Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 Pro SynScan Mount
A Dual Mode, Dual OTA Capable, Heavy Hitting Mount
If you're looking for a heavy-weight mount that excels at both visual and astrophotography use, this heavy-hitting mount makes a strong case for your equipment foundation! With a stout payload capacity, AltAz to EQ convertible capability, and the ability to carry two telescopes in AltAz mode, the AZ-EQ6 Pro fits the bill as a robust conventional gear mount option. Experience the best of two mounts in one excellent offering, with the Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 Pro SynScan Mount!
With 44 lb. of payload capacity, this mount can comfortably carry a wide range of visual and imaging gear available today. This lifting power is driven with a conventionally geared belt-drive system for a smooth PE curve (which can be further tamed with the periodic error correction feature) and low backlash. This capacity can either be split across two setups in the dual telescope saddle mode, or concentrated into one heavier setup in single saddle mode. This all is shouldered by a heavy-duty housing and large 2" tripod ensuring that your delicate equipment remains firmly planted even when pushing this mount to its capacity limit. Sky-Watcher has also included their SynScan hand controller with this mount for GoTo functionality and a hands-on and simple control experience!
Two Mounts in One
The Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 Pro SynScan Mount gives you the best of both an Alt-Az and an EQ mount in one standalone piece of kit! With a specialized base, the AZ-EQ6 Pro's RA axis can be adjusted to a fully horizontal position, allowing this to convert quickly from an astrophotography excelling equatorial mode to a more laid back and visual observation geared Alt-Az mode. Enhancing the Alt-Az experience further, this mount comes with a second dual D/V style saddle that can be attached to mount a second telescope. This is an excellent way to quickly switch between two different perspectives on objects in the night sky, or allow for simultaneous viewing when hosting a star party!
A Robust Feature Set
Sky-Watcher is known for making excellent and reliable astronomy mounts, and the AZ-EQ6 is no exception! With a powerful belt-drive, GoTo hand controller, core connections and alignment tools, and a rock-solid tripod to rest it all on, this is an excellent option for those seeking a dual Alt-Az/ EQ mount.
Smooth and Strong Operation
The AZ-EQ6 Pro mount is
powered by two conventionally geared stepper motors in a belt drive
configuration. This drive style gives the mount's motion smooth, quiet,
and low backlash characteristics, perfect for using the mount up close
visually or tracking deep sky objects when imaging. This mount is capable of
carrying a maximum of 44 lb. of equipment, making it perfect for large
observation setups or fairly-stout astrophotography rigs. Connecting this
powerful mechanical muscle to your equipment are two dual D/V style dovetail
saddles (with the second one being removed in single scope Alt-AZ or
equatorial mode).
SynScan Hand Controller
Included with this mount is
Sky-Watcher's SynScan hand controller. This controller features large, red
backlit, keys and two-line LCD display to make controlling the AZ-EQ6 easy
at night. A 42,000+ object database comes loaded on the hand controller,
which combined with the GoTo functionality ensures you can easily navigate
to a plethora of targets night after night! The SynScan hand controller
additionally features PEC training and alignment functions to help dial in
your mount's performance.
Core Power and Ports Included
This mount features a
number of connections for all your essential gear! A hand controller port
allows you to connect the included SynScan hand controller or the sold
separately
Sky-Watcher SynScan WiFi Adapter. For auto-guiding calibration, an ST4 port is also present on the main
housing. A proprietary threaded power connector ensures that the included
12V DC cigarette-style power adaptor does not stress your mount in the event
of a cable snag scenario. Finally a SNAP port allows users to control SNAP
port equipped DSLR and mirrorless cameras, allowing you to ditch the
intervalometer and simplify a photography camera astrophoto setup!
Essential Polar Alignment Tools
For aligning the
AZ-EQ6 mount in equatorial mode Sky-Watcher has included a polar finder
scope. With an illuminated and etched reticle (featuring alignment points
for both North and South hemispheres) you can manually align this mount with
a Polaris or Octans. The SynScan hand controller can additionally guide you
through a manual polar alignment process, including use cases where a clear
view of Polaris is not present. Adjusting the mount has been made simple as
well, with large adjustment hardware that makes precisely positioning this
heavy-duty mount by hand a snap.
Heavy-Duty 2" Steel Tripod
Featuring thick 2" steel
legs, the AZ-EQ6's tripod can handle just about everything this mount is
capable of carrying without flinching! This heavy-duty base will help keep
your gear steady, with a leg extension section that can adjust the height
and leveling of your mount. A tripod accessory tray is included which
provides a handy spot to store your eyepieces as well as assists in locking
the tripod legs in place for added stability.
Backyard Observation Class Mount
With its powerful 44
lb. conventional gear driven payload capacity and heavy-duty construction,
the Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 sets itself squarely in our Backyard Observing class
of mount. This class is perfect for more permanent backyard use cases, such
as larger visual observation or imaging telescope setups where stability,
robust-features, and payload capacity are emphasized. This mount certainly
ticks off those boxes thanks to its sturdy belt-drive system, 2" steel
tripod base, and GoTo functionality. To learn more about the Backyard
Observing mount class and our other mount categories, check out
our astrophotography mount guide!
Astronomy Hub: Your one-stop-shop for Astrophotography Knowledge!
Our Gear Experts have compiled a wealth of information to help expand your astrophotography knowledge! Below you’ll find links to articles, videos and "how-to" guides. Just one more reason that our Astronomy Hub is a one-stop-shop for all your astronomy and astrophotography needs!
| Astrophotography Mount Buying Guide |
| Beginner's Guide to Imaging the Planets |