EQ3 mount and 8 inch reflector?

Subject: EQ3 mount and 8 inch reflector?
From: "GoldfishPanda"
Date: 8/21/03 4:02 PM Pacific Daylight Time
Message-id:



I think I already know the answer to this... But, an Orion EQ3 can't support
an 8 inch reflector, can it?

The reflector is supposedly 16 pounds (without the finder and attachment
rings)...
*******************
You can forget it! Not even a CG-5 will handle a 8" Newt!
Orion sells a much lager mount for $799, that would do just fine.

Nothing worse than a under mounted scope...

Chas P.

Ok, thanks for the info... I think it's too heavy probably. Just thoughtr I
would ask...

"Al" wrote in message
.net...

"GoldfishPanda" wrote in message
...
I think I already know the answer to this... But, an Orion EQ3 can't
support
an 8 inch reflector, can it?

The reflector is supposedly 16 pounds (without the finder and attachment
rings)...



Sure it can! The EQ3 will support the 8'' most of the night, if there is
no
wind and if you don't try to use it. If you want to use it, get something
like an older CI700 for about $1K.

Al

I think I already know the answer to this... But, an Orion EQ3 can't support
an 8 inch reflector, can it?

Hi:

No it cannot. The EQ4 will support an 8 inch f/5, but that is pretty mucht the
limit for it. The EQ3 is pretty much stressed out by the f/9 Chinese
refractors.

Peace,
Rod Mollise
Author of _Choosing and Using a Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope_
Like SCTs and MCTs?
Check-out sct-user, the mailing list for CAT fanciers!
Goto http://members.aol.com/RMOLLISE/index.html

An EQ5 will do it, but for a little extra cash try the HEQ5. Lighter than the
massive EQ6, but will support an 8" newt with dignity.

Regards,

Geoff GJ

An EQ5 will do it, but for a little extra cash try the HEQ5. Lighter than the
massive EQ6, but will support an 8" newt with dignity.

Regards,

Geoff GJ

I think I already know the answer to this... But, an Orion EQ3 can't support
an 8 inch reflector, can it?

Hi:

No it cannot. The EQ4 will support an 8 inch f/5, but that is pretty mucht the
limit for it. The EQ3 is pretty much stressed out by the f/9 Chinese
refractors.

Peace,
Rod Mollise
Author of _Choosing and Using a Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope_
Like SCTs and MCTs?
Check-out sct-user, the mailing list for CAT fanciers!
Goto http://members.aol.com/RMOLLISE/index.html

Ok, thanks for the info... I think it's too heavy probably. Just thoughtr I
would ask...


I have an EQ3 that came with a 120mm F8.3 Orion refractor. With the stock
tripod, the vibration problems are significant. I consider it marginal for
this scope. For an 8inch newonian it would be worthless IMHO.

jon

Al wrote:

"GoldfishPanda" wrote in message
...

I think I already know the answer to this... But, an Orion EQ3 can't

support

an 8 inch reflector, can it?

The reflector is supposedly 16 pounds (without the finder and attachment
rings)...




Sure it can! The EQ3 will support the 8'' most of the night, if there is no
wind and if you don't try to use it. If you want to use it, get something
like an older CI700 for about $1K.


That will work as I have just completed, but the tripod that shipped
with the CI700 is much too tall for an 8" newt. You will need a shorter
tripod or a portable pier. I had a pier built, but they can be
purchased. If you are going to do ccd imaging, you probably need a
mount as good as the CI700. Otherwise, for visual or piggyback photos
the Orian Atlas (Synta EQ6 I think) will work for less money.

Cheers,
John

John Hyde wrote in message news:Zii2b.253979$uu5.57539@sccrnsc04...
[...]
Otherwise, for visual or piggyback photos
the Orian Atlas (Synta EQ6 I think) will work for less money.

Have you tried it? No, I didn't think so.

Worst mount I ever owned (and no longer have (except for its tripod,
which
was fairly decent)), but don't just take my word for it, check the
Yahoo "EQ6" group.

I own an HEQ5 mount with an 8" newt. Works fine, and yes, I have used other
scopes, including meade LX200. Unless you are thinking of long duration
UNGUIDED imaging, then this mount will work fine.
BTW, even with much more expensive mounts, most long term imaging must be
guided anyway.

Geoff GJ