Sky-Watcher CQ350 Pro Mount Head (No Tripod)
A Heavy-Duty German Equatorial Mount Built for Imaging Power and Precision – Now Offered as a Mount Head Only for Permanent or Custom Installations
The Sky-Watcher CQ350 Pro Mount Head is a high-capacity, observatory-grade equatorial mount designed for astrophotographers who demand exceptional stability, low periodic error, and seamless system integration. This version includes only the mount head, providing a flexible, cost-effective solution for those looking to install it on a permanent pier or use it with an existing heavy-duty tripod or pier adapter.
Originally developed with the needs of demanding imagers in mind, the CQ350 Pro brings together high-precision belt-driven motors, internal cable management, a robust dual-saddle system, and a full suite of control options—including native USB connectivity and compatibility with popular astrophotography platforms like NINA, EQMOD, and ASCOM. With a payload capacity of 77 pounds (35 kilograms), the CQ350 Pro is ready to handle large optical tube assemblies, imaging trains with multiple accessories, and dual telescope configurations with confidence and accuracy.
Built for Payload, Precision, and Practicality
At the heart of the CQ350 Pro is its impressive mechanical and electronic engineering. The mount head alone weighs 43.8 pounds (19.9 kilograms)—a testament to its solid construction, yet still manageable for transport or installation. With a maximum payload rating of 77 pounds (35 kg) (excluding counterweights), this mount is engineered for serious astro-imaging equipment, whether you're using a large Ritchey-Chrétien, a long-focus refractor, or a fully decked-out imaging setup with filter wheels, off-axis guiders, rotators, and cooled monochrome cameras.
Precision is key, and the CQ350 Pro doesn’t disappoint. Its belt-driven stepper motors virtually eliminate backlash and offer ultra-smooth slewing and tracking. The native periodic error is typically ±5 arcseconds or better, and can be further refined using PPEC (Permanent Periodic Error Correction) or guided via software like PHD2. Tracking and guiding performance is further enhanced by high-resolution optical encoders that maintain consistent motion across both axes, essential for long-exposure imaging at high focal lengths.
Modern Connectivity and Flexible Control Options
The CQ350 Pro is designed with full modern control flexibility in mind. It includes a USB Type-B port on the mount head for direct PC connection, allowing seamless integration with astrophotography platforms such as NINA, Voyager, and Sequence Generator Pro. The mount also supports ASCOM and INDI drivers, as well as EQMOD for advanced automation and scripting. For those preferring manual input, the included SynScan hand controller offers access to over 42,000 objects and intuitive slewing and alignment options.
Whether you prefer to run your sessions fully automated from indoors or take a hands-on approach under the stars, the CQ350 Pro gives you the flexibility to operate the way you prefer.
Observatory-Class Design for Permanent Installations
This version of the CQ350 Pro is sold without the heavy-duty tripod, making it a natural choice for users who plan to permanently pier-mount the system in an observatory or install it on custom hardware. The mount base features a flat, wide RA axis support designed for secure installation onto compatible pier adapters.
A standout feature of the CQ350 Pro is its internal cable management system, which routes power and data through the RA and DEC axes to minimize external cabling. This drastically reduces cable snags during meridian flips and slews—especially important in remote installations or robotic observatories. Fewer moving cables mean fewer failure points and a cleaner, more reliable imaging setup.
The mount also includes a robust dual saddle plate, compatible with both Losmandy D-style and Vixen V-style dovetail bars. This gives you maximum flexibility in matching the mount to your telescope without requiring extra adapters.
Balanced, Practical Design
In terms of user experience, Sky-Watcher has paid close attention to ergonomics and balance. The centered weight distribution and compact design mean that, despite its payload capacity, the mount remains surprisingly transportable. Large RA and DEC axis locks are easy to grip and operate, even when wearing gloves, and the built-in bubble level helps ensure proper leveling when installing on a pier or custom platform.
The mount runs on 11V–16V DC power, drawing approximately 3 amps during slewing and less than 1 amp when tracking, making it compatible with field battery setups or permanent 12V observatory power systems.
Technical Specifications
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Mount type: German equatorial (GoTo)
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Payload capacity: 77 lbs (35 kg) (excluding counterweights)
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Mount head weight: 43.8 lbs (19.9 kg)
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Drive system: Belt-driven stepper motors
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Periodic error (native): Typically ±5 arcseconds or better
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Gear ratio: 450:1
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Slew speed: Up to 3.8°/second
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Power input: 11V–16V DC (3A max during slewing)
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Connectivity: USB-B port, ST-4 autoguider port, hand controller port
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Control compatibility: SynScan, ASCOM, INDI, EQMOD, NINA, SGP, PHD2, etc.
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Dovetail compatibility: Dual saddle (Losmandy D / Vixen V)
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Tripod/Pier: Not included; compatible with Sky-Watcher pier adapter or custom installations
Ideal For:
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Astrophotographers running large or dual telescope imaging setups
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Observatory builders seeking a mount-ready head for pier installations
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Advanced users looking to upgrade from mid-range mounts
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Imagers needing quiet, precise, backlash-free tracking with minimal maintenance
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Remote or robotic observatory systems requiring reliable cable management and control flexibility
Final Thoughts
The Sky-Watcher CQ350 Pro Mount Head offers a level of performance and payload capacity that used to require a much higher price tag. By delivering observatory-class capabilities in a well-integrated, modern mount head, it opens the door for serious imagers to scale up their rigs without entering the realm of custom or boutique mounts.
If you already have a permanent pier setup or plan to build a custom mounting platform, this mount head version gives you all the tracking and guiding performance of the full CQ350 Pro system—without paying for hardware you don’t need. It’s a flexible, future-ready investment for serious imagers who want power, polish, and precision right out of the box.
