Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 GoTo Mount with Steel Tripod (SynScan HC)

The Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 GoTo Mount is a heavy-duty, "three-in-one" hybrid system designed for the most demanding observational and astrophotographic pursuits. This versatile mount can operate in a GoTo Equatorial mode for traditional long-exposure imaging or switch to a GoTo Alt-Azimuth mode capable of holding two separate telescopes simultaneously. With a massive 20kg payload capacity, a retractable 25.4mm counterweight shaft, and a stable steel tripod, it provides the rigid foundation necessary for large optical tubes and complex imaging trains.

At the heart of the AZ-EQ6 is a sophisticated belt-driven stepper motor system that minimizes backlash and ensures immediate, responsive movements—a critical feature for high-precision autoguiding. The mount is uniquely equipped with dual encoders on both axes, allowing you to manually de-clutch and move the telescope by hand without losing your computerized star alignment. Whether you are utilizing the Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) to smooth out tracking or using the integrated shutter release control for batch exposures, the AZ-EQ6 offers a professional-grade experience for exploring over 42,000 celestial objects.

Product Features in Detail

Zero-Backlash Belt Drive
By replacing traditional gears with a belt-drive system, the AZ-EQ6 virtually eliminates the "mechanical slop" known as backlash. This results in immediate corrections during autoguiding, which is essential for achieving pinpoint stars in deep-space photography.

The "Freedom Find" Advantage
Standard GoTo mounts "get lost" if you move them by hand. Thanks to the auxiliary encoders on the AZ-EQ6, you can loosen the clutches, point the telescope manually to a new area of the sky, and re-tighten the clutches—the computer still knows exactly where it is pointing.

Dual-Telescope Capability
In Alt-Az mode, the counterweight bar can be replaced with a second saddle (included). This allows you to mount two different telescopes at once—for example, a long focal length SCT for planetary viewing and a wide-field refractor for nebulae—perfect for public outreach or side-by-side comparisons.

Reliable Power Management
The AZ-EQ6 features a new threaded power input jack. This prevents the common "power-outage" frustration caused by a loose DC plug accidentally tugged during a long slewing move, ensuring your long imaging sequences remain uninterrupted.

High-Torque Motor Controller
The updated motor controller provides the high torque necessary to move heavy 20kg payloads even when they aren't perfectly balanced. This added power translates to a pointing accuracy of 5 arc-minutes, placing your target in the field of view every time.

Comprehensive Polar Alignment
Achieving a perfect polar alignment is easy with either the built-in illuminated polar scope or the SynScan hand controller's software alignment routine. This makes it a truly global mount, compatible with both Northern and Southern hemisphere observing sites.