Losmandy AZ8 – The included saddles accept both Losmandy D series and Vixen-style dovetails.
Losmandy is primarily known for their precision manufactured German Equatorial Mounts so it’s not surprising that their announcement of a new alt-az mount based on the venerable GM8 has caused some excitement. The Losmandy AZ8 is a medium sized, heavy-duty alt-az mount featuring twin dovetail saddles for dual-scope capability.
The mount certainly looks impressive. Constructed entirely of machined aluminum and stainless steel it has the appearance of a substantial piece of hardware while the engraved setting circles add a feel of refined precision. The integrated slow motion controls should make tracking a high powers a breeze though it remains to be seen if the knobs can be replaced by stalks for easier access.
[Update Apr. 14: I e-mailed Losmandy to ask about compatibility with standard slow motion controls. Scott responded, “The slow motion knobs have a 6mm hole in them. A 6mm shaft gets set screwed in to the hole and then you can use the flex cables.” So it seems using standard slow motion controls is an option with the AZ8.]
Large knurled knobs control the variable slip clutches for each motion; one along the altitude axis and the other located on the underside of the tripod riser. The position of the azimuth clutch may be a point of concern as I’m not sure how easy it would be to fit a gloved hand through the riser bars and then try to adjust tension on the axis.
At 26lbs the AZ8 is not the mount I’d choose for a quick look setup but the weight is reasonable given the stated capacity of 35lbs per side when properly balanced. Compared to GEMs capable of handling similar payloads the AZ8 could even be considered lightweight. That kind of carrying capacity opens up some compelling side-by-side mounting possibilities. The combination of a 4-5″ refractor and 8-9.25″ SCT would make for a particularly nice setup with the two telescopes offering complementary views.
In addition to the manual setting circles featured on the AZ8, Losmandy offers a digital setting circle kit to add computerized Push-To object location. Alternatively, Losmandy’s Gemini 2 system may be used to add GOTO capability though details are currently lacking.
For those interested in visual tracking only, JMI is reportedly looking into compatibility with their Train-n-Track system that works using the slow motion controls on alt-az mounts like the Vixen Porta or Astro-Tech Voyager.
The AZ8’s mounting height ranges from 36-53″.
The AZ8 represents a very good value at its $799 list price. At first blush this might seem high for a manual alt-az mount but compared to the Explore Scientific Twilight II, which is the least expensive dual-scope capable alt-az mount with remotely similar capabilities, the AZ8 offers:
- increased capacity (70lbs vs 60lbs for the ES)
- dual configuration saddles (Losmandy/Vixen)
- setting circles (mechanical included, digital capable)
- slow motion controls
- US manufacturing
The ES comes with an 8″ riser/pier while the AZ8 includes one 6″ riser and more can be purchased to further raise the telescope height. ES lists the maximum mounting height of at 47.5″ with the head alone and 55.5″ with the extension. The AZ8 tripod and 6″ riser range from 29-46″ with an additional 7″ to the saddle mid-point, giving a max height of 53″ before additional risers. The use of the included riser is required due to the location of the azimuth clutch adjustment knob.
The AZ8 head and 6″ riser can also be purchased without the tripod for $699. The riser features a standard 3/8″-16 threaded attachment for tripod mounting. Combined weight of the AZ8 head and riser is 15lbs.
The AZ8 seems to fill something of a void in the premium, complete alt-az mount market. Until now you either picked up one of the imported mounts or went with one of the options from micro-manufacturers such as Universal Astronomics, Desert Sky Astro, or Half-Hitch and added the tripod separately. It will be interesting to see how well the AZ8 is received.
-Dave
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