"Steve Maddison" wrote in message
...
Doink wrote:
Hi Steve,

I have 2 SVP mounts----I use primaily my 8" F/5 reflector equiped with
Telrad and whopper 2" eyepiece...VERY stable. I really like my SVPs...I
too have an ED 80 and use it on a Meade Alt/AZ mount mostly---The SVP is
pretty heavy...

Doink


Thanks for the info. If the SVP can support your 8-incher so well, I
guess it's a bit bulkier than I thought! I'll have to find one and check
it out in person, as weight is quite a deciding factor for me. I really
want something you could easily walk around with.

I'd much prefer a GEM to an Alt/Az, so maybe I'd be better off with an
EQ-1 or EQ-2. Maybe I should be asking my previous questions for these
mounts instead...?

The EQ-1 is not going to handle the ED80 well, and although the EQ-2
certainly would be a lot more stable, it isn't going to provide the tracking
you need for imaging. A Vixen GP with drives would be the way to go for
imaging. It is a proven mount.

If you're just going to do visual at high power, and want a drive or slow
motion controls, the EQ-2 is adequate.