• The Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 is a dual mount, meaning it suits well for both visual observers with altaz mode and astrophotographers with equatorial mode, and two optical tubes in dual OTA mode using the extra V style saddle.
• Capable of a payload of 30 lbs, most mid to higher end optical tubes can be mounted without issues!
• Includes Periodic Error Correct (PPEC) for accurate RA tracking, especially helpful when doing longer exposures where minimal variation errors could effect performance.
• Equipped with Sky-Watcher's patented Freedom Find Dual-Encoder System, allowing manual movement of the mount without risking loss of alignment.
• The AZ-EQ5 is driven by a belt drive system, avoiding many annoying noise issues caused by more common stepper gearing without compromising tracking and slewing accuracy.
• With the included pier extension, polar alignment is obtainable at almost any latitude.
• The SNAP port and built in DSLR intervelometer timer removes the need for a cable release, allowing the user to set exposure lengths and frames via the hand controller.
• Access to a 42,000+ celestial object database.
• Built in USB port for firmware updates and computer control with compatible software.

The Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 dual design fits the best of both worlds! Visual users can benefit from the altazimuth (Altaz) mode while imagers who need superior tracking performance, particularly if doing longer exposure will benefit from the equatorial mode. Further more, with the extra second V style saddle, a second optical tube can be mounted when the mount is setup in dual OTA mode. For any user who enjoys visual observation of the night sky, yet might have an interest in imaging going forward without having to buy another mount, the AZ-EQ5 is an excellent option!

The Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 can hold a limit of 30 lbs payload. This is sufficient enough to hold lower to mid range optical tubes alone or with camera gear if doing astrophotography. Or if setup in the dual OTA mode, using the extra saddle mounting two optical tubes within a combined payload of 30 lbs.

While hardly noticeable when doing visual observation or quick exposure imaging, periodic error in the RA mount gearing can significantly affect quality of long exposures since minor variations become more apparent. Luckily, the AZ-EQ5 hand controller is equipped with periodic error correction to remedy this issue.

With a belt drive system in replacement of more typical stepper gearing, the AZ-EQ5 has very accurate tracking performance without the issue of noise. Since spur gears are removed between the motor and worm, noise is reduced and periodic error correction is reduced as well, thus ensuring smoother and quiet tracking.

With the included pier extension, the mount can be polar aligned at most latitudes. The pier extension removes the obstruction caused by the tripod legs against the shaft that is typically a problem when polar aligning at lower latitudes.

With Sky-Watcher's patented Freedom Finder Dual Encoder System, the user can manually move the mount without risking loss of alignment.

The mount is equipped with DSLR control. There is no need for a shutter release cable since the mount includes a SNAP port and an internal intervelometer timer which can be set via the hand control for exposure lengths, number of frames, and cool down period between each frame. The SynScan controller allows eight different exposure combos.

The AZ-EQ5 comes with the SynScan Hand Controller, pier tripod, two 7.5 lb counterweights, counterweight extension bar, second saddle for use in dual OTA mode. Included are two Canon EOS trigger cables (Nikon and Sony cables will need to be purchased separately).