Sky-Watcher EQ8-RH Pro Equatorial Mount Head
A no-compromise high-capacity equatorial mount with Renishaw encoder precision for serious imagers and permanent installations.
If you’re looking for a precision-built, observatory-class mount that combines serious payload capacity, high-resolution tracking, and zero-compromise pointing accuracy, the Sky-Watcher EQ8-RH Pro was built with you in mind. Designed from the ground up to carry large instruments with minimal fuss and maximum performance, the EQ8-RH Pro offers the kind of advanced features and mechanical robustness usually found in mounts costing considerably more.
At the heart of the EQ8-RH Pro is its integrated Renishaw 11.8-million count optical encoder on the right ascension axis. This high-resolution encoder enables virtually error-free tracking and eliminates the need for auto-guiding in many imaging scenarios—especially when paired with short to medium focal length instruments. Whether you’re running a high-end refractor or a heavy 14" SCT loaded with accessories, the EQ8-RH’s precise tracking and built-in periodic error correction help ensure pinpoint stars across long exposures, night after night.
Built for payloads that push the limits
The EQ8-RH Pro is rated to carry up to 110 pounds (50 kg) of telescope and accessories—without counterweights. That means it handles today's most demanding imaging rigs with ease: long refractors, large SCTs or RCTs, heavy astrographs with filter wheels, rotators, focusers, and guide scopes. And unlike mounts that claim high payloads but need to be derated for imaging, the EQ8-RH Pro delivers solid, real-world stability for both visual and photographic setups.
The mount uses a robust belt-driven transmission system to reduce gear noise and minimize tracking error. While some mechanical backlash is present—as is typical for mounts in this class—it’s consistent and correctable with guiding or software modeling. The large internal gearing and precision-machined worm drives on both axes provide reliable slewing and tracking with smooth motion and excellent load control, even under heavy equipment.
Renishaw absolute encoder: elite tracking precision
The standout feature of the EQ8-RH Pro is its Renishaw absolute encoder on the right ascension axis—a name that’s trusted in industrial metrology for a reason. This encoder system measures the position of the RA axis with extreme precision, allowing the mount to maintain consistent tracking accuracy without relying on guide corrections.
What does that mean for you in the field? With accurate polar alignment, you can confidently run unguided exposures of several minutes or more with many setups. For deep-sky imagers, this dramatically reduces the complexity of the rig, lowers system latency, and increases throughput. For permanent installations, it opens the door to autonomous imaging runs with minimal human oversight.
Flexible control and USB direct connection
The EQ8-RH Pro is fully compatible with Sky-Watcher’s SynScan GoTo system, offering over 42,000 objects in its database and accurate GoTo functionality that supports multi-star alignment routines for precise pointing, even with heavy or off-balance loads. The included SynScan hand controller is functional and familiar, but you don’t have to use it—because the EQ8-RH Pro also supports direct USB control from your PC using Sky-Watcher’s EQMOD protocol or third-party planetarium software.
Built-in dual encoders on both axes also enable freedom from re-alignment if you unlock and manually reposition the telescope. This is a real time-saver during setup and balancing, especially in the field.
Permanent or portable—your call
While the EQ8-RH Pro mount head alone weighs in at a substantial 56.8 pounds (25.8 kg), it can be field-deployed by a single strong observer or easily moved in two parts. For most users, it shines brightest in a permanent observatory setup on a fixed pier, where its performance and convenience can be fully leveraged night after night.
If you want to make it portable, optional accessories like the heavy-duty EQ8 tripod or pier tripod are available. A well-balanced scope, proper counterweighting, and good ergonomics make setup manageable even for remote dark sky sites.
Imaging-focused features
The EQ8-RH Pro includes a few other quality-of-life improvements that imagers will appreciate:
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Threaded power and data connections reduce cable snags and ensure reliable operation in all conditions.
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Cable management ports through the RA axis help minimize cable drag and allow for clean routing.
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A built-in polar scope adapter (requires optional polar scope) makes accurate polar alignment straightforward in mobile setups.
Summary: Built to deliver night after night
The Sky-Watcher EQ8-RH Pro is a workhorse mount engineered for astrophotographers and observatories who demand precision, capacity, and reliability without stepping into six-figure mount territory. With its Renishaw encoder-driven tracking, impressive payload, and flexible control options, it’s more than capable of handling the most demanding imaging tasks. Whether you’re running a remote observatory or just want mount performance you’ll never outgrow, the EQ8-RH Pro—complete with two 22-pound counterweights—is ready to become the core of your serious imaging setup
What’s included:
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EQ8-RH Pro mount head with integrated Renishaw encoder
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Two 22-pound (10 kg) counterweights
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Counterweight shaft
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Dual Vixen/Losmandy-style dovetail saddle
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SynScan hand controller with cable
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DC power cable (12V input)
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Serial and USB cables
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Accessory tray
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Allen wrench kit
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User manual
Tripod or pier not included.
