Average Rating (14 Reviews): | |
Really robust and solid mount 21 December 2024 | Peter
I bought this to accommodate my EZ-EQ6 GT Pro mount which is currently mounted on a 2 inch stainless steel tripod. The tripod is very strong and stable but because of the scope I am using (an SW 150 ED Pro refractor) the legs can sometimes get in the way of the scope at high elevations and also provide something of a tripping hazard. I have bought this for use in my observatory as it provides a really solid platform for the scopes (both in EQ and ALT-AZ configurations and gives a much smaller 'footprint' on the observatory floor.
The mount is very well engineered and provides a really strong and stable platform - well worth the money. There is one other attribute that helps give the Pillar Mount an edge over a tripod. It's easy to drop the legs back onto the castors and move the position of the scope (it glides with a super smooth action). And If (like me) you are using a very long refractor inside an enclosed space, this facility can make all the difference to achieving comfortable observing sessions.
13 June 2024 | Nicholas
Very sturdy and well built. Easiest way to bolt together , put a book under the centre to raise the legs evenly . The pillar drops in and you can bolt together easily .
Very well made with quality adjustments for the legs . The knurled top bolts are 2” diameter , real beefy !
Very handy and saves lifting the eq6 and tripod.
The FLO team couldn’t have been more speedy and helpful .If you’re deciding, go for it , recommended.
21 January 2024 | James
Held off on reviewing this because I wanted to put it through it's paces - It has allowed me to use my telescopes on even touch and go iffy nights, it's so quick to wheel it out.
Pros
Built like a tank
Well made (screws fit well, etc)
Wheels are better than they look
The locking nuts for stabilising it are very beefy
Perfect if you want a semi permanent set up
Cons
Rubber on the little feet lasted a week of use, I ended up making caps for them myself
Extras - If you have a 3d printer - I've designed and made a tray that clamps around this and holds some eye pieces, searching for "skywatcher pillar" on thangs.com will find it
Good solid alternative to tripod 03 July 2023 | Paul
I bought this because it has a smaller footprint than the EQ5 tripod. It feels very sturdy though I haven't yet fully loaded it. The legs need to be loosely connected first before adding the pillar and tightening the hex bolts, which brings me to my only criticism: there are no hex keys provided either for the legs or the top adapter which attaches to the mount head. Fortunately I managed to find two of the correct size. That said, I'm awarding five stars thanks to the excellent speedy service of FLO
Pillar mount for Skywatcher EQ5 mount 20 January 2023 | Alan
Very substantial well made mount. A bit tricky to assemble after unpacking but I am very pleased with it.. Also impressed by First Light Optics very speedy service and delivery.
30 June 2022 | David
This was just what I needed. The EQ6-Pro is a heavy mount, and not having a permanent observatory meant tearing down the rig every time I used it. I can now wheel the rig easily from a secure shed, into position within seconds. This will make a big difference to my use and enjoyment of the system. A very good buy!
13 December 2021 | Mrs
My husband bought me this last week as I was damaging my arms trying to lift my HEQ5 pro Mount around the garden. I can honestly say this portable pier makes a huge difference. I’m a small person lol and I think it weighs more than me haha. Seriously though, it was a bit fidgety to get the base together but once my husband did that, the rest was easy. It now glides about the patio and garden with ease and once I find my position I lock the stops down and it doesn’t move. Great for anyone with a heavy Mount that has to move it around. I live beside a main road so I can’t leave the Mount in an open area where it can be stolen so this was the best option. Highly recommend it.
Pillar mount with wheels and hieght adjustment bolts 19 October 2021 | David
Bearing in mind this item took almost 4 months to arrive at time of writing since ordering in early July, make allowance in your planning if you're thinking of buying one. However FLO are very supportive throughout the waiting period.
The mount came in two cardboard boxes lined, fortunately with thick polystyrene molding supports as there was some evidence of rough handling by various shippers/handlers on its way to me.
Inside there are no evidence of supporting documents, ie parts list and assembly instructions. NB I nearly threw away the x2 allen keys inside the packaging materials.
The parts are heavy in particular the main tube. Assembly is a little awkward and clumsy and not altogether self intuitive. I'm still unsure how to attatch my NEQ6 Pro when the time comes, so may refer to good old Youtube as is becoming the norm with astronomical equipment.
It is very solid and sturdy. I am hoping it will suit the 'roll in-roll out shed I am building to house my built up telescope using the built in wheels for much quicker, with less effort, setting up and stowing away at the end of the evening's astro-photography session.
16 August 2021 | Michael
Its a good solid affair with large knurled "nuts" easily tighened by hand to lock the levelling screws.
With a little help from an engineer friend I now have my CEM40 mount fitted on top.
I can now cover it with a telegizmo cover and leave it polar aligned from session to session.
09 November 2020 | John
As usual great speedy service asembly a little fiddly but no problem when tightened up realy solid
going to change bolts on the top with stainless steel knurled bolts tomake it easier to lift equatorial head off
I can then cover pillarand take head into house for safety
Thanks FLO
Read all 14 customer reviews...