Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 Mount – A Precision Workhorse for Visual Observing and Astrophotography
The Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 is a professional-grade, multi-function mount that combines strength, intelligence, and adaptability into a single system. Designed with serious astronomers and astrophotographers in mind, this mount merges cutting-edge GoTo electronics, robust mechanical design, and dual-mode flexibility—equatorial and alt-azimuth—in one integrated platform.
Engineered to meet the needs of both visual observers and deep-sky imagers, the AZ-EQ6 is equally at home under backyard skies, on outreach trips, or as the centerpiece of a permanent observatory setup. If you’re looking for a mount that can grow with your skills and accommodate a wide range of optical payloads, the AZ-EQ6 delivers performance far beyond its price point.
Dual-Mode Operation – Seamlessly Switch Between EQ and Alt-Az
One of the hallmark features of the AZ-EQ6 is its versatile mount configuration. With the ability to operate in both German equatorial mode and alt-azimuth mode, the AZ-EQ6 allows users to tailor the mount’s operation to their specific needs.
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In Equatorial Mode, the mount is perfectly suited for long-exposure astrophotography. Accurate sidereal tracking, precision polar alignment, and autoguiding support make it easy to capture detailed images of faint deep-sky objects, even at long focal lengths.
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In Alt-Az Mode, the AZ-EQ6 becomes a simple, intuitive GoTo platform for visual observation and outreach. No polar alignment is needed, and setup is significantly faster—especially important when observing time is limited or when working with public audiences.
Switching between modes requires no hardware changes. With just a few menu selections in the SynScan hand controller or SynScan Pro app, the mount transitions between configurations smoothly, preserving alignment and setup profiles when desired.
Exceptional Load Capacity and Side-by-Side Flexibility
With a maximum payload capacity of 44 pounds (20 kg) in equatorial mode, the AZ-EQ6 can comfortably support large Schmidt-Cassegrains, Newtonians, refractors, or fully loaded imaging setups with guide scopes, filter wheels, and cameras. This generous capacity places it squarely in the "observatory-class" category of mounts, yet it's still portable enough for field deployment.
The dual-saddle mounting system comes into play in alt-azimuth mode, where the AZ-EQ6 can simultaneously hold two optical tubes side-by-side. This opens up a world of possibilities—dual visual observing, comparative optics testing, or even running imaging and guiding scopes in parallel without the complexity of piggybacking.
The included Losmandy/Vixen dual saddle plate accepts both D-style and V-style dovetail bars, ensuring compatibility with nearly every optical tube on the market.
Belt Drive and PPEC – Built-In Precision
Unlike many traditional mounts that use spur gear drive systems, the AZ-EQ6 utilizes belt-driven stepper motors on both the right ascension and declination axes. This advanced drive system offers several key benefits:
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Reduced backlash for improved GoTo accuracy and smoother guiding corrections.
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Quieter motor operation, ideal for backyard observers who prefer a peaceful environment.
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Improved tracking consistency, essential for astrophotography at long focal lengths.
In addition to the belt drive, the AZ-EQ6 supports Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC), allowing users to "train out" mechanical periodic error that arises during tracking. This makes it possible to achieve sub-arcsecond tracking performance—critical for exposures lasting several minutes or longer.
Optical Encoders and Freedom Find™ Technology
Another major feature distinguishing the AZ-EQ6 from mounts in its price class is the inclusion of optical encoders on both axes. These allow for Freedom Find™—Sky-Watcher’s proprietary dual-encoder technology that lets you move the mount manually without losing GoTo alignment.
This is a huge convenience in real-world observing. You can push the scope by hand to center an object, scan the sky manually, or reposition the mount entirely—and then resume GoTo operation without needing to realign. For public observing nights or impromptu sessions, this saves time and frustration.
Advanced GoTo Control – Wired or Wireless, Your Choice
The AZ-EQ6 comes standard with the SynScan V5 hand controller, giving access to over 42,000 celestial objects and a suite of advanced alignment and tracking routines. The GoTo system offers high slewing speeds, accurate object location, and customizable tracking rates for lunar, solar, and sidereal targets.
Prefer to ditch the hand controller? No problem—the AZ-EQ6 is also fully controllable via Wi-Fi using the free SynScan Pro app for iOS and Android. This app unlocks wireless GoTo functionality and also provides access to advanced features such as multi-star alignment, custom object entry, and even automated pointing models.
For astrophotographers, the AZ-EQ6 offers native USB connectivity, eliminating the need for legacy serial cables and making PC control with software like NINA, EQMOD, ASCOM, or PHD2 Guiding plug-and-play. The mount also supports SkySafari and Stellarium when configured for wireless or wired control.
Precision Polar Alignment Made Easy
Setting up an equatorial mount used to require clear skies, good visibility of Polaris, and a lot of patience. The AZ-EQ6 simplifies this process with a built-in polar scope featuring an illuminated reticle, allowing for quick and accurate polar alignment.
Don’t have a clear view of the North Star? No problem—the mount supports All-Star Polar Alignment via the SynScan controller, enabling precise polar alignment using known stars in any part of the sky. This makes the AZ-EQ6 extremely friendly to users in urban areas or with limited sightlines.
Additional Noteworthy Features
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Heavy-duty stainless steel tripod with adjustable legs and spreader tray
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RA and DEC clutch levers for secure manual adjustment and transport
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Two 11-lb counterweights included for balancing a wide variety of optical loads
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Operates on 12V DC, making it compatible with portable lithium batteries or field power packs
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Supports firmware updates for long-term expandability and feature improvements
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Latitude adjustment range of 10° to 65°, suitable for a wide range of observing locations
What’s Included
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Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 mount head
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Steel tripod with accessory tray
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Dual saddle plate (Vixen & Losmandy compatible)
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Two 11-lb (5 kg) counterweights
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SynScan V5 hand controller with cable
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DC power cable
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USB cable for PC connection
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Illuminated polar scope with cap
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Instruction manual
A Mount That Grows With You
The Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 represents the sweet spot between portability, capacity, and advanced features. It’s robust enough to support heavy imaging payloads and complex setups, yet intuitive and flexible enough for visual observing and outreach. Whether you’re a dedicated visual observer, a planetary imager, or a deep-sky astrophotographer, the AZ-EQ6 provides the stable foundation you need to explore the universe—tonight and for years to come.
If you're ready to step up to a mount that can handle your current gear and scale with your ambitions, the AZ-EQ6 is a proven performer that delivers on all fronts.
