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Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 – Fully Computerized GoTo German Equatorial, Alt-AZ Telescope Mount, and dual-OTA telescope – Computerized Hand Controller with 42,900+ Object Database

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Availability: 18 left in stock
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Arrives Friday, Dec 27
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Style: AZ-EQ5 + Computerized Equatorial


Features

  • OPERATES IN AZ, EQ AND DUAL-OTA MODES: Computerized, motorized GoTo German equatorial telescope mount capable of accurately tracking astronomical objects in equatorial and azimuth modes
  • BELT-DRIVEN STEPPER MOTORS: Belt-driven stepper motors provide whisper-quiet slewing with renowned precision and accuracy
  • BEEFY ALL-METAL CONSTRUCTION: Beefy, all-metal construction provides 30-pound payload capacity, perfect for all but the heaviest optical tubes
  • SYNSCAN COMPUTERIZED HAND CONTROLLER: SynScan hand controller with 42, 000+ object database will keep even the most experienced astronomer busy for countless observing nights
  • COMPLETE CAMERA AUTOMATION: SNAP port allows for fully automated, remote controlled DSLR camera operation
  • EASY, INNOVATIVE DESIGN: Whether youre a seasoned professional, or are new to the hobby of astrophotography, the AZ-EQ5 is perfect for any skill level of astronomer

Description

Our AZ-EQ5 hybrid mount epitomizes Sky-Watcher’s commitment to innovation. Part AZ mount, part equatorial, the AZ-EQ5 is Sky-Watcher’s most versatile mount, capable of aligning in either Alt-Az, Equatorial or dual-OTA mode. Thanks to it’s flexibility, the AZ-EQ5 mount is perfect for the beginning astronomer looking to get into astrophotography, the seasoned astrophotography buff or educators passionate about astronomy outreach. Unique to Sky-Watcher’s AZ-EQ5 is a patented dual-encoder motor system, Freedom-Find , which allows users to move the mount manually without losing alignment. While most mounts lose their alignment once moved by hand, the AZ-EQ5 uses a proprietary slip clutch system that keeps your alignment whether you slew by hand or using the hand controller. After moving to the new object (electronically or manually), the mount will start tracking automatically. Using our proprietary SynScan hand controller, the AZ-EQ5 provides a user-friendly interface with automatic slewing to over 42, 000 objects in the night sky. The hand controller also connects to a computer using a USB connection (cable sold separately), enabling computer control with most astronomy programs, including SkyX, Stellarium and Starry Nights. Sky-Watcher’s belt drive system has a few advantages over mounts using traditional stepper gearing. Belt drive systems deliver nearly silent slewing and tracking, making for an evening free of obnoxious motor noises while delivering spot on accuracy. Sky-Watcher’s belt drive also features minimal backlash, smoother tracking, and less periodic error than mounts using traditional worm gears. For the astrophotographers looking to reduce Periodic Error, the SynScan hand controller has built in PEC training that can be configured while in the field! Periodic Error is best described as tiny back-and-forth oscillations of target stars. This motion is not notable during visual observation, but during a long photographic exposure, can turn pinpoint stars to small streaks. Using Sky-Watcher’s built- in PEC training, astrophotographers can cut down on the problems caused by Periodic Error to get smoother tracking and better performance from an autoguider. The AZ-EQ5 mount has built in DSLR interface with the ability to control two cameras at once. Using a built-in intervelometer timer, the SynScan hand controller can set-up exposure length, and trigger the camera automatically. Additionally, the SynScan hand controller has the ability to select up to 8 different exposure combinations. No need to purchase an expensive cable release when Sky-Watcher includes everything you’ll need to start shooting deep sky objects out of the box. Thanks to the pier extension that sits between the mount head and tripod, the AZ-EQ5 can be polar aligned at almost any latitude. Most equatorial mounts have difficulty with polar alignment at lower latitudes due to the counterweight bar interfering with the tripod. The AZ-EQ5 bypasses this completely, using a sturdy pier extension to elevate the mount head away from the tripod legs. The pier extension creates enough clearance between the counterweight bar and tripod legs that the mount can be polar aligned at virtually any latitude, from Alaska to Ecuador to Tierra del Fuego. In addition to the SynScan hand controller and the pier tripod, the AZ-EQ5 mount comes with two 7. 5lb counterweights and a counterweight extension bar, as well as an extra saddle for mounting a second scope for viewing in dual-OTA mode. The mount also includes two Canon EOS trigger cables for connecting your camera to the mount (Nikon and Sony cables available separate). A polar finderscope is also included to assist with setup. The AZ-EQ5 has a built in USB port for firmware updates, but also allows computer control using various astronomy software.

Brand: Sky Watcher


Color: White


Form Factor: Dslr


Compatible Devices: Camera


Mounting Type: Tabletop


Material Type: Metal


Unit Count: 1.0 Count


Item Weight: 22 Pounds


Item Dimensions: 18 x 18 x 13 inches


Global Trade Identification Number: 05


UPC: 050234302005


Model Number: S30200


Number of Items: 1


Brand Name: Sky Watcher


Model Name: Sky-Watcher


Style: AZ-EQ5 + Computerized Equatorial


Theme: astronomy


Color: White


Fastening Type: Bracket


Additional Features: Adjustable


Recommended Uses For Product: Casual Observing, Astrophotography


Adjustable Length: Yes


Mounting Type: Tabletop


Form Factor: Dslr


Compatible Devices: Camera


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Friday, Dec 27

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Wonderful mount if you know what you are doing
Style: EQM-35
Tl;dr: This is a fantastic, solid, stable, highly capable, mount. The tripod alone is almost worth the price, it makes most tripods for mounts in this category look like they were made out of fly-fishing poles. The 'modular' design is a bit weird, but the mount controller has a usb-b port, making computer control straightforward - if you have a phd in computer science (luckily, I do - nothing is 'straightforward' in astrophotography!). It is heavy though, probably not one for a camping trip or frequent 'dark site' trips unless you are much younger than me (78). Now for the rant: This mount has bushings, rather than ball or roller bearings, on both RA and DEC axis. (Minor peeve - 'bushings' ARE 'bearings'. They aren't ball or roller bearings, but beware of any online advice saying this mount doesn't have 'bearings'. The writer has already revealed how little s/he knows.) The bushings often come from the factory extremely tight and stiff. Perhaps the factory assumes they will loosen as they 'work in'. In any case, this can result in poor, erratic (jerky) tracking. Ok for visual use, maybe, horrible for astrophotography. There are simple fixes for this. See esp 'Sky-Watcher EQM-35 - making it work properly (BELOW 1" RMS GUIDING) in 3 simple steps!' by Kamil Pekala on YT. 'Simple' - well, maybe. I bought mine from Amazon resale for a nice discount. Perfect condition, except the previous buyer obviously attempted an overhaul similar to what Kamil describes, and failed. The DEC locking collar was extremely stiff, and the previous owner was unable to loosen it, creating minor damage in the process. Luckily, nothing I couldn't work around. So. Do I recommend this mount: ABSOLUTELY, if you are comfortable around mechanicals and parts that can bind and be a bear to get to release. HOWEVER, If you just want something plug-and-play, and have never played with engines, axles, grease, and that sort of stuff, well, maybe this isn't the mount for you. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2024 by Bruce D'Ambrosio

  • Watch the price
Style: EQM-35
Price of this mount varies. A basic mount for light scopes for AP. A great mount for goto visual. Lots of tweaks you can do to improve it. But very usable out of the box. Good first goto mount. Can be tied to a computer and tracking. Can need adjustments to get everything lined up right. Can need tweaking to get it tracking to it's potential. Could use a more heavy duty tripod. Update it before first use. Easy to do online. It been around for awhile, so lots of information online. Not as good as the old Mead LX75, and costs more. But Mead is gone. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2024 by Excellent Silverwing cover

  • The electronics don't work.
Style: EQM-35
I've has this mount for almost two years and have had nothing but problems. I think it's the electronics that are screwed up. I've never been able to get the scope to track at all. The hand controller read out indicates it is slewing but nothing happens with the motors. It will slew with sometimes with Stellarium to some random place but then it always disconnects. I've used three different laptops and it's the same problem. Popular astro software doesn't work with this mount either. I've updated the firmware, sought advice and nobody can figure it out. I've thought about buying a new hand controller/computer, but I'm reluctant to sink anymore money into this mount. The good part is it is a solid stable mount, but that's is useless if the electronics don't work. I guess it would make a great boat anchor. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2021 by Stovetop

  • Buy a quality mount and it will last you!
Style: EQM-35
I normally don't leave reviews anymore these days but figured I would leave one today because I am jazzed on Astrophotography and this mount! Why the EQM35? Well, it’s a good budget mount at $725, it can also handle up to 22 pounds of weight so if I ever outgrow the RedCat Telescope I can upgrade to a larger APO. Also, this mount offers a GOTO system so you can plug in the coordinates into the SynScan hand control unit and find 49,000 objects in the sky. Out of the box, it can track 30-60 seconds in the stars. I have been averaging about 30-40 seconds without guiding. Overall this is a great setup however there are some drawbacks. First, the setup requires power so you need a dedicated power supply for the EQM-3. Either you need a power cell that supports a 12V cigarette lighter or a dedicated power supply. Since I don’t plan on leaving my Bortles Class 4 backyard for the current time being, I purchased the Celestron AC Adapter – 5 Amp Continuous power, Black (18780) which was recommended by the Sky-Watcher customer service team whom I can say is darn right amazing! Next, it’s more complex so when you set this up not only do you need to polar align the mount you also need to configure either 1, 2, or 3-star alignment so you can easily move around the sky. So far the single star alignment was been working great for me! Finally, it’s bulkier than say an iOptron Sky-Guider Pro so it’s not as easy to just pick up and move, so if you do move it during a session you need polar align and star align again. Even with the few drawbacks, it’s a fantastic mount and so stable! I have been really pleased with the setup, instructions, and overall solid build quality even though it’s an entry mount. Also, solid customer service is a big plus! As long as I don’t keep going down the rabbit hole of buying more astrophotography equipment this setup should last me for multiple years. I also included an image of M11 the Wild Duck Cluster as well. -------- Issues / Solutions I have had with the mount #1 When star aligning the mount I could do a fine adjustment with the arrow pad after pointing to VEGA. I wasn't sure but suspected I needed to update the firmware which can be done with a USB Printer cable and software from the main SkyWatcher.com website. First, plug in the mount and USB cable to the SysScan hand unit and check in the device manager on Windows under ports. Mine was COM3. Next, turn off the mount and unplug the USB printer cable then while holding down 0 and 8 on the SysScan hand unit turn on the power. It will then boot into the boot loader mode, plug in the USB cable, and run the software to upgrade. The current version is 4.39.15 as of 5.10.2020. Once the process updates shut down the system and unplug the USB cable. #2 The SysScan holder unit slides around a lot and I dropped the handheld unit multiple times as the holder was sliding around when I grabbed the SysScan. I put two rubber bands on the leg in between the holder unit and it works great now without moving any more. I have a picture of it attached to the post. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2020 by Joey Troy Joey Troy

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