The Sky-Watcher EQ8-R Pro: An Observatory-Grade, High Payload Powerhouse
Offering professional level performance, premier construction, and quality of life upgrades, this Sky-Watcher EQ8-R Pro is the ideal mount for those looking to take their astrophotography to the ultimate level. Designed with observatory-grade proficiency in mind, Sky-Watcher has crafted this EQ8-R Pro with the ability to haul over 100 lbs. of equipment, willing you to pack on your largest telescopes and heaviest gear. Features like robust internals for precision tracking, an on-board Renishaw encoder, and ergonomics such as large carrying handles further aid in enhancing your astrophotography experience! These qualities and plenty more make this EQ8-R Pro the perfect answer for serious astrophotographers seeking the precision needed for astroimages of the highest quality.
With years of industry-leading development at their side, delivering mounts such as the renowned HEQ5 Pro and the highly regarded EQ6-R Pro, Sky-Watcher has crafted this EQ8-R Pro to be better yet–delivering an observatory-class equatorial mount loaded with a myriad of upgrades. All-metal internal construction and belt drives in both axes deliver precise, quiet tracking across the night sky for gear up to a whopping 110 lbs. Adding to its sleek, streamlined look, the through-mount cabling system houses the cords within the mount itself, and the motor systems are recessed and centered to improve the mount’s balance. A secure, thread on power connector, physical hard stops, home position sensors, cable-snag prevention, and plenty more, aid in providing the ultimate remote observing experience. To make your life easier during set up, larger saddle knobs make mounting your telescope effortless, and more sizable RA and DEC axis locking levers are easier to engage, especially with gloved hands in cold weather. This mount also includes the powerful SynScan V5 hand controller, a D-style dovetail saddle, a powered USB 3.0 hub, and loads more!
On-Axis Renishaw Encoder
Delivering world class tracking accuracy, Sky-Watcher has equipped this mount with a high precision Renishaw encoder! Enjoy pinpoint stars, near-zero periodic error, and remarkable GoTo slews. So, how does it work exactly? Numerous markings, or “ticks”, divide the 360 degree rotation of the RA axis into points of reference. With these ticks, the mount can determine its exact positioning during slewing or tracking. The more ticks featured, the higher the precision of the mount, with this Sky-Watcher EQ8-Rh Pro housing a whopping 11.8 million ticks! By knowing exactly where it should be pointing and how fast the Earth rotates, this mount locks onto the target, providing unparalleled tracking without the need for autoguiding. Any issues you may run into, such as periodic error and backlash, are automatically well-corrected for, as this mount is held to its specified pointing position. Built for seasoned imagers looking to take their astrophotography to the new heights, and even those seeking the precision needed for advanced astronomical research, this Sky-Watcher EQ8-R Pro sets the standard for accuracy!
Powerful, Precise, and Jam-Packed with Features. This EQ8-R Pro Has it All!
The equatorial mount is arguably the most important aspect of any astrophotography rig, and with this EQ8-R Pro, your astrophotography experience is sure to be taken to new heights. With premium internal construction, a high payload capacity, and remote observatory grade precision, capture exceptionally sharp images of a myriad of celestial objects. Read more about this Sky-Watcher equatorial mount below!
Exceptional Build Quality & 110 lb. Payload Capacity
This EQ8-R Pro comes equipped with a 0.9-degree hybrid stepper motor for a wide range of slew speeds. Slew up to 1000x sidereal rate from horizon to horizon and effortlessly center your objects at a 1x snail’s pace. As stated above, this EQ8-R features a streamlined design with improved motor positioning. This positioning allows this mount to be constructed with a dual belt drive system, offering significantly reduced periodic error and minimal backlash when compared to more conventional drive systems. Not only is tracking accuracy improved, but enjoy whisper-quiet slewing and tracking throughout your nights of imaging! The internal gears are of all-metal construction for increased durability, with measurements of over eight inches in diameter to aid in the outstanding payload of 110 lbs. Weighing in at 56.8 lbs. and including two 22 lb. counterweights, this burly system offers incredible support for even the largest OTAs Sky-Watcher has to offer, such as the Sky-Watcher Esprit 150!
Equipped With the SynScan V5 Hand Controller
To assist you with your nights under the stars, Sky-Watcher has included the SynScan V5 Hand Controller! This addition comes complete a whopping 42,000 objects within its database, including the Messier, NGC, IC, and SAO catalogs, with the ability to store up to 25 user-defined objects as well. It offers functions such as one, two, and three star alignment routines, the selection of tracking rates, a polar alignment procedure, and plenty more. The well-organized menu is easy to navigate, allowing you to start your observations in no time.
Various Mean of Software Control
When it comes to software operation, a couple of options ensue. The SynScan application from Sky-Watcher is a powerful choice, as it offers full control over your EQ8-R Pro. Sync to objects, manage your tracking speeds, select your targets, and even align your mount! This software can be run from your PC via USB connection, or from your smartphone or tablet with the Sky-Watcher WiFi Adapter (not included). Downloaded the SynScan application from the Sky-Watcher website for Windows, from Google Play for Android, or from the App Store for iOS. Fully ASCOM compliant, you’ll also be able to utilize your favorite third party software such as N.I.N.A, Sequence Generator Pro, or Astro Photography Tool, just to name a few.
A Myriad of Ports and Internal Cable Management
To power the mount, a thread-on 12V DC aircraft power connector can be found on the side of the RA axis. Above this power port is a USB-B port for PC connection, an autoguiding port, as well as the hand controller port to adjoin the included SynScan V5 hand controller. A convenient On/Off power switch is housed on the front of the RA axis, as well as a SNAP port for DSLR control. To assist you with preventing dreaded cable snags, the EQ8-R Pro possesses an integrated cable management system. How does it work? The dovetail saddle is furnished with three DC 12V power ports, three AUX ports, and four powered USB-A 3.0 ports, offering PC connection and a supply of power to your imaging equipment. By having these accessory cables fixed to the dovetail itself as opposed to crossing over the axes, the risk of cable snag is significantly reduced during slewing and tracking. To supply power to the dovetail and consolidate a PC connection to your accessories, you’ll find a 12V DC port, a USB-B port, and 3 AUX ports on the back of this mount. This hub of ports remains stationary when the mount is in motion.
Multiple Polar Alignment Methods
As a crucial aspect to astrophotography, Sky-Watcher has included a polar alignment routine within the included SynScan V5 hand controller. After performing a 2-star alignment, select “Polar Alignment” from the Alignment Method menu. The SynScan hand controller will then prompt you to choose a star to slew to. After aligning this star in the center of the frame, press enter. A polar alignment error will be displayed, and the mount will slew away from the star. Next, adjust your altitude knobs to recenter this star. After doing so, the mount will once again slew away from the star, now prompting you to adjust your azimuth adjustment knobs to recenter the star. Once this is complete, you’re now polar aligned! For maximum accuracy, especially in an observatory settings, it’s recommended to perform this routine multiple times until the polar alignment error is minimal. If wishing to utilize software for polar alignment, the Sky-Watcher SynScan application is a great choice, with ASCOM-supported third party software being an option as well. For those wishing for a more traditional, hand-on approach, the inclusion of a user-supplied Sky-Watcher Polar Scope offers just this.
Included 2.36” Steel Tripod
Setting you up for success, Sky-Watcher has included a heavy-duty pier tripod. The pier design provides extra clearance for your gear and reduces the chances of collision, making it optimal for observatory applications. This steel constructed base features 2.36” legs and weighs an incredible 64.8 lbs for outstanding stability. To help you effortlessly level this tripod, three leveling pads fit snugly under the legs. Simply rotate the leveling screw to raise or lower them, then tighten the locking ring to secure the leg positioning in place. The mount attached to the tripod has a minimum height of 49.75” and a maximum height of 58.63”. If utilizing the leveling pads, these additions add approximately 3”-4” to the minimum height of your system.
Formulated for Remote Observatories
Numerous features make this Sky-Watcher EQ8-R Pro optimized for observatory settings. The through-mount cabling system, internal cable management, and physical hard stops drastically reduces the chances of equipment damage during slewing and tracking. Also, a secure, aircraft-grade thread-on power port ensures your power supply remains intact. Fitted with two homing sensors, effortlessly command your mount to return to the home position after a night of imaging. With a mount head weight of over 56 lbs., a tripod weight of ~65 lbs., two 22 lb. counterweights, and a max payload of 110 lbs., this equatorial mount is ideal for large, long term setups. With features like these, this Sky-Watcher EQ8-R Pro is designed to thrive in your permanent or semi-permanent personal observatory, earning our High Point Scientific Mount Classification Badge of Remote Observatory Grade!
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