iOptron AZ Pro Mount Self-Align

[@gsansoucie]

I’m a visual, manual Star hop Luddite who loves to sketch. I just installed new slow speed control knobs on my ScopeTech Zero and spent more time last night struggling with finding the knobs (I routinely knocked out focus each time reaching for the Alt knob). So here I find myself looking at something like this that would certainly make sketching more enjoyable. Thanks for the video.

[@jeffmartin-g8r]

I’m all for simple. This is still far more complex than manual, but as as full GoTo go, this one is pretty clean.

[@zeitgeist8167]

Nice setup

[@jamesmcenhill4037]

How much do they cost and great video sir, I'm starting out from the beginning and need as much help as possible

[@dgdave2673]

Great, what’s the weight of the counterweight you have used? How did you balance it? It’s easier on EQ mount on both Dec and RA, but I am new to Alt-AZ , so little challenging to figure out the ‘balance’ point.

[@golookup]

If I recall, I got it close and didn't worry about it much. I suppose with high magnification astrophotography, it matters... Here's an article (cloudynights.com is the source for just about any discussion): www.cloudynights.com/topic/796444-ioptron-az-mount-pro-balancing-in-azimuth/

[@FF-em5jk]

Around what would be the exposure limit if I wanted to take long exposure photos with a 300mm lens & dslr? Could it work for 10-20 seconds without serious field rotation?

[@golookup]

there's some rule of thumb where NON-TRACKING the max exposure without star trails is 1/(focal length). Field rotation is a different, slower effect.(360 degrees/24 hours). So, yeah, give it a shot. Astrophotography is it's own black hole of expertise, time, and money. It has a lot of forums and special interest groups out there (because it's complicated). Those specialists can give you advice that, oh, accurate. :) The "Nebula Photos" YT channel is very good.

[@golookup]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6awi3pjiN53ebc

[@Johnfsu]

How sturdy is this mount and tripod setup?

[@jeffmartin-g8r]

it's consistent with the decent "lightweight" mounts. The closer you get to it max weight, the less stable. C8 is very good for visual. 4" refractors should be good.

[@veeretsy7528]

from which website did you buy it from?

[@jeffmartin-g8r]

I tend to buy used off of Astromart or cloudynights

[@WildwoodSubRailfan]

Go Gators!

[@jeffmartin-g8r]

Yes.! Even in th elean years! Go --;==;