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The Sky-Watcher EQM-35 is a German Equatorial mount. It’s a handy, lightweight, and stable mount that can fit into a suitcase easily and go anywhere. It has high-precision hybrid stepper motors, improved RA gear for increased stability, and dual or single-axis tracking.
Stargazing is an amazing hobby. It lets you travel through the cosmos, glance into the wondrous night sky and the secrets it beholds, and lets you enjoy starry galaxies.
However, choosing the right equipment and mount before embarking on this epic nighttime journey using your telescope is crucial. That’s where the Sky-Watcher EQM-35 mount comes into play.
Thus, the Sky-Watcher EQM-35 is the perfect choice for those getting serious about astronomy. Even though it’s designed as an imaging system, it also works for visual use.
So, before you rush into making a decision, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the Sky-watcher EQM-35, why it’s great for precise pointing and tracking of night sky objects, and much more. Keep on reading for the Sky-Watcher EQM 35 review!
Specifications and features of Sky-Watcher EQM 35 mount
The Sky-Watcher EQM 35 has exquisite specs, making it one of the best mounts available. Its permanent periodic error correction (PPEC) and polar alignment with the built-in polar scope make it a great deal for its price.
The Sky-Watcher EQM 35 bridges the gap between lightweight traveling mounts and the need for more sturdy ones suitable for locating nighttime objects.
There are so many other features that this tremendous mount comes with. We’ll explore all specifications of this mount in-depth and see why the mount works flawlessly.
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Here are some of the features and specifications of the Sky-Watcher EQM 35 mount:
Motorized EQ mount
The Sky-Watcher EQM 35 mount lets you control the mount electronically, which means no manual slow-motion controls when locating celestial objects. That means you won’t have to worry about locating your favorite planets manually to photograph them.
Placing a telescope on an equatorial mount helps you navigate the cosmos and progress steadily across the night sky. An equatorial mount consists of a tripod and a mount head.
It moves about two axes: one called declination and the other one known as ascension (RA east-west).
One rotational axis of an equatorial mount is parallel to the Earth’s rotation axis. By rotating one axis at a constant speed, the EQ mount usually enables the telescope to remain fixed on a celestial object.
Payload capacity of up to 10kg
The payload capacity claims to be 10 kilograms, typically the value for visual astronomy. That means you can safely use up to 60% of the visual limit when imaging, which makes up to 6 kilograms of imaging gear that can support small-to-medium-sized OTAs.
It also provides a convenient and stable platform for refractors up to 100mm or 127mm Maksutovs.
Polar alignment scope
The Sky-Watcher EQM-35 has a polar alignment scope, making it easy to align the mount with the celestial pole. The polar alignment scope slightly enlarges the picture of the region surrounding Polaris.
Polar alignment is easy thanks to the polar scope provided and the SynScan handset, which gives the correct position for Polaris in the polar scope for your location, date, and time.
Using the equatorial mount means you will have to align your scope with the North Star, Polaris. Without this, you can say goodbye to track properly.
Adjustable tripod with aluminum legs
A solid base gives the foundation for visual astronomy. Thus, the extendable tripod in this mount is exactly what you need. It proves to be an excellent choice, from the adjustable tripod to its strong aluminum legs.
The tripod and strong aluminum legs combine to give a stable platform, dampening the effects of wind and minimizing vibration.
Accessory tray
Keeping extra equipment like filters safe when observing is always a hassle. But, with the Sky-Watcher EQM-35 equatorial mount, this job becomes easy. The accessory tray is located between the legs of the tripod and also has holes to hold different eyepieces while observing.
The tray’s design gives a stronger center support for added stability too. It also comes with a retaining wall to prevent items from falling off.
5 V DC power supply
Using an external power supply is best for both reliability and economic reasons. Internal battery compartments can be problematic if the battery leaks during prolonged storage.
That’s why the 5 V direct current (DC) supply to the Sky-Watcher EQM-35 mount is a great feature that helps power up the mount and other accessories.
Handheld controller with Go-To capability
The mount has a handheld controller that automatically points your telescope at the selected astronomical objects. For this purpose, installing the latest firmware on the device from Sky-Watcher’s website is best.
The GoTo capability in the mount helps to select celestial objects from a database and automatically slew the mount to the celestial object’s location.
However, you don’t need to align the mount if you want to imagine or observe a bright object like the Moon or Jupiter. You can just slew to the target and have fun observing it.
Read also: Are GoTo Telescopes Worth It? (My Real Experience)
Sidereal, solar, and lunar tracking rates
The best part about the Sky-Watcher EQM-35 is that it has all three heavy-duty tracking systems, making it much easier to track different night-sky objects.
Tracking rates are important for a mount and determining how fast they can locate deep-sky or celestial objects. For instance, the sidereal tracking rate is the most common. It is designed to match the Earth’s rotation, which rotates every 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4.09 seconds.
In comparison, the solar and lunar tracking rates depend on the motion of the Sun and Moon, respectively.
Sky-Watcher EQM-35 driver
There are different drivers, like the ASCOM driver, PDH2, or EQMOD, that you can use for your mount. Using popular astronomy software programs, these drivers help control the mount effectively.
SkyScan handset
The SynScan handset is a tried, tested system with an impressive history that helps control the mount. Access to more than 40,000 targets and multiple alignment options simplifies sky navigation.
This allows you to discover new celestial bodies and locate familiar ones effortlessly. You can upgrade the handset using the internet.
Removable dec assembly
Thanks to the removable DEC assembly feature, the declination axis may be easily removed and reinstalled. This can help move the mount around, store it, and repair or adjust the DEC axis.
Ball head adapters
The EQM35 has a ball head adapter that lets you place it on a tripod utilizing a ball-and-socket joint system. To enjoy the greatest possible night sky view, you may position and tilt the telescope on its stable platform.
Sky-Watcher EQM-35 ease of use
Sky-Watcher EQM 35 mount can be described in one word: amazing. It boasts smooth tracking, an easy-to-use hand controller, a computerized GoTo function, and much more, promoting ease of use.
Its removable dec assembly, ball head compatibility, and stable mount make it an all-rounder mount for astronomy enthusiasts looking to set it up at different locations.
Precision gears and motors allow for a heavy-duty tracking system of deep-sky objects, making capturing special moments from your nighttime venture in the cosmos easy.
Performance of Sky-Watcher EQM-35
The performance of Sky-Watcher EQM-35 mount Stands unmatched. It’s a reliable and accurate mount that helps you wander through space and pave your path along the cosmos while providing sturdy support for your telescope.
Additionally, the attached motor drives make it even easier to track celestial objects. It also features an intuitive interface and allows for precise adjustments to the mount’s tracking speed.
Pros and cons of the Sky-Watcher EQM-35
All good things have both advantages and limitations, and the Sky-Watcher EQM 35 mount is no different. We’ll be shedding light on some of the pros and cons of this mount.
Pros of the Sky-Watcher EQM-35
- The 180-tooth RA axis worm wheel enables smoother and more consistent results, making it easier to locate and capture your target or hold the frame steadily during observation.
- The sturdy tripod and fitting help improve visual astronomy.
- The polar scope helps improve the accuracy of the EQ mount.
- The mount is very easy to set up, thanks to clear instructions.
- Has periodic error correction
Cons of the Sky-Watcher EQM-35
- The mount has a polar alignment but doesn’t come with a light in the polar shift, making it hard to align it with the North Star.
- The limited weight capacity of 10 kg may not be suitable for heavier telescopes or bulky astrophotography equipment.
- It doesn’t come with an AC adapter, so it’ll have a shorter battery life.
- The DEC and RA motors have external wiring, which can sometimes hinder your experience while observing.
Is Sky-Watcher EQM-35 good for astrophotography?
The Sky-Watcher EQM 35 mount is great for both visual observation and astrophotography. However, while it is a good choice for deep-sky imaging, operating it using a PC and a direct cabled connection is best for auto-guiding the mount.
This is a necessary step for long exposures. Using software programs like the EQMod control software and capture software like NINA or Sequence Generator Pro helps guide the mount, filter wheels, control cameras, and perform functions like meridian flip that allow you to leave the mount unattended after setting it up.
Is Sky-Watcher EQM-35 good for beginners?
The Sky-Watcher EQM-35 mount is a tremendous option for anyone wanting to get into deep sky imaging or observing as a beginner.
By utilizing Star Adventurer l-brackets or ball head adapters, the mount can be transformed into a sturdy tracking system suitable for your DSLR or mirrorless camera and wide-field imaging, making it an excellent option for beginners.
Is Sky-Watcher EQM-35 worth it?
The Sky-Watcher EQM 35 is one of the few equatorial GoTo mounts with an affordable price tag. Its dual-axis drives, auto-guiding, and an in-built GoTo system make the mount worth its stellar price.
Thanks to its use of stepper motors, integrated polar scope, star adventurer l-brackets, and compatibility with different software programs, it’s a great mount for its value.
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FAQs
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about this mount and brand.
What is the difference between EQ5 and EQM35?
EQ5 and EQM35 are both equatorial mounts used for astronomy. However, while the EQM35 mount is a newer model with a highly accurate tracking mechanism, the EQ5 is a bulkier and weightier option.
However, due to its monolithic (non-modular) construction, it is expected to provide greater stability and durability.
Sky-Watcher HEQ5 pro vs. EQM 35, which is better?
The Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Pro mount is the better option for capturing nighttime images due to its ability to track and maintain stability accurately.
While the EQM 35 may have a weight rating sufficient for a visual imaging system, it may be less effective for astrophotography as it may begin to deteriorate in performance at about half its rated weight.
Is Sky-Watcher a good brand for telescopes?
Sky-Watcher’s telescopes are renowned worldwide for their excellent quality and affordability, making Sky-Watcher one of the most notable brands.
With a diverse range of mid-range telescopes, the brand caters to amateurs, intermediates, and advanced users, allowing them to indulge in sky observation.
Takeaway: The Sky-Watcher EQM-35 is a must-have for any serious astronomer
Taking your stargazing experience to the next level is doable with the amazing Sky-Watcher EQM-35. It’s a must-have mount for all serious or amateur astronomers due to its sturdy construction, precise tracking, easy alignment, and much more.
However, this mount also has some limitations, such as it doesn’t come with an AC adapter which makes it have a shorter battery life.
Also, The DEC and RA motors have external wiring, which can sometimes hinder your experience while observing.
If you’re wondering what other Sky-Watcher mounts are a great option, check out this article Sky-Watcher Mounts (All Models), to help you make the right decision when choosing a mount.
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