AstroBackyard | Astrophotography Tips and Tutorials 2020. Despite the relatively low price - BKP250 is a moderately good all around telescope. The HEQ5 is essentially just a slightly smaller version of the Sky-Watcher EQ6-R mount, that is less physically demanding to transport and setup (with a lower maximum payload capacity, of course). Most often, I use the HEQ5 with a small doublet refractor telescope (William Optics Zenithstar 73) that weighs 5.5 lbs. "In EQ mode the mount can support 15kg of equipment: that's 15kg of telescope for purely visual or up to 15kg including the camera, auto guider and other kit for astrophotography. The EQ5 mount is from a well-established pedigree and has the look and feel of a traditional equatorial mount with a stable field tripod. Add to wish list. For example, on the HEQ5, I wouldn’t recommend mounting more than 20-lbs of imaging gear on top. The Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5GT is essentially a smaller, lighter version of the highly successful AZ EQ6GT. The Cocoon Nebula in Cygnus captured using the Sky-Watcher HEQ5 mount. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. In this review, I’ll share my insights on this telescope mount, and share many image examples using it. The AVX is the replacement for the old Advanced Series CG-5 that I used extensively before purchasing a used HEQ5 Pro. The 44mm stainless steel legs are held rigidly by a chunky spreader, which has a good selection of accessory holes. Personally, I recommend using a refractor telescope if you plan on imaging galaxies and nebulae with this mount. The EQ5 has the look and feel of a traditional equatorial mount with a stable field tripod. Below, you’ll see a William Optics RedCat 51 telescope mounted to the HEQ5 with a DSLR camera attached. Choose your book when you subscribe to BBC Sky at Night Magazine today! We liked the glowing buttons, which are printed with a number of commonly used functions such as ‘Planet’, ‘Tour’ and ‘Rate’. The payload capacity of 13.7 kg (30 lbs) may limit your use depending on your current imaging equipment. The HEQ5 continues to track the night sky flawlessly and provide me with exciting new images. I have not tested the tracking accuracy of the AVX out of the box (without modifications or autoguiding). SkyWatcher EXPLORER-150PDS EQ5 PRO SynScan Computerised GOTO Newtonian Reflector Telescope SKU: 10218/20981. Milky Way bulge imaged in survey of 250 million stars, 6 deep-sky objects to observe around Polaris, Software Bisque Paramount MYT mount review, Sky-Watcher EQM-35 Pro Go-To mount review. If you are on a tight budget, it is worth comparing these models to see which mount is the right fit for your imaging gear. The main reasons for the price break are the single saddle mount, the tripod, the maximum payload capacity, and the spur gear drive train. I am often asked by beginner astrophotographers for advice on purchasing their first tracking mount, and the Sky-Watcher HEQ5 is an excellent choice to consider. The saddles are also different on the HEQ5 and EQ6-R Pro. A wise investment due to its proven reliability and affordability. Add to cart. I’ve mentioned how reliable and practical the HEQ5 is, but I’d like to discuss other possible options to consider. Although the telescope mount is rated at 30 lbs, deep-astrophotography at long focal lengths requires ultra-precise tracking. Since I own the Sky-Watcher Startravel 120T, I felt in need of a more sturdy mount than the small EQ-1 that I had with my Sky-Watcher Maksutov 90/1250. The RedCat 51 (and variations) are a great match for the HEQ5 mount. The AZ-EQ5 counterweights are smaller than those of the AZ-EQ6. The white finish is attractive and functional. Take a look at the Sky-Watcher HEQ5 in action for some deep-sky astrophotography in my backyard (video). This GoTo telescope mount sits at the same price point as the Sky-Watcher HEQ5, but is much newer. I’ll also compare this mount to the features offered by similar GoTo telescope mounts at this price point, including the Celestron AVX. Sky-Watcher Explorer-200P (EQ5) review Choose your book when you subscribe to BBC Sky at Night Magazine today! Here is a recent image captured using the HEQ5, with a William Optics RedCat 51 refractor, and a DSLR mounted on top: I used this setup to photograph the Lagoon and Trifid Nebulae from my backyard. The Sky-Watcher EQ8-R Pro is their largest telescope mount for extra heavy payloads. You can now enter the world of deep-sky astrophotography through a telescope, as the HEQ5 can handle small to medium-sized refractors with ease. £845.00. Another difference between the Celestron AVX and the Sky-Watcher HEQ5 is that the Celestron mount uses a plain bushing on the DEC axis, the HEQ5 uses a solid (non-bushing) bearing.