AZ-EQ5 Mount comes with an EQ/Alt-AZ Dual Mode, whereas HEQ5 Mount has a German Equatorial Mount system. AZ-EQ5 is heavier than HEQ5. Plus, the slewing speed and payload capacity of AZ-EQ5 is higher than HEQ5.
Is your current telescope mount not working correctly? A dedicated quality is a must to support the telescope’s mass and move the device at the right angle and see the object. Here, we come up with a comparison session between AZ-EQ5 and HEQ5.
Let’s dive deeper!
A Quick Comparison Table
| Specifications | AZ-EQ5 Mount | HEQ5 Mount |
| Mount Type | EQ/Alt-AZ Dual Mode | German Equatorial Mount |
| Special Technology | Freedom Find (dual-encoder) technology | High-precision tracking and navigation |
| Object Database | 42,900+ | 42,000 |
| Tripod Weight | 6.1kg per stand | 5.6 kg per stand |
| Slewing Speed | Maximum 4.2 degrees/second | Maximum 3.4 degrees/second |
| Payload Capacity | 15kg | 13.7 kg |
| Power Supply | 11 to 16 V DC 3Amp | 11 to 15 V DC 2Amp |
| Price | Higher | Affordable |
Key Differences Between AZ-EQ5 And HEQ5 Mount
- Mount Type
You might be wondering about the first visible difference between these telescope mounts, right? AZ-EQ5 has an Alt-azimuth mount system. It works like a regular photographic tripod.
You can move your telescope in two axes: left-right and up-down. This option comes in handy for capturing deep-sky objects through long exposure.
Contradictorily, HEQ5 comes with a German Equatorial Mount system. It keeps the telescope in a fixed position on a celestial object.
Tracking and capturing objects in the sky requires you only move the mount on one axis. However, a precise polar alignment is a must for better tracking quality.
- Special Technology
AZ-EQ5 mount comes with a Freedom Find (dual-encoder) technology. It allows you to move your telescope in both axes electronically or manually while maintaining a precise alignment.
You don’t need to waste time re-setup when you shift to a new object. Its Freedom Find technology will automatically detect and track the new object precisely.
In opposition, the HEQ5 mount has a High-precision tracking and navigation system. It can be the perfect choice for long exposures of low-light objects.
Plus, its motor can respond quickly to prevent slack. But ensuring strict alignment is crucial to achieving good long-exposure reliability and better output.
- Object Database
AZ-EQ5 contains more than 42,900 object databases, such as Messier objects, Solar System Object, NGC catalog, Caldwell catalog, etc.
Contrarily, HEQ5 has 42,000 object databases. Hence, both telescope mounts allow the telescope to point automatically at various astronomical objects.
- Tripod Weight
Lightweight telescope mounts are usually simple to carry and move. They give you better flexibility and maneuverability. However, heavy telescope mounts have more load capacity.
AZ-EQ5 has a 6.11KG weight per stand. So, the total weight of the entire amount will be around 17 to 18KG. This makes the unit a little bit heavier.
- Slewing Speed
Do you know the average slewing speed rate for a telescope mount?
It should be at least 3.4 degrees/second for fine precision like good guiding or tuning.
AZ-EQ5 has up to 4.2 degrees/second slew rate.
This allows the telescope to quickly detect the usual spot in the night sky or between two celestial objects.
Oppositely, HEQ5 offers a maximum of 3.4 degrees/second skew rate. It appears enough as long as you maintain 1 deg/sec for every azimuth and elevation.
- Payload Capacity
A telescope mount has a certain rated payload capacity. The maximum payload capacity of AZ-EQ5 is 15KG. Its solid and rigid construction can handle a decent amount of weight.
Conversely, HEQ5 has up to 13.7KG payload capacity. It is better not to get too closer to the maximum payload capacity. Otherwise, its tracking performance will be less accurate.
Appropriately keeping the load under the stated limit will ensure an outstanding telescope performance and better mounting for all the accessories.
- Power Supply
Any idea about the standard electrical power required for telescope mounts? They usually need 12 volts of DC power. So, make sure to use good-quality rechargeable field batteries or external power supplies to fulfill the requirements.
AZ-EQ5 generally needs 11 to 16 V DC or 3Amp electrical power. This telescope mount requires slightly more power due to its additional weight and increased slewing speed.
On the contrary, 11 to 15 V DC or 2Amp electrical power appears for HEQ5 to function appropriately. You can use a portable power station to provide AC power with an AC adapter.
- Price
AZ-EQ5 is a more advanced unit than HEQ5. That’s why it is a little bit pricey. But it is worth the price you invest. AZ-EQ5 telescope mount can effectively track the existing position of the work with its motor controller.
Plus, taking batch exposures with its two SNAP ports is easygoing. You can setup up to 8 classes in different exposure frames and times. This helps you get better at astrophotography.
Which Telescope Mount Is The Best Choice?
AZ-EQ5 appears a better choice if you prefer simplicity and faster setup time. It is one of the best options if you want to use a telescope for observational or planetary imaging. The way it tracks celestial objects and stars’ motion will impress you.
But if you can ensure a correct polar alignment and balance in both axes, HEQ5 is also good. Otherwise, it will lead to star trails. Hence, the AZ-EQ5 telescope appears overall a better choice for comfortable viewing positions. It can be enjoyable astrophotography for beginners.
Here is a broad overview of the AZ-EQ5 mount!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
HEQ5 comes with a dual-axis motor, whereas EQ5 has a single-axis motor. HEQ5 offers better weight support than EQ5, making it more stable.
HEQ5 is a good choice for astrophotography when you want to get better visual and even imaging. But maintaining a proper polar alignment and balance in both axes is vital.
HEQ5 is a highly portable telescope mount. Each stand weighs only 5.6KG. It is perfect for easy moving and smooth tracking.
Wrapping Up
Are you still wondering which one to choose AZ-EQ5 or HEQ5 mount?
Before selecting a particular option, consider your astrophotography requirements.
If you have recently started your astrophotography journey and want an affordable and basic telescope mount, HEQ5 should be fine. But, for astrophotographers who are dedicated to taking their astronomical imaging to the next level, AZ-EQ5 is the best choice.
