This bundle pairs the Sky-Watcher EQ8-R Pro mount with the Geoptik Hercules 95 wooden tripod, giving an extremely solid and highly portable platform for the demands of astrophotography.
The EQ8-R Pro is an excellent mount but its stock pier tripod is extremely heavy and time-consuming to set up. 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.
The height of the tripod can range from 700 mm to 850 mm for the medium Hercules 70, or 950 mm to 1100 mm for the tall Hercules 95 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 Sky-Watcher EQ8-R is the observatory class mount with a staggering payload of 50kg and sub arcsecond tracking accuracy (RMS), a great choice for the professional astrophotographer with a permanent set-up.
Two home position sensors will guide the mount as part of the shutdown procedure, storing the alignment details for a quick setup for your next observing session.
While the EQ8 uses a transmission belt in RA and a flexible joint in declination, EQ8-R employs the transmission belt between the motor and the worm drive in both the axes.
The EQ8-R PRO Hercules package is available in either Red or Black and with your choice of Hercules tall or Hercules medium tripods depending on your height requirements.
