STARTRACKER EQ-4 EQUATORIAL MOUNT & ALUMINUM TRIPOD
Heavy-Duty German Equatorial Mount designed to carry an 8-inch F/5 Newtonian Telescope.
The STARTRACKER EQ-4 Mount & Tripod is a robust German Equatorial mounting system designed to provide stable and precise support for medium-to-large astronomical telescopes. It is particularly well suited for 8-inch Newtonian Reflector Telescopes, including fast f/5 optical tubes.
With its sturdy EQ-4 equatorial head, adjustable aluminum tripod, precision slow-motion controls and included polar scope, the mount provides an excellent platform for visual astronomy and amateur-level astrophotography.
The EQ-4 is also upgradeable with a single-axis RA tracking motor, allowing the telescope to automatically follow the apparent motion of the night sky. The RA motor is available separately.
⭐ Designed for 8" Newtonian Reflectors
The EQ-4 can comfortably support an 8-inch F/5 Newtonian Reflector Telescope, making it an excellent choice for observers looking for a substantial equatorial mounting system without moving to a much heavier professional-class mount.
⭐ German Equatorial Design
The German Equatorial configuration allows the telescope to be aligned with Earth's rotational axis, making it possible to follow celestial objects smoothly as they move across the sky.
⭐ Precision Slow-Motion Controls
Two slow-motion gearing controls are provided for precise manual adjustments in:
- Right Ascension (R.A.)
- Declination (Dec.)
These controls make it easy to centre and accurately position celestial objects, particularly at higher magnifications.
⭐ Built-In Polar Scope
A polar scope is included, allowing accurate polar alignment of the equatorial mount. Proper polar alignment is particularly useful when tracking celestial objects and becomes increasingly important for astrophotography.
⭐ Upgradeable to RA Motor Tracking
The EQ-4 can be upgraded with a single-axis Right Ascension (RA) tracking motor.
Once equipped with the optional RA motor, the mount can continuously track the Earth's rotation, making it suitable for amateur-level astrophotography, particularly for the Moon, planets and brighter deep-sky objects.
RA Tracking Motor is sold separately.
⭐ Sturdy Yet Portable
The EQ-4 mount head weighs approximately 3 kg, while the aluminum tripod weighs approximately 2 kg. This makes the complete mounting system substantially easier to transport and set up than many heavier equatorial mounts.
COUNTERWEIGHT SYSTEM
The EQ-4 is supplied with two counterweights, each weighing approximately 2.8 kg, providing a total counterweight capacity of 5.6 kg.
The counterweight system allows the telescope to be properly balanced on the equatorial mount for smooth movement and stable operation.
Proper balancing is particularly important when using an 8-inch Newtonian optical tube.
TRIPOD SPECIFICATIONS
The adjustable aluminum tripod provides a stable foundation for the EQ-4 mount while keeping the system relatively lightweight and portable.
Collapsed Height: 25 inches
Maximum Height: 39 inches
Tripod Weight: Approx. 2 kg
The adjustable height makes it convenient to set up the telescope at a comfortable observing position.
IDEAL FOR VISUAL ASTRONOMY
The STARTRACKER EQ-4 is an excellent mounting solution for observing:
- The Moon and lunar craters
- Planets and planetary details
- Double and multiple stars
- Star clusters
- Bright nebulae
- Galaxies
- Other deep-sky objects
Its equatorial design and slow-motion controls allow smooth and accurate positioning of the telescope during observation.
READY FOR ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY
Add the optional single-axis RA Tracking Motor and transform the EQ-4 into a motorized tracking platform.
The RA motor compensates for Earth's rotation, keeping celestial objects centred in the eyepiece for extended periods. This is especially useful for astrophotography and long-duration observations.
For best results, accurate polar alignment using the supplied polar scope is recommended.
Note: The RA Tracking Motor is an optional accessory and must be purchased separately.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- STARTRACKER EQ-4 German Equatorial Mount
- Adjustable Aluminum Tripod
- 2 × 2.8 kg Counterweights
- Polar Scope
- R.A. Slow-Motion Control
- Declination Slow-Motion Control
Optional Accessory
- Single-Axis RA Tracking Motor — Sold Separately
WHY CHOOSE THE STARTRACKER EQ-4?
The STARTRACKER EQ-4 offers an excellent balance between stability, portability, manual control and upgradeability. It is particularly attractive for amateur astronomers who want to mount an 8-inch Newtonian reflector on a proper equatorial system and retain the option of adding motorized tracking later.
Whether you are interested in serious visual observing or want to take your first steps into amateur astrophotography, the EQ-4 provides a capable and versatile foundation for your telescope setup.