at speeds as low as 0.25× sidereal rate, as well as the trainable Periodic Error Correction (PEC) function.
The mount is also available with a SynScan hand controller featuring an LCD display and a database containing data for more than 42,900 objects, allowing you to slew to any of them with just a few button presses. It also supports computer communication via USB, enabling the mount to be controlled from a standard PC. Instead of the SynScan hand controller, the mount can also be selected with a Wi-Fi module, allowing operation from an Android or iOS smartphone.
The reticle of the SkyWatcher HEQ-5 Pro polar scope is illuminated, helping with accurate polar alignment. The standard package also includes a cable with a cigarette lighter adapter, allowing the mount to be powered from a vehicle cigarette lighter socket. For field use, we recommend a battery-powered solution, although operation from a 220 V mains supply is also possible using an optional 2 A or 5 A power adapter.
Standard package contents:
- SkyWatcher HEQ-5 Pro GoTo mount head
- 4.5 cm steel tripod
- 2 × 5 kg counterweights
- SynScan hand controller
- hand controller holder
- 21 cm dovetail bar
- power cable with cigarette lighter connector
