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AZ GTi(X) on an EQ wedge vs SA GTi?

Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi Equatorial Mount Alt-Az Mount
6 replies•201 views
GTom avatar
GTom avatar
Has anyone upgraded(?) from an AZ GTI? Is it a real step forward?

Concerning specs payloads are very similar, the "only" difference I see so far is that the SA GTI is natively equatorial.
plroberto avatar
plroberto avatar
I am also interested in this topic, if anyone has used both.

As for differences between the two mounts, I can add that the SA-GTi has an integrated polar scope.
I usually use a software assisted polar align, but it's a nice feature to have.
Well Written
Tony Gondola avatar
Tony Gondola avatar
If you are doing astrophotography, going from alt/az to EQ will offer one large advantage, no field rotation.
Well Written Concise
GTom avatar
GTom avatar
Tony Gondola:
If you are doing astrophotography, going from alt/az to EQ will offer one large advantage, no field rotation.

read the title pls.
GTom avatar
GTom avatar
Alright, what I collected so far:

- AZ GTI has an inherent, irreparable backlash feature in its "planetary gearbox", attached to the motor. Zero idea though, if this really kills the show? I see nice examples here on astrobin, with as big OTA's as a 130pds or C6! 
- The SA GTi doesn't seem to have any disadvantage vs the AZ GTI other than pricing. Second hand full gear is approx £400 for the SA GTI, ~£200 for the AZ GTI.
- The AZ GTI's altitude range is substantially limited with the stock wedge or the Fornax wedge I have. This would be  travel mount for me, that might visit the Equator very close.
Helpful
Tony Gondola avatar
Tony Gondola avatar
Tony Gondola:
If you are doing astrophotography, going from alt/az to EQ will offer one large advantage, no field rotation.

read the title pls.

You were asking if it's worth upgrading from AZ to EQ...
GTom avatar
GTom avatar
Tony Gondola:
Tony Gondola:
If you are doing astrophotography, going from alt/az to EQ will offer one large advantage, no field rotation.

read the title pls.

You were asking if it's worth upgrading from AZ to EQ...

Nope. I was asking if it is worth upgrading from the EQ configured AZGTi on a (SW) wedge to the SA GTi. The AZ GTi also comes with a firmware supporting the equatorial setup.