Sky-Watcher EQ8-R Equatorial GoTo Mount with Pier Tripod

This mount has a belt drive that reduces Periodic Error Correction (PEC) common to worm gears in many mounts to improve tracking accuracy, virtually eliminating vibration—essential features for long-exposure deep-sky astrophotography. With a maximum payload capacity up to 110 pounds, this mount can support most large refractor, reflector, and catadioptric OTAs and still handle imaging rigs. An advanced cable management system with essential input, output, and power ports in strategic places helps avoid cable wrap during long sessions when you're moving the mount from one horizon to the next.

The SynScan system has an internal database of 42,900 celestial objects, including the complete Messier, NGC, and IC catalogs and 25 user-defined objects. To keep it current, its firmware can be updated through the built-in serial port via updates downloaded through the Internet. Using the same computer connection, SynScan can be controlled with many popular astronomy software systems for additional versatility. With multiple alignment options, 10 slew speeds, and automatic tracking capabilities, finding and keeping objects centered in the field of view is easy no matter whether you're viewing the fast-moving moon or much slower deep-space subjects.

Supporting your OTA, accessories, and the massive mount head is Sky-Watcher's heavy-duty pier tripod. Unlike conventional telescope tripods, this advanced support combines the strength and stability of a pier with the portability and adjustable height of a tripod. Instead of multiple leg sections that get smaller and less stable as you extend them to the maximum height, the pier tripod has large solid legs, each with a 2.4" diameter. The legs attach to a collar that wraps around the center pier column. To adjust the height, the column is moved up and down through the collar and locked in place, allowing the legs to remain at a constant wide spread for maximum stability. For proper leveling on uneven ground, Sky-Watcher includes a set of three leveling stands that provide up to 4" of height, allowing the tripod to be properly leveled for accurate alignment and precise GoTo and tracking.