SkyWatcher AZ5?

[jcj380]

Any fans of the SkyWatcher AZ5?  Any experiences with heavier loads?  I'm wondering how it might handle a ~5kg f7 refractor.

 

Thanks!

 

[Nightspore]

48 minutes ago, jcj380 said:

Any fans of the SkyWatcher AZ5?  Any experiences with heavier loads?  I'm wondering how it might handle a ~5kg f7 refractor.

 

Thanks!

 

 

It will just about hold my f/7, 102mm Altair Starwave which is 4.2kg without accessories.

 

 

There is only one screw holding the dovetail into it (no safety screw). I wouldn't trust anything over 4kg to be honest.

 

 

I use it for my ST80, 72ED, 60 EDF and Mak's under 127mm.

 

 

Mine was actually bundled with my 127mm SkyMax.

 

 

I tend to use the 127mm on a Vixen Porta II/TL 130 combo though. I don't find it too stable for the 127mm.

 

 

It's stable, light and portable but I'd be wary of using an f/7 refractor above an 80mm aperture.

 

 

Personally I'd recommend a Vixen Porta II/TL130 for any f/7 refractor over 80mm. 

 

Edited January 23, 2022 by Nightspore