The SkyWatcher HEQ-5 Pro mount is recommended for those seeking a mount that is highly load-bearing yet portable and suitable for more serious astrophotography tasks. Based on its load capacity, it is recommended for Newtonian telescopes up to 20 cm, SC/MC systems up to 23.5 cm, and refractor telescopes up to 15 cm!
The 4.5 cm thick steel legs and the substantial size of the mount head provide excellent stability. Thanks to the ball-bearing axes, the periodic error is very low, which can be almost completely eliminated through guiding via the built-in autoguide port. Astrophotographers will appreciate the very precise corrections (up to 0.25x sidereal speed) and the teachable periodic error correction (PEC) feature.
The mount can be purchased with a SynScan hand controller, which features an LCD display and a database storing data for over 42,900 objects, allowing you to align to any of them with just a few button presses. Additionally, it supports communication with a computer via a simple USB connection, enabling control from a standard PC. Instead of the SynScan hand controller, the mount can be chosen with a WiFi module, allowing operation with an Android or iOS mobile phone.
The SkyWatcher HEQ-5 Pro mount's polar scope reticle can be illuminated, aiding in precise polar alignment. Its basic package includes a cable with a cigarette lighter adapter, allowing the mount to be powered from a car cigarette lighter. For field use, a battery solution is recommended, but operation from a 220V power supply is also possible with an optional 2A or 5A power adapter.
The basic package includes:
- SkyWatcher HEQ-5 Pro Goto mount head
- 4.5 cm steel tripod
- 2 x 5 kg counterweight
- SynScan hand controller
- Hand controller holder
- 21 cm dovetail bar
- Power cable with cigarette lighter connection
