First Impressions of Sky Watcher AZ5 Mount w/ Steel Tripod
The Sky Watcher AZ5 Mount w/ Steel Tripod promises a “rock-solid platform” for astronomical and terrestrial viewing, a claim that immediately piqued my interest. As someone who has spent countless nights under the stars, fumbling with shaky mounts that ruin the viewing experience, I was eager to see if this mount could deliver on its promise of stability and ease of use. Sky Watcher is a well-known name in the amateur astronomy world, so I had fairly high expectations going in.
For years, I’ve battled with mounts that either couldn’t handle the weight of my telescope or were so complex to set up that half the night was gone before I could start observing. I was searching for a mount that was both sturdy enough to handle a decent-sized optical tube assembly (OTA) and simple enough to set up quickly in the field. The advertised 15-pound payload capacity and Vixen-style saddle of the Sky Watcher AZ5 Mount w/ Steel Tripod seemed like a good fit for my needs.
Unboxing the Sky Watcher AZ5 Mount w/ Steel Tripod, I was immediately impressed by the heft of the steel tripod legs. The cast aluminum mount head felt solid and well-constructed. The adjustable tension clutches moved smoothly.
I had previously considered the Celestron NexStar SE mount and the Explore Scientific Twilight I, but both seemed to have compromises. The Celestron offered GoTo functionality, which I didn’t need and added complexity, while the Explore Scientific lacked the geared slow-motion controls I desired. The Sky Watcher AZ5 Mount w/ Steel Tripod seemed to strike a better balance between simplicity, stability, and control.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality seemed excellent, and the design appeared straightforward, but the true test would be how it performed under the night sky. I was excited to finally have a mount that could potentially eliminate the frustration of wobbly images and wasted observing time.
Real-World Testing: Putting Sky Watcher AZ5 Mount w/ Steel Tripod to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Sky Watcher AZ5 Mount w/ Steel Tripod at my usual dark-sky site, a remote field about an hour outside the city. The conditions were clear and cold, with a slight breeze – typical for late autumn in my area. I paired the mount with my 80mm refractor, a relatively lightweight OTA well within the mount’s stated capacity.
Setup was incredibly easy; I had the tripod extended and the mount head attached in a matter of minutes. Attaching the OTA via the Vixen-style dovetail was also quick and secure. The geared slow-motion controls were immediately intuitive.
I experienced no issues. The mount provided smooth, controlled movement, even with the slight breeze. The image remained steady, allowing for comfortable viewing at high magnification.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Sky Watcher AZ5 Mount w/ Steel Tripod has proven to be a reliable and valuable piece of equipment. It has consistently delivered stable and enjoyable observing sessions. The paint on the steel tripod is still intact and scratch-free.
The mount has held up well to being transported to various observing locations. I have used it in temperatures ranging from below freezing to moderately warm, with no noticeable change in performance. Cleaning the mount is simple; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.
Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper, less stable mounts, the Sky Watcher AZ5 Mount w/ Steel Tripod is a significant upgrade. It has eliminated the frustrating wobble that plagued my previous observing sessions, allowing me to focus on enjoying the beauty of the night sky. It outperforms the entry-level mounts that often come bundled with telescopes.
Breaking Down the Features of Sky Watcher AZ5 Mount w/ Steel Tripod
Specifications
The Sky Watcher AZ5 Mount w/ Steel Tripod boasts a 15-pound (6.8kg) payload capacity. This is a crucial feature for supporting a wide range of OTAs, from small refractors to mid-sized Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes.
It features a Vixen-style saddle, allowing for quick and secure attachment of compatible OTAs. This is a common standard, providing compatibility with many telescopes.
- The tripod legs are constructed from adjustable 1.75-inch rolled steel. This provides a stable and sturdy base for the mount.
- Geared slow-motion controls provide precise manual tracking in both altitude and azimuth. This allows for fine adjustments to keep objects centered in the field of view.
Performance & Functionality
The Sky Watcher AZ5 Mount w/ Steel Tripod performs admirably, providing a stable and smooth platform for astronomical and terrestrial viewing. Its geared slow-motion controls are particularly impressive. They allow for precise tracking of celestial objects, even at high magnification.
The mount’s strength lies in its simplicity and reliability. The Vixen-style saddle is easy to use and provides a secure connection. However, the geared slow-motion controls, while effective, have a limited range of motion, requiring occasional re-centering.
The mount meets, and even exceeds, my expectations for a manual alt-azimuth mount in this price range. It provides a stable and user-friendly platform for observing, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Design & Ergonomics
The Sky Watcher AZ5 Mount w/ Steel Tripod is well-designed, with a focus on functionality and ease of use. The cast aluminum mount head feels solid and durable. The adjustable steel tripod legs provide a stable base, even on uneven terrain.
The mount is relatively user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve. The geared slow-motion controls are intuitive. The adjustable altitude fork arm allows flexibility for different observing positions.
Durability & Maintenance
The Sky Watcher AZ5 Mount w/ Steel Tripod appears to be built to last. The steel tripod legs and cast aluminum mount head are robust and well-finished. Proper care should allow the mount to last many years.
The mount requires minimal maintenance. Keeping the gears clean and lightly lubricated will ensure smooth operation. The steel tripod can be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Sky Watcher AZ5 Mount w/ Steel Tripod includes a pier extension. This provides additional height, which can be useful for observing objects near the horizon. It also includes an accessory tray for storing eyepieces and other small items.
The Vixen-style saddle is compatible with a wide range of OTAs and accessories from various brands. Additional counterweights can be added to the tripod to increase stability when using heavier OTAs. The geared slow-motion control cables are also replaceable, which could be important over the long term.
Pros and Cons of Sky Watcher AZ5 Mount w/ Steel Tripod
Pros
- The Sky Watcher AZ5 Mount w/ Steel Tripod offers incredibly stable viewing, especially at high magnifications.
- The geared slow-motion controls allow for smooth and precise tracking.
- The mount sets up quickly and easily, even in the dark.
- The Vixen-style saddle is compatible with a wide range of OTAs.
- The solid steel tripod provides a durable and reliable base.
Cons
- The geared slow-motion controls have a limited range of motion.
- The mount is somewhat heavy, which may be a concern for some users.
Who Should Buy Sky Watcher AZ5 Mount w/ Steel Tripod?
The Sky Watcher AZ5 Mount w/ Steel Tripod is perfect for amateur astronomers who value simplicity, stability, and smooth manual tracking. It is well-suited for visual observers who enjoy scanning the night sky and observing celestial objects at their own pace. It’s also great for terrestrial viewing.
This product may not be ideal for those who prefer GoTo computerized mounts or require extremely precise tracking for astrophotography. Someone looking for a more lightweight and portable option might also consider alternatives.
A must-have accessory would be a good set of eyepieces to get the most out of the viewing experience.
Conclusion on Sky Watcher AZ5 Mount w/ Steel Tripod
The Sky Watcher AZ5 Mount w/ Steel Tripod is a well-built, reliable, and user-friendly mount that delivers on its promise of providing a stable platform for astronomical and terrestrial viewing. The geared slow-motion controls are a standout feature. The stability they offer significantly enhances the observing experience.
The price of $314.49 is justified by the quality of the construction and the performance of the mount. It’s a great value for those seeking a reliable and smooth manual mount.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Sky Watcher AZ5 Mount w/ Steel Tripod to any amateur astronomer looking to upgrade from a wobbly entry-level mount. Ditch that shaky setup and experience the night sky as it was meant to be seen! Go out there and explore the universe.