What Is The Best AZ Mount For A 20 Pound 150mm F8 Refractor

[Refractordude]

I am currently using an Orion VersaGo II mount head with the Orion Skyview Pro legs and extension tube. For some reason I can no longer find that sweet adjustment spot for good stability. I will try a few more times, but it looks like it is time for a new az mount. Would like opinions/suggestions etc. I am very budget minded, but can save up for an expensive mount. Thanks to you all.

[AstroBee]

Not a great deal of budget options out there with a 20lb payload capacity. Besides the one you have, I've only seen the Vixen Porta II mount (Not exactly cheap.) that states it can handle 20lbs.

The Vixen StarGuy Alt-Az Pro Mount is out there but even more expensive. At that point you might as well look at an eq mount like the AVX.

[ARock]

The Twilight 2 gets good reviews.
https://www.highpointscientific.com/exp ... nt-maz02-p

The GSO Skyview Deluxe will probably be at the limit.
https://agenaastro.com/gso-skyview-delu ... mount.html

[NGC 1365]

I have the Vixen Porta mount, have had it since they first came out. It's my grab and go mount for four different scopes, the largest and heaviest is a double stacked Lunt 100 Ha Solarscope, the smallest a 76mm refractor. It's the best mount I've owned for ease and convenience.

[pakarinen]

SkyTee 2 - kind of ugly IMO, but decent reviews. Can hold two scopes.
Vixen APZ - stylish, very good to excellent review, quite pricey (Me want!) Convertible to eq with some add-ons.
Twilight II - see CN threads on "necessary" tuning / bearing kludge. Ppl complain they shouldn't have to muck about with it given the price. Not sure about slo-mo. Good reviews otherwise.
DM6 (?) - no slo-mo. Pricey. Expensive shipping charges reported. Sky Booger or whatever push-to add-on available.
Losmandy AZ8 - pricey. Some ppl question if quality is worth price.

FWIW...

[Refractordude]

SkyTee 2 - kind of ugly IMO, but decent reviews. Can hold two scopes.
Vixen APZ - stylish, very good to excellent review, quite pricey (Me want!) Convertible to eq with some add-ons.
Twilight II - see CN threads on "necessary" tuning / bearing kludge. Ppl complain they shouldn't have to muck about with it given the price. Not sure about slo-mo. Good reviews otherwise.
DM6 (?) - no slo-mo. Pricey. Expensive shipping charges reported. Sky Booger or whatever push-to add-on available.
Losmandy AZ8 - pricey. Some ppl question if quality is worth price.

FWIW...

Thinking about the SkyTee 2.

[Bigzmey]

SkyTee 2! Load capacity - 60 lb, rock solid stability. Handles up to 3 scopes (T2 can handle only two) and also has solo mode with counterweight. Has slo mo (T2 does not). All 3 scopes can be alligned to look at the same spot (T2 can't do it). Compatible with Orion extension pier.

[Jones]

Giro Ercole from TS Optics Germany for scopes up to 18 kg.

[Lady Fraktor]

Giro Ercole from TS Optics Germany for scopes up to 18 kg.

That is 18kg (40lb) per side.

[DeanD]

Stellarvue M002C? https://www.stellarvue.com/m2/ Holds up to 25 lbs.

I have the older version which handles my 150mm f5 refractor quite happily. Here is an image of mine (with home-made riser and tripod).

All the best,

Dean