Looking at AVX Mount for my 8SE

[Ed217]

Currently I have a stock 8SE and Nexstar mount that came with. I am about 5 months in to astro area this time around. Efforts so far have been planetary in nature and that works pretty well with both Nikons and ZWO cameras.

About to enter into DSO world and think that a polar mount like the AVX would be a better choice. Any thoughts???

[Mac]

I have the AVX and it is working well but it wouldn't with that big of a scope and additional guide camera/filters etc. It will work but I would be thinking of something bigger for the 8SE.

[Ed217]

I expert to do some of the DSO things with other optical gear. I have an existing Nikon and various long lenses. I also have an older shorter focal length 4.5 reflector. One of the purchase options is the addition of a 6" reflector with a 900 mm focal length that is much lighter.

[Lady Fraktor]

The AVX is a good starting point if you can keep your weight below 20lbs.
There are many people that use the AVX but people wanting to get into serious AP seem to outgrow it quickly.
The Skywatcher HEQ-5 is supposed to be a bit of a step up from the AVX.

[stewe]

According to Celestron's and Skywatcher's specifications, the payload capacity of the AVX is 13.6 kg, while that of the HEQ-5 is 13.7 kg.
So if you have an AVX mount and want better stability, I discourage you from spending another grand on a mount of equal payload capacity.
A friend of mine uses an EQ-6R with more than 20 kg payload weight for AP, regularly doing 20-min single exposures at f/4. That mount seems rock solid, I guess it would handle a C8 at f/10 very well. Or there is the IOptron CEM-40 if you find the "classical" heavy-duty GEMs too bulky and heavy, although it costs more.

[coopman]

Lots of AVX's available "used" because people realize that they need more payload capacity.

[BigKahuna]

Ed, the AVX with the 6" C6N Reflector (F5) works fine for me. I also had my 8SE on it for a while but like the 6" better for Astrophotography. Only downfall is it is a 1.25" focused but doesn"t matter for AP because it fits the T-adapter for my Canon T6 perfectly and allows Prime Focus

[Lady Fraktor]

According to Celestron's and Skywatcher's specifications, the payload capacity of the AVX is 13.6 kg, while that of the HEQ-5 is 13.7 kg.

The Skywatcher has a better build quality with the mechanicals making it a more stable mount than the AVX.
Capacity is only one part of the specifications.

[Ed217]

Decided to give the AVX a try. We;ll see how it goes. Since I've having issues with my NexStar mount, anything would be a step forward.

[Lady Fraktor]

anything would be a step forward.

Take a huge leap forward and buy a Vixen
Enjoy the new mount when it arrives

[UlteriorModem]

*COUGH* CGX..

[Lady Fraktor]

Bigger is not always better
Build quality goes further in the long term.

[UlteriorModem]

There is no substitute for payload capacity. I learned that the hard and expensive way!

Besides the CGX is a decent build quality, now that they have worked out the drive belt issues.

[Lady Fraktor]

My Vixen is rated for 35lb voodooo and 55lb visual so not to shabby.

[BigKahuna]

Good luck, Ed with the AVX mount. New AVX mounts just went on sale for $100 off list.

[Ed217]

Good luck, Ed with the AVX mount. New AVX mounts just went on sale for $100 off list.

Yes, the $ change happened the day before I ordered...which is good. Should be here tomorrow, so a new learning curve.

[Ed217]

Unit arrived yesterday and seems to work well so far. May know more on Sat as first clear night.

The Quick Align option is very handy as makes it easy finding an object very quickly. Its not a full polar alignment, but still very useful.

[Kerry C.]

Ed,
Have you had an opportunity to get some time with the AVX?
What are your thoughts so far?
I want a new mount so stinking bad, but I just don't want to put out the $1,600 for a EQ6-R Pro or its equivalent.
Kerry