Orion 10105 VersaGo II Altazimuth Telescope Mount

Here's a nifty mount that will make navigating landscapes or starscapes with any modestly sized telescope a truly enjoyable experience. The VersaGo II Altazimuth mount combines a simple, sturdy design with lightweight grab-and-go portability - all at a highly affordable price. The VersaGo II differs from the heavier VersaGo II HD in having a lighter weight tripod (13 lbs.) that features aluminum channel-type legs that adjust in height. While both mounts can technically support the same 15 lb. load, the standard model, which weighs 5.5 lbs. less, is preferred when maximum portability is desired. The mount features a sturdy, die-cast metal single-arm altazimuth head that allows simple and intuitive up-down, left-right operation. Non-stick coating (PTFE) thrust bearings on both axes ensure smooth, fluid gliding motion and oversize tensioning knobs and a rubber grip panning handle provide extremely fine positioning and control, even for tracking moving subjects. Because the laterally offset mounting arm places the telescope center of gravity over the center of the tripod and not off to the side, the VersaGo II offers maximum stability for spotting scopes, small astronomical refractors up to 120mm, Cassegrains and short reflectors up to 6" in aperture, or DSLR and video cameras. No counterweights are needed. The slanted arm design allows telescopes to point directly to the zenith. A dovetail saddle allows quick mounting and removal of your telescope.