SKY-WATCHER EQ6-R PRO Equatorial Mount

Astrophotographers seeking rock-solid tracking for long-exposure imaging will find the EQ6-R PRO a dependable workhorse. Its 20 kg payload capacity easily carries a large refractor or a 10-inch Newtonian with guide scope and camera, while the belt-driven stepper motors deliver smooth, backlash-free movement across the night sky. The SynScan Go-To system puts over 42,900 celestial objects at your fingertips, and the built-in illuminated polar scope speeds up precise alignment. Whether you're setting up in your backyard or at a remote dark-sky site, the included 2-inch stainless steel tripod and dual Vixen/Losmandy saddle provide a stable, flexible platform for serious visual observing and astrophotography.

Key specifications

• Mount type: German Equatorial Mount (GEM)
• Payload capacity: 20 kg (44 lbs)
• Go-To system: Sky-Watcher SynScan with 42,900+ object database
• Drive system: Belt-driven stepper motors (1.8° with 64 micro-steps)
• Tracking modes: Sidereal, Lunar, Solar
• Maximum slew speed: 4.2°/sec (1000x sidereal)
• Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PEC)
• Autoguider port: ST-4 compatible
• Power requirement: DC 12V, 3A
• Mount head weight: 17.3 kg (38.1 lbs)
• Latitude adjustment range: 5° to 65°
• Dovetail saddle: Dual (Vixen/Losmandy D-style)
• Connectivity: USB-B, RS-232 (via hand controller)
• Hand controller: SynScan V5
• Counterweights included: 2 x 5 kg
• Tripod: 2-inch stainless steel
• Polar alignment: Built-in illuminated polar scope
• Gear ratio: 705:1

Why choose it

Belt-driven mechanics reduce periodic error and eliminate gear backlash, giving you cleaner stars in long exposures. The high torque motors and 20 kg capacity mean you can load up heavy imaging rigs without sacrificing tracking accuracy. Permanent PEC further improves guiding performance, while the dual saddle accepts both Vixen and Losmandy plates, so you can use a wide range of telescopes without extra adapters.

Ideal use cases

• Deep-sky astrophotography with large refractors or reflectors
• High-magnification planetary imaging requiring precise tracking
• Visual observing sessions with heavy, fully loaded optical tubes
• Remote or semi-permanent observatory setups

Good to know

The mount runs on a standard 12V DC power source, making it easy to power from a battery in the field. The SynScan V5 hand controller offers intuitive menu navigation and can be updated via USB. For permanent installations, the mount can be controlled from a computer using the RS-232 port. The included 2 x 5 kg counterweights balance most common telescope configurations.