This bundle pairs the Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 mount with the Geoptik Hercules wooden tripod, giving an extremely solid platform for the demands of astrophotography, particularly with Newtonian reflectors and in windy conditions.
The AZ-EQ6 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 tripod is available in either Red or Black.
The Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 Pro Go-To is designed for the professional astrophotographer who wants a solid and reliable mount with a payload of up to 20kg. It combines the advantages of the equatorial mount with the simplicity of the alt-azimuth system. In fact, the AZ-EQ6 is a hybrid mount usable in both these configurations. The equatorial mode is ideal for astrophotography while the alt-azimuth configuration is more practical for observation as polar alignment is not required.
When the mount is configured in Alt-Azimuth mode, it can carry a second instrument by attaching the dual saddle (Vixen and Losmandy style) to the counterweight bar. In equatorial mode the AZ-EQ6 shows all its potential in astrophotography. Like the EQ6-Ri, the AZ-EQ6 uses one belt for the transmission between the stepper motor and the worm drive rather than two gears. This belt reduces the overall backlash, the noise and the long period periodic error. Both axes are equipped with the belt transmission system.
Note: The tripod shown in the photos is the Hercules Tall 95 version.
