What would be the limiting capacity of an EQ1 mount?

Anyone know what the max weight, OTA plus cuonterweights, a motorised EQ1 mount can carry? I actually have an EQ2 motor attached to the EQ1 mount (the Skylux mount), if that makes a difference.

Cheers,

Seanie.

According to this Mount Comparsion Chart an EQ1 mount can handle 7lbs for visual observations and half that for astrophotography.

Darragh

Why the difference for astrophotography? I guess under full load bearing the mount might be jumpy at 7lb, which would show? But that's only my guess.

an EQ1 mount can handle 7lbs for visual observations and half that for astrophotography.

In actual fact, Skywatcher 80ED + T-adapted Canon 350 would be almost exactly 7lbs. But not useful for astrophotography you say. Even with an EQ2 motor attached?

Seanie,

I have the EQ-2 and which includes the RA motor but the only real use for astrophotography is the mounting of an SLR (digital or otherwise). I would be very surprised if you can do any quality work in relation to astrophotography.

Beware of "capacity". You should carefully read the manufacturer's data.

For example, the AP1200 has a capacity of 140lbs - however this is exclusive of counterweight shaft and counterweights. In other words, the AP1200 will hold 140 lbs of OTA and items attached to the OTA (imager, filter wheel etc etc).

I'm surprised at the 50% limit for astrophotography. I would have thought the more loaded the mount would be (within its capacity limit) the better. I can't see how lightening the load could increase performance... Perhaps there is a valid reason, but I can't think of one...

Dave