Choosing mount

leehai1980 · Post by **leehai1980** » Sun Aug 01, 2010 4:28 pm

How do I choose a mount for ota

cloud_cover · Post by **cloud_cover** » Sun Aug 01, 2010 4:52 pm

Its got to fit and not break

Sorry, for a more serious answer, you have to wait for the others to reply. My only mount currently is my bilateral alt-az myocyte powered 3 joint articulated system with 10 finger type grips with a rated weight of (maybe) 40lbs but can only keep 1-2 lbs steady ;)

orly_andico · Post by **orly_andico** » Sun Aug 01, 2010 5:54 pm

good one cloud_cover :-)

Chris · Post by **Chris** » Mon Aug 02, 2010 12:09 am

you first gotta tell us
1. What is your OTA
2. What do you wish to do with it (Potential astrophotog?)
3. Portability a concern?
4. Budget.

timatworksg · Post by **timatworksg** » Mon Aug 02, 2010 9:54 pm

One of the most important aspects of starting out in astronomy would be to not skimp on a mount! No point short changing yourself with a mount that handles a light payload (eg: up to 120mm scopes) and then when you decide to get a larger scope, the mount can't handle the weight.
If you have a scope...check it's total weight. You mentioned OTA...so you need to factor in the Diagonal (2" types are huge and heavy)+EP(2" are heavy too)+finder+anything else added on...total that and see if the mount you desire can take such a payload. Most mount payloads print online and in their manuals the marketing maximum! That would mean...it isn't what it says..lol! A rough guide would be to take whats stated and accept 50% - 75% capacity of stated specs for payload.
There have been users who mount maximum or little over the limit with no probs...visually it's acceptable but mounts may tip over,...slow mo may not work so well if over loaded,...and vibrations caused when you hand focus.
As Chris mentioned, If doing Astro Imaging...an Overkill Payload mount is always best for smooth tracking and vibration-less free imaging!

Look ahead to see where you intend to head...will you get a larger scope near future and replace the mount? Budget down the road..etc.
I started with a $300 Celestron Hvy Duty Alt AZ rated for max 5" Mak. When near zenith the mount is hard to slow mo back due to the weight...I had to ease it a little with my hand. But I was doing visual....so wasn't an issue for me to do extra work. So far thats been sold and using a Vixen GP EQ mount and an Astrotech Voyager AltAz for grab and go.