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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 can also connect to a computer using the supplied RS232 cable (USB adapter available), enabling computer control with most astronomy programs, including The SkyX, Stellarium, and Starry Night.
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 servo motors. For users looking to improve the accuracy of their tracking, the AZ-EQ5 also features built in Periodic Error Correction firmware, allowing users to fix periodic error in the field.
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 setup exposure length, number of frames taken and a ‘cool down’ period between each frame. 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 beefy 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.
While most mounts leave you high and dry to purchase accessories on your own, Sky-Watcher includes plenty of accessories to get you started. 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.
You may return most new, unopened items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. We'll also pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.).
Items that have been opened, damaged or are otherwise unsaleable will be subject to a minimum 10% restocking fee, to be assessed by Telescopes Canada upon receipt of the returned goods
You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).
If you need to return an item, simply login to your account, view the order using the 'Complete Orders' link under the My Account menu and click the Return Item(s) button. We'll notify you via e-mail of your refund once we've received and processed the returned item.
We can ship to virtually any address in the world. Note that there are restrictions on some products, and some products cannot be shipped to international destinations.
When you place an order, we will estimate shipping and delivery dates for you based on the availability of your items and the shipping options you choose. Depending on the shipping provider you choose, shipping date estimates may appear on the shipping quotes page.
Please also note that the shipping rates for many items we sell are weight-based. The weight of any such item can be found on its detail page. To reflect the policies of the shipping companies we use, all weights will be rounded up to the next full pound.
SKU | S30200 |
UPC | 50234302005 |
General Mount Info | |
---|---|
Mount Type | Alt-AZ/EQ |
GoTo | Yes |
Payload Capacity (lbs) | 30 |
Mount Height (Min) | 41" |
Mount Height (Max) | 48.7" |
Mount Head Weight (lbs) | 16.9 |
Tripod Weight (lbs) | 13.4 |
Fully Assembled Weight (w/ weights) | 43.8 |
Tripod Leg Diameter | 1.75" |
Mounting Saddle Type | V |
Power Type | 12V |
Clutch | Slip |
Polar Scope | Optional |
Latitude Range (degrees) | 0-90 |
Computer/Drive System Info | |
Object Database | 42900+ |
Controller | Hand Controller |
WiFi | Optional WiFi dongle |
Polar Align Assist | Yes |
PC Direct Connect Port | Yes |
Auto Guide | Yes |
Permanent Periodic Correction | Yes |
Pointing Accuracy (RMS) | 5 arc minutes |
Dual Encoders | Yes |
DSLR Enterface | Yes (Dual) |
Included Weights | 7.5lbs (two) |
Motor Type | Stepper |
Drive System | Belt |
Shipping Weights & Dimensions | |
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