Altair Mini-Az versus SV M1V?

[pakarinen]

Am I missing something or is the Stelarvue M1V identical to the Altair MIni-Az, aside from the counterweight and extension?

If they're weight rated the same, why bother with the CW on the Altair? Would that increase the load capacity?

Tnx.

[yobbo89]

It looks like the exact same product. Surely there is a limit on the bearings in terms of weight, but yes the counter weight version should hold a biger scope due to balance and which is realy related to the tripod you put it on and the balanced load on the bearing downwards force should help with azimuth pivot.

Another pro of the cw and extention tube is to get away from the tripod, which might be good if you like to use a chair to do viewing

[Lady Fraktor]

With the Altair version sticking further out at the dovetail it would need the counterweight to balance the telescope so it does not tip.
Having the extra weight may cause a bit of instability when panning.