Designed and built to provide a versatile platform for astronomers and astrophotographers of all levels, the Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 Alt-Az / Equatorial GoTo Mount with Tripod is outfitted with precision motors, a quiet low-backlash belt drive, a computer controller, and a sturdy tripod to provide solid and reliable platform for both long duration observation and imaging.

This unique mount ships configured as a German Equatorial mount capable of long-term Right Ascension tracking when properly polar aligned. To expand its versatility and usability, it can be reconfigured to a more basic alt-azimuth mount for fast observation sessions, and with a simple mode change on the hand controller it will function flawlessly with dual-axis tracking. For star parties or separate observation and imaging rigs, it can be converted to a dual optical tube assembly (OTA) setup with the addition of an optional dovetail saddle that installs in place of the counterweight shaft.

The SynScan hand controller computer system has an internal database of 42,900 celestial objects including the Messier, NGC, and IC catalogs plus planets and stars. To keep it current, its firmware is updatable through the built-in serial port via updates downloaded through the internet. With multiple assisted alignment options, a wide slew speed range, and automatic tracking capabilities, finding and keeping objects centered in its field of view is easy, no matter if you're viewing the fast-moving moon or much slower deep-space subjects.