This bundle pairs the Sky-Watcher EQ6-Ri Pro mount with the Geoptik Hercules wooden tripod, giving an extremely solid platform for the demands of astrophotography.
The EQ6-Ri Pro is an excellent mount but its stock tripod is not very sturdy and does not adequately dampen vibrations or wind. In contrast, the Hercules is made of the finest beech wood treated for outdoor use, offers excellent stability, vibration damping and heavy load capability. The base plate is finely CNC-machined and anodized.
Three tripods of different heights are available. The height of the Hercules Short 47 can range from 470 mm to 520 mm, the Hercules Medium 70 tripod can range from 700 mm to 850 mm, and the Hercules Tall 95 ranges from 950 mm to 1100 mm via aluminium extenders. These extenders are reversible, offering the possibility of a rubber or metal tip.
The triangle support is laminated beech and has five holes for 1.25" eyepieces and three holes for 2" eyepieces, as well as a section to hold small parts such as screws, filters, etc. The tripod legs also feature three holes each for 1.25" & 2" eyepieces. The Hercules tripods are available in either Red or Black.
The Sky-Watcher EQ6-Ri is the result of years of improving the EQ6 design. The new transmission belts between the motors and worm gears reduce the backlash for improved guiding accuracy. The integrated bubble level and the adjustable tripod legs make the levelling easy, the azimuth and altitude axis can be fine adjusted for a precise polar alignment.
The Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Go-To is designed for the astrophotographer who wants a solid mount with a payload of up to 20kg. The periodic error can be reduced through the PPEC (Permanent Periodic Error Correction).
Note: The tripod shown in the photos is the Hercules Tall 95 version.
