AZ5 Telescope Mount - Beginner Mount with Slow Motion Control (S20110)

I use this mount with an 80mm apo refractor and a 150mm SCT. I like it because I am a visual-only observer and prefer manual mounts (i.e., no power needed or electronic components to malfunction). Even though this is a straight-forward Alt-Az mount, I am able to follow objects as the earth rotates because of the slow motion controls. For my purposes, I find the mount to be well-built and stable enough for my setup (i.e., scopes in the 10 pound range). Also, the eyepiece tray is a very nice feature. It can be hard to find well-constructed manual mounts that have stability, and the next level up contains mostly motorized mounts starting around $1000. For me, this mount is a good value for the money and works well in my scenario. The tripod legs are substantial, which really contributes to the stability of this mount - as long as I stay around a 10 pound payload. Regarding its weight, it is heavy enough to be stable for viewing purposes but light enough that it is not a big burden to carry. Since assembly is rather straight forward, I would consider this mount to be reasonably portable.

Very solid mount for a small- to medium-size refractor, SCT, Mak or Newtonian scope. It will handle a 4" triplet or a 5" achromat with no trouble, as well as an 8" SCT. I haven't tried it with one, but I expect it will be fine with a 7" Mak. It's a very nice step up from most entry-level mounts.

Excellent product. The slow motion controls are very useful. I am using it with a TeleVue Pronto refractor. It allows me to get to the zenith without any blockage. I am very happy with this tripod. It allows me to use the Hopper e-finder from Clear Skies Astro with the Pronto and has given new life to the scope. It is a much better arrangement than the original TelePod with the Sky Tour computer and encoders. I would not go back.

This was the best choice by far. Solid, sturdy, vibration free, and the slow motion controls are smooth as butte! The legs are heavier than most other compatible models. I didn't want to spend this much after purchasing an expensive refractor but having used it for several weeks, it proved to be an investment, not an expense. In many ways, it allows the telescope to perform at its best and full capability! I would highly recommend this unit.

This is a very solidly built tripod with included mount. I'd say its a good value if not for a manufacturing/quality control issue. On TWO (original and replacement) the locking shaft does not thread into the extension. On the first order it just didn't fit at all and would not even thread even into the bottom of the mount itself (to use without the extension) On the replacement it threads for two turns into the extension and completely threads into the mount. I waited 3 weeks for a replacement because it was on backorder. The manufacturer told me to go through Amazon because they also didn't have anymore. I don't trust the extension holding the weight of the mount, telescope, and a DSLR on just two threads. I reached out to the manufacturer and they confirmed that yes, there is a production issues and they can't help me at all.. so I am back with amazon going for my second replacement. Will update once I have that.