EQ-G quick review
Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 4:27 pm
Ok, then I'll do a quicky on the Orion EQ -G. It was recommended to me by two APers in my club.
The Polar scope is a cinch to use. BUT you have to align the scope first - that is make sure it's centered. When shipped (Mine at least) was not aligned... so do yourself a favor and align it during the day. Don't forget to polar align each time you set up.
The mount is heavy. Very sturdy and handles my 8" F4.9 FL1000mm with ease (18.5 pounds with camera). Needs both counterweights. I've broken the handle apparently on one of the weights. I have to use a vise-grip wrench to tighten it now.
The scope tracks well for one minute exposures by itself, though I do notice a wobble in images every few minutes or so... probably caused by an inaccurate worm gear. But on semi-cloudy nights, the scope does pretty well without guidance (ie PHD). I usually throw out about 5% of images... usually with airplanes in them but an occasional oval star pattern (that's the wobble taking place).
It works well with PHD and I've gotten some great pictures with it. I've not done more than 1 minute exposures, but I'm planning to in a couple of weeks... so we'll see how that works. Make sure you get anASCOM - USB cable for it. A standard serial cable won't work.
Would I buy it again? Yes. I am VERY happy with the mount.
The Polar scope is a cinch to use. BUT you have to align the scope first - that is make sure it's centered. When shipped (Mine at least) was not aligned... so do yourself a favor and align it during the day. Don't forget to polar align each time you set up.
The mount is heavy. Very sturdy and handles my 8" F4.9 FL1000mm with ease (18.5 pounds with camera). Needs both counterweights. I've broken the handle apparently on one of the weights. I have to use a vise-grip wrench to tighten it now.
The scope tracks well for one minute exposures by itself, though I do notice a wobble in images every few minutes or so... probably caused by an inaccurate worm gear. But on semi-cloudy nights, the scope does pretty well without guidance (ie PHD). I usually throw out about 5% of images... usually with airplanes in them but an occasional oval star pattern (that's the wobble taking place).
It works well with PHD and I've gotten some great pictures with it. I've not done more than 1 minute exposures, but I'm planning to in a couple of weeks... so we'll see how that works. Make sure you get an
Would I buy it again? Yes. I am VERY happy with the mount.