To see product details, add this item to your cart. You can always remove it later.
FREE Returns
Added to

Sorry, there was a problem.

There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Please try again.

Sorry, there was a problem.

List unavailable.
Other Sellers on Amazon
Added
Sold by: Adorama
Sold by: Adorama
(578333 ratings)
92% positive over last 12 months
Shipping rates and Return policy
Added
Sold by: OpticsPlanet, Inc
Sold by: OpticsPlanet, Inc
(99419 ratings)
85% positive over last 12 months
Shipping rates and Return policy

Sky Watcher HEQ5 – Fully Computerized GoTo German Equatorial Telescope Mount – Motorized Astrophotography Mount with 42,000 Object Database,White

3.8 3.8 out of 5 stars 96 ratings

To see product details, add this item to your cart. You can always remove it later.
FREE Returns
Available at a lower price from other sellers that may not offer free Prime shipping.
HEQ5

Purchase options and add-ons

Brand Sky Watcher
Color White
Material Stainless Steel, Alloy Steel, Metal
Special Feature Lightweight
Item Dimensions LxWxH 18 x 40 x 19 inches

About this item

  • LIGHTWEIGHT COMPUTERIZED EQUAORIAL MOUNT: The HEQ5 is ideal for beginning astrophotographers, or skilled astronomers looking for a lightweight computerized equatorial mount.
  • HEAVY DUTY ROLLER BEARINGS: Heavy duty all-metal roller bearings on both right ascension or declination axis.
  • BUILT-IN ILLUMINATED POLAR FINDERSCOPE: Included with the mount is a built-in illuminated Polar finderscope, helping users with quick and easy polar alignment..
  • ALL-METAL CONSTRUCTION: Beefy, all-metal construction provides 30-pound payload capacity perfect for all but the heaviest optical tubes.
  • 42,000 OBJECT DATABASE: SynScan hand controller with 42,000 plus object database will keep even the most experienced astronomer busy for countless observing nights.
  • STURDY ROLLED-STEEL TRIPOD: The HEQ5 uses a beefy tripod with 1.75 diameter tripod legs made of rolled-stainless steel.
Serve a pot of gold
Get ready for St Patrick's Day Find a Fresh store

Frequently bought together

$1,335.25
Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$173.00
Sold by StarPal and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Some of these items ship sooner than the others.
Choose items to buy together.

Important information

To report an issue with this product or seller, click here.


From the manufacturer

HEQ5

Sky-Watcher HEQ5

With a beefy 30-pound payload, all metal gearing and a built-in illuminated finderscope, Sky-Watcher's HEQ5 mount is a slimmed down version of the EQ6 Pro mount and is specially designed for observers who need the steadiness of the EQ6 Pro mount but finds the EQ6 Pro mount too heavy.

HEQ5 skywatcher eq6-r AZ-EQ5 EQM35
HEQ5 EQ6-R Pro AZ-EQ EQM-35
Customer Reviews
3.8 out of 5 stars
96
3.9 out of 5 stars
93
3.8 out of 5 stars
96
3.8 out of 5 stars
96
Mount Type German Equatorial German Equatorial Hybrid AZ-EQ German Equatorial
Payload Capacity (lbs) 30 44 30 22
Mounting Saddle V-style D- & V-style V-style V-style
Motor Type Stepper Stepper Stepper Stepper
Belt Drive
Included Polar Scope
Mount Head Weight (lbs) 21 38.2 16.9 9.65
Tripod Weight (lbs) 12.5 16.5 13.4 12.5
Total Weight w/ Counterweights (lbs) 55.5 76.5 43.8 37.15

HEQ5

HEQ5

HEQ5

eq6-r

All-Metal Gearing on Both Axes

Heavy duty, all-metal gearing means better tracking accuracy with minimal backlash and an impressive 30-pound payload capacity.

Built-In Illuminated Polar Scope

Make polar alignment a breeze with this built-in illuminated polar finderscope! Features reticles compatible in both northern and southern hemispheres.

Retractable Counterweight Shaft

The HEQ5 includes an innovative retractable counterweight shaft, allowing for easier transport and storage, without risk of misplacing it in-between uses!

42,000+ Object Database

Using Sky-Watcher's innovative SynScan hand controller, the HEQ5 is capable of finding and tracking over 42,000 celestial objects to keep you busy with countless objects to image.

Looking for specific info?

What's in the box

  • DC power cable, hand controller, two 11 pound counter weights, 1.75" rolled steel tripod and V-style dovetail bar
  • Product information

    Feedback

    Sky Watcher HEQ5 – Fully Computerized GoTo German Equatorial Telescope Mount – Motorized Astrophotography Mount with 42,000 Object Database,White


    Found a lower price? Let us know. Although we can't match every price reported, we'll use your feedback to ensure that our prices remain competitive.

    Where did you see a lower price?

    URL:
    Price: ($)
    Shipping cost: ($)
    Date of the price:
    /
    /

    Store name:
    City:
    State:
    Price: ($)
    Date of the price:
    /
    /


    Please sign in to provide feedback.

    Product Description

    Sturdy 30 Pound Payload

    With a sturdy payload capacity of 30 pounds, the computerized HEQ5 is Sky-Watcher’s most well rounded mount. The mount provides a convenient, stable platform for refractors up to 120mm or up to 180mm Maksutovs, and although it’s designed as an imaging system, it works astonishingly well for visual use. This mount is perfect for the beginner as well as the more advanced astronomer.

    42, 000 Object Database

    Using our proprietary SynScan hand controller, the HEQ5 provides a user-friendly interface with automatic slewing to over 42, 000 objects in the night sky. The hand controller can also connect to a computer using USB cable (cable sold separately), enabling computer control with most astronomy programs, including The SkyX, Stellarium, and Starry Night.

    Quick and Easy Polar Alignment

    Included with the HEQ5 is an illuminated polar finderscope to assist astronomers with quick and easy polar alignment.

    Ready to Go, Out of the Box!

    While most mounts leave you high and dry to purchase accessories on your own, Sky-Watcher includes plenty of accessories to get you started. In addition to the SynScan hand controller and polar finderscope, the HEQ5 mount comes with two 11lb counterweights, an 8” Dovetail bar and a DC power cable.

    Customer reviews

    3.8 out of 5 stars
    3.8 out of 5
    96 global ratings

    Customers say

    Customers like the stability, performance, and ease of assembly of the telescope. They mention that its a solid built product, works as expected, and is a very good entry level EQ mount for a lightweight AP rig. They also like the value. However, some customers have issues with backlash. Customers are mixed on weight, and tracking.

    AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

    13 customers mention13 positive0 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the stability of the telescope. They mention that it is a solidly built product, the quality of all of the components is quite good, and it does not shake.

    "...I have been really pleased with the setup, instructions, and overall solid build quality even though it’s an entry mount...." Read more

    "...I have zero regrets. Well built and beautifully made.Update. Once you get polar alignment handled, it gets easier...." Read more

    "...anymore money into this mount. The good part is it is a solid stable mount, but that's is useless if the electronics don't work...." Read more

    "...A quick look of the contents revealed all components appearing to be well made and quite robust for a (relatively) light weight mount setup...." Read more

    10 customers mention9 positive1 negative

    Customers like the performance of the telescope. They say it works as expected, works well with their ASIair Pro control box and GT81 IV scope, and is a very good entry-level EQ mount for a lightweight AP rig. They mention that the mount has smooth tracking and that the tower causes zero issues. Overall, customers are happy with the performance and stability of the mount.

    "...Even with the few drawbacks, it’s a fantastic mount and so stable!..." Read more

    "Aside form the great performance and smooth tracking there are a few things that could be considered as cons...." Read more

    "...I give 5 stars for being what says it is-- a very good entry level EQ mount for a lightweight AP rig...." Read more

    "...Oh Still great, great price, just don’t max out the weight capacity. 12 lbs is your best bet! I’ve taken many hours of Andromeda Galaxy subs...." Read more

    5 customers mention5 positive0 negative

    Customers find the telescope easy to set up and use.

    "...I have been really pleased with the setup, instructions, and overall solid build quality even though it’s an entry mount...." Read more

    "...I haven't yet assembled it for use, but it looks pretty simple. That's the good news...." Read more

    "This was much easier than expected to set up and use...." Read more

    "...It is light enough to travel to open sky sites and easy to assemble. What is painful is the Alt/Az knobs!..." Read more

    5 customers mention5 positive0 negative

    Customers appreciate the value of the telescope. They say it's worth the investment, a good budget mount, and can handle a lot of weight.

    "...Why the EQM35? Well, it’s a good budget mount at $725, it can also handle up to 22 pounds of weight so if I ever outgrow the RedCat Telescope I can..." Read more

    "I do think it’s a good budget tripod, however I definitely wish I would have bought the eq6 or something A little more expensive that has more..." Read more

    "...Oh Still great, great price, just don’t max out the weight capacity. 12 lbs is your best bet! I’ve taken many hours of Andromeda Galaxy subs...." Read more

    "...It's very stable and the electronics (I got the PRO) are really worth the purchase unless you like constantly adjusting your telescope to keep..." Read more

    3 customers mention3 positive0 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the quality of the telescope. They say it is well-built and beautifully made. Some mention it is a nifty gadget and that it pairs well with the Synscan Wi-Fi.

    "...I have zero regrets. Well built and beautifully made.Update. Once you get polar alignment handled, it gets easier...." Read more

    "This is a nifty gadget, especially paired with the Synscan Wi-Fi adapter, which I ordered right after receiving the mount and learning that..." Read more

    "...The wait was well worth it, the product was as advertised , a really well designed and superior product...." Read more

    9 customers mention6 positive3 negative

    Customers are mixed about the weight of the telescope. Some mention that it is light enough to travel to open sky sites, and easy to assemble. However, others say that it's a little on the heavy side but solid built.

    "...appearing to be well made and quite robust for a (relatively) light weight mount setup. Thus far, an "A" rating...." Read more

    "...it’s very unfortunate because i do really enjoy the ease of use and portability of this thing. It would go great with smaller scopes...." Read more

    "...Included counterweights are actually quite heavy, and too much for my lighter equipment, so I had to find some collar clamps at the hardware store..." Read more

    "This is a nice mount for medium-weight telescopes, e.g. an 8-inch SCT...." Read more

    6 customers mention4 positive2 negative

    Customers are mixed about the tracking of the telescope. Some mention that it maintains accurate tracking no matter the time of day or night, while others say that it's not perfect. Some customers also mention that the Sky Watcher tracking stopped working exactly right.

    "Aside form the great performance and smooth tracking there are a few things that could be considered as cons...." Read more

    "...you get polar alignment, as well as synscan alignment, the system tracks perfectly and will hold your target for hours, probably all night...." Read more

    "...Go-to seemed to be spot-on, and tracking was accurate best I could tell...." Read more

    "...the camera/telescope ends up hitting the tripod leg, completely ruining the tracking and I have to realign and start over or just call it for the..." Read more

    3 customers mention0 positive3 negative

    Customers have negative opinions about the backlash of the telescope. They mention that it's a little tricky to get rid of it, and it'd be best described as slop.

    "...There is some backlash, which I haven't tried to fine tune yet...." Read more

    "...They meshed at an angle causing terrible noise. The backlash is best described as slop. Luckily it is adjustable...." Read more

    "...Doing the adjustments to the axis to get rid of the backlash is a little tricky but not that hard...." Read more

    Buy a quality mount and it will last you!
    5 Stars
    Buy a quality mount and it will last you!
    I normally don't leave reviews anymore these days but figured I would leave one today because I am jazzed on Astrophotography and this mount!Why the EQM35? Well, it’s a good budget mount at $725, it can also handle up to 22 pounds of weight so if I ever outgrow the RedCat Telescope I can upgrade to a larger APO. Also, this mount offers a GOTO system so you can plug in the coordinates into the SynScan hand control unit and find 49,000 objects in the sky. Out of the box, it can track 30-60 seconds in the stars. I have been averaging about 30-40 seconds without guiding.Overall this is a great setup however there are some drawbacks. First, the setup requires power so you need a dedicated power supply for the EQM-3. Either you need a power cell that supports a 12V cigarette lighter or a dedicated power supply. Since I don’t plan on leaving my Bortles Class 4 backyard for the current time being, I purchased the Celestron AC Adapter – 5 Amp Continuous power, Black (18780) which was recommended by the Sky-Watcher customer service team whom I can say is darn right amazing! Next, it’s more complex so when you set this up not only do you need to polar align the mount you also need to configure either 1, 2, or 3-star alignment so you can easily move around the sky. So far the single star alignment was been working great for me! Finally, it’s bulkier than say an iOptron Sky-Guider Pro so it’s not as easy to just pick up and move, so if you do move it during a session you need polar align and star align again.Even with the few drawbacks, it’s a fantastic mount and so stable! I have been really pleased with the setup, instructions, and overall solid build quality even though it’s an entry mount. Also, solid customer service is a big plus! As long as I don’t keep going down the rabbit hole of buying more astrophotography equipment this setup should last me for multiple years. I also included an image of M11 the Wild Duck Cluster as well.--------Issues / Solutions I have had with the mount#1 When star aligning the mount I could do a fine adjustment with the arrow pad after pointing to VEGA. I wasn't sure but suspected I needed to update the firmware which can be done with a USB Printer cable and software from the main SkyWatcher.com website. First, plug in the mount and USB cable to the SysScan hand unit and check in the device manager on Windows under ports. Mine was COM3. Next, turn off the mount and unplug the USB printer cable then while holding down 0 and 8 on the SysScan hand unit turn on the power. It will then boot into the boot loader mode, plug in the USB cable, and run the software to upgrade. The current version is 4.39.15 as of 5.10.2020. Once the process updates shut down the system and unplug the USB cable.#2 The SysScan holder unit slides around a lot and I dropped the handheld unit multiple times as the holder was sliding around when I grabbed the SysScan. I put two rubber bands on the leg in between the holder unit and it works great now without moving any more. I have a picture of it attached to the post.
    Thank you for your feedback
    Sorry, there was an error
    Sorry we couldn't load the review

    Top reviews from the United States

    Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2020
    Style: EQM-35Verified Purchase
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars Buy a quality mount and it will last you!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2020
    I normally don't leave reviews anymore these days but figured I would leave one today because I am jazzed on Astrophotography and this mount!

    Why the EQM35? Well, it’s a good budget mount at $725, it can also handle up to 22 pounds of weight so if I ever outgrow the RedCat Telescope I can upgrade to a larger APO. Also, this mount offers a GOTO system so you can plug in the coordinates into the SynScan hand control unit and find 49,000 objects in the sky. Out of the box, it can track 30-60 seconds in the stars. I have been averaging about 30-40 seconds without guiding.

    Overall this is a great setup however there are some drawbacks. First, the setup requires power so you need a dedicated power supply for the EQM-3. Either you need a power cell that supports a 12V cigarette lighter or a dedicated power supply. Since I don’t plan on leaving my Bortles Class 4 backyard for the current time being, I purchased the Celestron AC Adapter – 5 Amp Continuous power, Black (18780) which was recommended by the Sky-Watcher customer service team whom I can say is darn right amazing! Next, it’s more complex so when you set this up not only do you need to polar align the mount you also need to configure either 1, 2, or 3-star alignment so you can easily move around the sky. So far the single star alignment was been working great for me! Finally, it’s bulkier than say an iOptron Sky-Guider Pro so it’s not as easy to just pick up and move, so if you do move it during a session you need polar align and star align again.

    Even with the few drawbacks, it’s a fantastic mount and so stable! I have been really pleased with the setup, instructions, and overall solid build quality even though it’s an entry mount. Also, solid customer service is a big plus! As long as I don’t keep going down the rabbit hole of buying more astrophotography equipment this setup should last me for multiple years. I also included an image of M11 the Wild Duck Cluster as well.

    --------
    Issues / Solutions I have had with the mount
    #1 When star aligning the mount I could do a fine adjustment with the arrow pad after pointing to VEGA. I wasn't sure but suspected I needed to update the firmware which can be done with a USB Printer cable and software from the main SkyWatcher.com website. First, plug in the mount and USB cable to the SysScan hand unit and check in the device manager on Windows under ports. Mine was COM3. Next, turn off the mount and unplug the USB printer cable then while holding down 0 and 8 on the SysScan hand unit turn on the power. It will then boot into the boot loader mode, plug in the USB cable, and run the software to upgrade. The current version is 4.39.15 as of 5.10.2020. Once the process updates shut down the system and unplug the USB cable.

    #2 The SysScan holder unit slides around a lot and I dropped the handheld unit multiple times as the holder was sliding around when I grabbed the SysScan. I put two rubber bands on the leg in between the holder unit and it works great now without moving any more. I have a picture of it attached to the post.
    Images in this review
    Customer image Customer image Customer image
    Customer imageCustomer imageCustomer image
    7 people found this helpful
    Report
    Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2020
    Customer image
    4.0 out of 5 stars I really love this mount. It works really well for AP, but is quite a learning curve
    Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2020
    Aside form the great performance and smooth tracking there are a few things that could be considered as cons. The polar alignment reticle light is over powering. I cannot see a single star. The trick is to align with the mount off and point a dim red light through anterior finder scope hole-it works. I have read that it can be adjusted with hand controller and if this is true I will come back and update this. After trying to learn polar alignment I am considering it to be some esoteric art form. You seriously need someone to show you how to do it and every You tuber have different ways of doing it-which seems to be one of those things that doesn't add up but works. The instructions might as well be in a different language. I have not yet mastered polar alignment-I have already determined a local astronomical society and hope they will help me more on this. I still managed to get some really good images when somehow I luckily managed to polar align it. If your really considering on buy this mount-do it. I have zero regrets. Well built and beautifully made.

    Update. Once you get polar alignment handled, it gets easier. Once you hit 50% payload weight coma starts to appear in the images. I am trying to get a good auto-guiding setup, but I had issues with ZWO product so that will have to wait. I bought a 120mm refractor and already I can tell that the mount moves a tiny bit slower. I am hoping that auto-guiding setup will correct it.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image
    8 people found this helpful
    Report
    Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2021
    Style: EQM-35Verified Purchase
    3 people found this helpful
    Report

    Top reviews from other countries

    Translate all reviews to English
    jl n.
    5.0 out of 5 stars buena compra
    Reviewed in Mexico on February 17, 2024
    Matt W.
    1.0 out of 5 stars Only received 1 box, Amazon reps don't understand the problem
    Reviewed in Canada on June 13, 2023
    Zaleena Chellappah
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent EQ mount. Affordable.
    Reviewed in Canada on August 14, 2021
    Style: EQM-35Verified Purchase
    Pongo
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent mount for moderate payload equipment
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 19, 2021
    Style: EQM-35Verified Purchase
    ruben a.
    3.0 out of 5 stars Problemas con la entrega
    Reviewed in Mexico on March 3, 2023
    3 people found this helpful
    Report