Good and portable equatorial mount?

Dear friends,

I'm looking to get a good equatorial mount that I can use with my trusty Televue TV-85 apo refractor that has accompanied me for stargazing on three continents, as well as for mounting, say, my 500mm II. I am interested in doing a bit more astrophotography than I have been so far.

I know the old saw about "good, cheap, portable - pick any two," but I would really like to hear your opinions. A go-to computerized drive is a must. I know my way around the sky quite well, having done amateur astronomy for over 40 years, but I'm at a point in my life when having a machine help me isn't going to damage my ego.

So, please give me suggestions. I don't mind spending a bit extra for the right hardware.

Thanks!

You can't go wrong with any of the HEQ/NEQ equatorial mounts. Big and beefy and not cheap... and you're not also likely to grow out of it. The HEQ is probably more appropriate size wise.. and a little cheaper. I'd also look at a few Youtube channels for other ideas.

That's my 2c worth......

I’ve used several different brands and size mounts over the years, from a monster eq astrola to little simple guiders. I like (a lot!) the ieq30pro by iOptron. Go take a look at the website and compare specs with other sizes and brands. Lots of choices these days!

Good luck.