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Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 Polar Scope
Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 Polar Scope
Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 Polar Scope

Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 Polar Scope

by Sky-Watcher
SKU SW-S30203
$105.00 - $105.00
$105.00
$105.00 - $105.00
$105.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Designed for the Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 (GT) Mount
  • Northern Hemisphere Reticle with Circles for 2012, 2020, and 2032
  • Southern Hemisphere Reticle with 4-Star Octans Pattern
  • Includes Battery-Powered Polar Scope Illuminator
  • Replaces the Mount's Stock Bubble Leveler
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 Polar Scope

    The Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 Polar Scope is the optional polar scope kit for quick polar alignment of the AZ-EQ5 mount in equatorial mode. Its reticle carries markings for both hemispheres: the northern reticle features Polaris orbit circles for the years 2012, 2020 and 2032, with 0/3/6/9 clock markings, and the southern reticle shows the 4-star Octans asterism pattern (stars of magnitude 5 to 6). The kit replaces the mount's bubble leveler and is secured by the two locking knobs.

    Direct-Fit Installation: Replaces the AZ-EQ5 Bubble Leveler with 2 Knobs

    This polar scope is engineered as a drop-in replacement for the standard bubble leveler on the Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 mount. Installation is straightforward: loosen the two existing locking knobs, remove the leveler, insert the polar scope assembly, and retighten the knobs. This design ensures a secure fit and maintains the mount's functionality by incorporating its own built-in bubble level on the scope's housing.

    Northern Alignment: 3 Polaris Circles for 2012, 2020, and 2032

    For observers in the Northern Hemisphere, the reticle carries three circles because Polaris's orbit around the North Celestial Pole changes gradually. The circles correspond to Polaris's orbit for the years 2012, 2020 and 2032, so you can place Polaris at the right radius for the current year, using the 0/3/6/9 clock markings as a guide. Use the spring-loaded handle and the two azimuth adjustment knobs to move Polaris to the proper position.

    Southern Alignment: 4-Star Octans Pattern for Magnitude 5-6 Stars

    The challenge of polar aligning in the Southern Hemisphere without a bright pole star is solved with a dedicated asterism pattern. The reticle displays the distinct 4-star shape of the Octans constellation. Your task is to rotate the mount's R.A. axis to match the orientation of these faint magnitude 5-6 stars in the sky with the pattern in the eyepiece, then use the mount's adjustment knobs to place the stars into the small circles on the reticle.

  • Do I need the Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 Polar Scope if the mount has electronic alignment?

    Not necessarily. The SynScan hand control provides a high-accuracy polar alignment routine after a 2-star or 3-star alignment. The polar scope is an optional kit that lets you polar align the AZ-EQ5 optically in equatorial mode, by placing Polaris (north) or the Octans stars (south) on the reticle.

    How do I use the AZ-EQ5 Polar Scope reticle for the current year?

    The reticle has circles for 2012, 2020 and 2032. Because Polaris's orbit around the North Celestial Pole changes gradually, place Polaris at the radius that corresponds to the current year, estimating between the two nearest circles.

    Is the AZ-EQ5 Polar Scope difficult to use from a light-polluted southern sky?

    It can be challenging. The Octans asterism is composed of 4 stars of around magnitude 5 to 6, which are dim and can be hard to see from a bright sky. In that case, the SynScan hand control's polar alignment routine is an alternative.

    How is the Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 Polar Scope illuminated?

    The kit includes a battery-powered polar scope illuminator that attaches to the front of the polar scope. Tighten the battery cap to turn it on. Once illuminated, the reticle pattern is visible in the field of view.

    Does the AZ-EQ5 Polar Scope require calibration?

    Yes. The polar scope's optical axis must match the mount's Right Ascension (R.A.) axis. The manual describes centering a distant object, rotating the polar scope 180 degrees on its locking bolt and correcting any offset with the adjustment screws, then leveling the bubble on the polar scope kit and setting the 0-6 line vertical.

    How do I focus the AZ-EQ5 Polar Scope?

    The polar scope's eyepiece has a knurled ring. If the illuminated reticle pattern appears blurred, rotate this ring until it is in focus.

  • Manufacturer SKU S30203
    Type Polar scope kit for the Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 (GT) mount
    Mounting Replaces the mount's bubble leveler; secured with two locking knobs
    Northern Reticle Polaris orbit circles for 2012, 2020 and 2032, with 0/3/6/9 clock markings
    Southern Reticle Octans asterism pattern (4 stars, magnitude 5-6)
    Illumination Battery powered illuminator
    Focus Knurled eyepiece ring
    Built-in Bubble Level Yes
    Calibration Adjustment screws for aligning optical axis with mount's R.A. axis

    • AZ-EQ5 polar scope

      × 1

    • Polar scope illuminator

      × 1

  • Sky-Watcher 2-Year Warranty