Sky-Watcher EQ8-R Pro Equatorial Mount with Pier Tripod
Observatory-class performance meets backyard versatility.
The Sky-Watcher EQ8-R Pro with Pier Tripod is a complete, heavy-duty equatorial GoTo system designed for astrophotographers and visual observers who need serious weight capacity and long-term reliability. With a massive 110-pound payload rating, precision belt-driven tracking, and an integrated cable management system, the EQ8-R Pro is ready to anchor your dream imaging rig—whether you're setting up in a remote observatory or your own backyard.
This package includes the full EQ8-R Pro equatorial head and Sky-Watcher’s adjustable pier tripod, giving you a rock-solid foundation with the flexibility to level on uneven ground. It's an ideal choice for those who want observatory-grade performance in a portable(ish) format without committing to a permanent pier installation.
Designed for Serious Payloads
At the core of the EQ8-R Pro is its high-torque stepper motor system and precision-machined gear train, capable of carrying up to 110 pounds (50 kg) of telescope and accessories. That’s enough to support a fully-loaded 14" SCT or a large imaging refractor with off-axis guider, filter wheel, cooled camera, and more.
The RA and Dec axes rotate on large roller bearings to ensure smooth tracking under load, while the belt-driven motors reduce backlash and gear noise compared to traditional spur gear designs. The result is a mount that handles heavy equipment with quiet confidence, ideal for long-exposure imaging and high-power visual observing.
Quiet, Smooth, Belt-Driven Tracking
The EQ8-R Pro uses belt drive transmission on both axes, improving guiding performance and reducing periodic error. It doesn’t eliminate backlash completely, but it significantly reduces it—enough to support sub-arcsecond guiding when properly tuned and balanced. The belt system also quiets down slewing, making the mount whisper-quiet compared to traditional geared systems.
For astrophotographers running multi-hour sessions or all-night automation, the belt drive adds stability and reliability where it matters most—during the subtle guiding corrections that separate a good exposure from a great one.
Built-In Cable Management
Nothing kills an imaging run like a snagged cable. The EQ8-R Pro features integrated cable routing through the RA axis, with power, USB, and serial ports located right on the mount head. This keeps your cables tidy and safe, especially during meridian flips or high-altitude slews.
It’s a small detail that makes a big difference—especially in remote setups where cable drag or disconnection could cost you hours of data.
SynScan GoTo Control with PC Compatibility
The mount includes Sky-Watcher’s SynScan V5 hand controller, offering access to a 42,000+ object database with multi-star alignment, PEC training, and polar alignment assistance. You can slew, center, and track targets with ease—no laptop required.
Prefer software control? The EQ8-R Pro plays nicely with EQMOD and ASCOM drivers, making it fully compatible with imaging platforms like NINA, SGP, PHD2, and others. A direct USB port lets you skip the hand controller entirely if you prefer full PC control.
Precision Polar Alignment, No Polaris Required
The EQ8-R Pro supports several methods for precise polar alignment, including software-based polar alignment assist and third-party tools like SharpCap. There’s no built-in polar scope, but with today’s digital tools, most imagers won’t miss it. If you prefer a traditional alignment method, an optional external polar scope is available.
Observatory-Grade Mount, Field-Friendly Platform
While this mount head is built with permanent setups in mind, the included adjustable pier tripod brings it within reach for field use. The steel pier legs provide rock-solid support while allowing for easy leveling on uneven surfaces—something fixed piers can’t do.
The entire mount head weighs 56.5 pounds (25.6 kg), and each of the included two 22-pound counterweights adds to the total system weight, so it's not a lightweight by any means—but with care and planning, it can be transported and set up for remote star parties or seasonal imaging sessions.
What’s Included
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Sky-Watcher EQ8-R Pro equatorial mount head
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Pier tripod with leveling feet
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Two 22-pound counterweights
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Stainless steel counterweight shaft
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SynScan V5 GoTo hand controller and cable
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USB and power cables
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110V/220V AC power supply
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Mounting bolts, hardware, and accessory tray
Final Word
The Sky-Watcher EQ8-R Pro with Pier Tripod is the answer for imagers and visual astronomers who need a mount that can handle just about anything. It blends observatory-class stability with field-ready flexibility, and brings high-end tracking and payload performance to a price point that’s hard to beat.
Whether you're upgrading your imaging platform or building out a permanent setup from the ground up, this mount is a cornerstone you can build your entire system around—and trust it to deliver, night after night.
