Celestron EdgeHD 8" on Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 mount

The innovative aplanatic Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope with a modified aspheric corrector plate, known as EDGE-HD, offers a flat and aberration-free field of view, making it ideal for astrophotography. This new technology significantly reduces coma and improves resolution at the edges of the field of view. The EDGE-HD system delivers outstanding results even with large-format CCD cameras, producing accurate images even for sensors with a diagonal of 52 mm. In comparison to standard optical tubes, EDGE HD tubes offer several mechanical enhancements. The primary mirror mounting has been improved to eliminate mirror shift. Ventilation holes with special filters to prevent dust ingress have been placed at the rear of the tube. All EDGE-HD telescopes come equipped with the Fastar system, allowing for CCD cameras to be placed directly at the primary focus of the telescope. Collimation procedures have also been simplified, allowing adjustments to be made with knobs without the need for tools.

The Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 GT mount is a new addition to the astronomical mount market. This mount can operate in both equatorial and alt-azimuth configurations. It is a robust mount based on the well-established EQ6 design, which has been modified and modernized.

The mount's head weighs 15 kg, the tripod 7.5 kg, and its payload capacity (without counterweights) in the equatorial position is 20 kg. It is controlled via the SynScan GoTo system, which has a database of 42,900 objects. Additionally, this mount has a unique feature in its alt-azimuth position, allowing the simultaneous connection of two telescopes, resembling a dual-head setup.

The mount incorporates a dual-encoder system, enabling manual rotation of the mount head without the need to reconfigure the GoTo system. The mount is compatible with both Vixen-style dovetail and Losmandy-style dovetail mounting systems.

Technical Specifications of the Optical Tube:

Optical System: Aplanatic Schmidt-Cassegrain

Aperture: 203 mm

Focal Length: 2032 mm

Focal Ratio: f/10

Anti-Reflective Coatings: StarBright XLT

Resolution: 0.95 arcseconds

Theoretical Stellar Magnitude Limit: 14

Maximum Useful Magnification: Approximately 400x

Back Focus: 34 mm +/- 1 mm

Length: 432 mm

Weight: 6035 g

Included Accessories with the Optical Tube:

40 mm 1.25" Eyepiece (51x magnification)

1.25" Internal Focusing Eyepiece Holder (with mirror)

1.25" Mirror Diagonal

Integrated Losmandy Dovetail

9x50 Optical Finderscope

Key Features of the Mount:

Capability to operate in both equatorial and alt-azimuth systems

Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) for error correction

Belt-drive system for smoother operation and reduced backlash

Ability to control a DSLR camera from the mount's remote port

High-precision motor controllers

Two dovetail saddle plates included (Vixen and Losmandy)

Improved power socket

Polar alignment can be done with a polar scope or using the GoTo system

Dual-encoder system

Technical Specifications of the Mount:

Mount Type: Alt-Azimuth / Equatorial

Micro-Movements: Electronic, controlled via GoTo remote

Counterweights: 2 x 5 kg

Motors: Hybrid stepper motors, 1.8-degree step

Tracking Accuracy: 0.14 arcseconds

RA Gear: Diameter 92.5 mm, 180 teeth, brass

Dec Gear: Diameter 40 mm, steel

Autoguider Port: ST-4

Alignment Modes: 1, 2, or 3-star alignment (EQ), 2-star alignment (AZ)

GoTo System: SynScan

Latitude Range: 10 to 70° and 90°

Azimuthal Adjustment Range: +/- 9°

Tripod Height: 127 cm

Tripod Legs: Steel, 2"

Tripod Weight: 7.5 kg

Packed Mount Weight: 21 kg + 15 kg

External Packaging Dimensions: 117x28x21 cm + 100x50x50 cm (two boxes)

Warranty: 2 years