Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 GoTo Mount

Hybrid Alt-Az/EQ Design with a 30 lb Payload

The AZ-EQ5 is two mounts in one. In equatorial mode, it's a capable astrophotography platform that supports a 30 lb imaging payload for tracking deep-sky objects across the meridian. In Alt-Az mode, you can mount two separate optical tubes, making it an ideal outreach tool for showing two different views of an object—for example, a wide-field refractor next to a high-magnification Maksutov.

Freedom Find™ Dual Encoders for Manual Control

Sky-Watcher's patented Freedom Find™ technology uses dual encoders on each axis, allowing you to manually unlock the clutches and move the telescope by hand to a new target without losing your GoTo alignment. Once you re-engage the clutches, the mount knows where it's pointing and immediately resumes tracking. This feature is invaluable for quickly locating a target or for users who prefer the tactile feel of a manual mount but want the precision of GoTo tracking.

Belt-Driven Motors with 5 Arc-Minute Accuracy

The AZ-EQ5 uses a belt-drive system to connect the stepper motors to the worm gears, which significantly reduces the backlash inherent in traditional gear-to-gear systems. This results in smoother, quieter tracking and slewing, with fewer corrections needed from an autoguider. The system achieves a pointing accuracy of 5 arc-minutes and features Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) to further refine tracking for long-exposure astrophotography.

Integrated DSLR Control and 0-90° Latitude Range

Designed for imagers, the AZ-EQ5 includes two DSLR SNAP ports for shutter control. Using the SynScan hand controller, you can program complex exposure sequences for two cameras simultaneously, eliminating the need for an external intervalometer. The mount's pier-style tripod and extension provide clearance for the counterweight bar to operate at any latitude from 0° to 90°, making it a reliable choice for observers from the equator to the poles.

AZ-EQ5 vs. HEQ5-R: Which Mount is Right for You?

While both mounts share a similar payload class, they serve different primary functions. The HEQ5-R is a dedicated German Equatorial mount, prized for its rigidity and singular focus on astrophotography. The AZ-EQ5 offers greater flexibility at a similar price point.

• Choose the HEQ5-R if: Your only goal is deep-sky imaging, and you do not need the visual or outreach capabilities of an Alt-Az mount. It is a benchmark for dedicated imaging platforms in its class.
• Choose the AZ-EQ5 if: You need a multi-purpose mount that can handle serious imaging one night and casual visual observing or public outreach the next. The Freedom Find™ encoders and dual-OTA capability are features the HEQ5-R lacks.