ES Twilight Nano Alt-AZ mount

[lordhaw]

Does anyone have any experience with this mount? While the Twilight I is more likely to be better suited to my C102 I do like the way the head is situated which makes higher altitude viewing easier without banging against the tripod legs. I'm looking to replace an older AZ3 mount that's seen better days.

[helicon]

Sounds like a good reason for an upgrade. I am unfamiliar with the Twilight Nano but love my Twilight II which supports my AR152.

[Ozman]

The mount is VERY light weight. The Twilight I will support a lot more weight. I would not consider the Nano mount for any 4" scope. It would be OK for a small 70mm refractor or a 90mm Mak, I would draw the line at an 80mm f/5 refractor, but for anything larger I wouldn't consider it.

[lordhaw]

The mount is VERY light weight. The Twilight I will support a lot more weight. I would not consider the Nano mount for any 4" scope. It would be OK for a small 70mm refractor or a 90mm Mak, I would draw the line at an 80mm f/5 refractor, but for anything larger I wouldn't consider it.

Hmmm...I was rather afraid of that. The tripod itself looked a bit thin legged and I suspected it wouldn't handle it. But thought I would ask anyway.

Thanks!

[pakarinen]

Not to take things too far off topic, but have you considered an AZ 5? You can buy the head alone and then pick your tripod AFAIK. My TW 1 is about at its limit with my ST 120 on it IMO, but maybe a a TW 1 would be better for your 100.

[lordhaw]

Not to take things too far off topic, but have you considered an AZ 5? You can buy the head alone and then pick your tripod AFAIK. My TW 1 is about at its limit with my ST 120 on it IMO, but maybe a a TW 1 would be better for your 100.

Not off topic, I have considered an AZ5 as well. They changed the design of it I see, it used to be the same design as the Orion Versago II with the offset head like the Twilight Nano. The C102 isn't particularly heavy but it is long. My AZ3 doesn't handle it well past a certain point (it starts to drift backwards) unless I shift it forward in the rings which seems to balance it better. But the AZ3 was bought used and it's got some issues I haven't been able to resolve so replacing it might be best.

[Bigzmey]

Twilight I would be a better choice. You know that you can change the arm position on Twilight I from vertical to angled and also from left to right?

[lordhaw]

Twilight I would be a better choice. You know that you can change the arm position on Twilight I from vertical to angled and also from left to right?

Nope, did not know that. That is very good info actually. That really helps with the decision.