Orion Atlas EQ-G Computerized GoTo Telescope Mount Review

The Orion Atlas EQ-G computerized GoTo mount is the first piece which was specifically designed for professional astronomers and astrophotographers. The Atlas EQ-G features the latest advances in the field of astrophotography. With its motorized drive and GoTo features, it is every astronomy enthusiast’s dream come true. Note that although the mount might look like a telescope on its own, it is actually a highly sophisticated platform which you can use in order to fire up your stargazing session.

Now, before presenting you this outstanding piece of equipment, we need to say that this type of gear is designed and recommended for those who want to take their hobby to the next level. Should you be unwilling to take this commitment, then we would recommend you to stick with the usual EQ mounts, as they are far easier to operate and cost less.

What is the Orion 9996 Atlas EQ-G Computerized GoTo Telescope Mount?

The Atlas EQ-G mount weights approximately 76 lbs. when fully assembled. This means that you will need to do a bit of heavy lifting before you can start your session. When installed, the mount has a total height of 40 to 61.50 inches. Thus, no matter what your height is, the mount’s stainless steel adjustable tripod will be able to compensate, and you will not need to stand in uncomfortable positions in order to use the Finderscope.

(Click image to see more pictures on Amazon)

As far as object tracking is concerned, the Atlas EQ-G GoTo computerized mount features two 11 lbs. Counterweights, ensuring that your baseplate remains stable no matter how much equipment you will decide to place on your mount.

The added motorized drive is capable of tracking celestial objects with great precision, at speed rates starting from 1.25x, and going all the way to 3.4 Degrees per second or 800x. Furthermore, in order to ensure that the object you are currently observing doesn’t exit your field of view, the mound also features three types of tracking rates: lunar, solar, and sidereal.

Now, if you’re thinking about alignment, this mount is more than capable of assisting you in the task. The Atlas EQ-G computerized mount is equipped with an illuminated polar-axis scope, which can easily help you calibrate the mount even in poor lighting conditions.

As for collimating the telescope, the computerized controller has everything you need in order to get started. Just use the controller to navigate quickly through the menus, until you see the calibration section.

Because the Atlas EQ-G sports out only the finest pieces of technology in terms of alignment, you will have three types of options at your disposal: one-star alignment, two-star alignment or three-star alignment.

If everything is up and ready, but you’re not sure what you look for, the controller has a rich celestial objects database, which features more than 42,000 items. Furthermore, if you can’t find an object in the controller’s database, you can always add it for future reference.

Other Specs and Features:

• The Atlas EQ-G mount has the following Astro-imaging capabilities: long exposure, planetary and lunar;
• Is equipped with a dovetail bar;
• Motor Version: micro-step driven stepper motors;
• Supports PEC;
• Has backlash compensation;
• Equipped with an auto guider;
• You can connect it to your computer using the RS-232 port. Note that if you have a newer computer, you may need to buy an RS-232-to-USB converter.

Pros and Cons to Using the Orion 9996 Atlas EQ-G Computerized GoTo Telescope Mount

Pros:

• Professional equatorial mount;
• GoTo function;
• Rich database;
• Enhanced stability;
• Multiple tracking speeds and options;
• Excellent for astrophotography;
• High-quality materials.

Cons:

• Cumbersome;
• Hard to perform polar alignment;
• Difficult to master even with the manual;
• Pricey.

Where to Find the Orion 9996 Atlas EQ-G Computerized GoTo Telescope Mount?

The best place to buy this outstanding motorized equatorial mount is Amazon.

Here are some other places from where you can buy the Atlas EQ-G mount:

• telescopes.com.
• Optcorp.

(Click image to see more pictures on Amazon)

Extra Info

Maintenance Advice

Carefully read the manual before using the Atlas EQ-G mount. Follow all the instructions regarding assembling, disassembling, and cleaning. If the manual is not clear enough, there are plenty of online resources to make your use hassle-free. We recommend that you take care of you Orion 9996 Atlas EQ-G Computerized GoTo Telescope Mount just like any other telescope accessory you’ve had before.

Accessories

As always, in order to help you get the most out of your hobby, we have prepared a small list of accessories that you can buy together with your Atlas EQ-G mount. Note that most of them can be found in any astronomy shop, and you can get them for a decent price.

Furthermore, as another piece of advice, it would be better to buy them used rather than new. That way you will spend less money, and determine if astrophotography is your type of thing or not.

• Orion 2.1 Amp AC-to-12V DC power Adapter;
• Orion 8297 8-inch f/3.9 Newtonian Astrograph reflector telescope;
• Orion 08296 10-inch f/3.9 Newtonian Astrograph Reflector Telescope;
• Orion 02308 Dynamo Pro 17Ah Rechargeable 12V DC Power Station;
• Orion 5691 LaserMate Deluxe II Telescope Laser Collimator;
• Orion 52064 StarShoot AutoGuider;
• Orion 05662 1.25- inch 13 Percent Transmission Moon Filter;
• Celestron 93419 T-Ring for 35 mm Canon EOS;
• Orion 08890 1.25-inch Premium Telescope Accessory Kit;
• Orion 1.25-inch Variable Universal Camera Adapter;
• Orion 5308 2-inch Zero-Profile Prime Focus Camera Adapter.

Buy Orion 9996 Atlas EQ-G GoTo Telescope Mount from

Buy Orion 8297 8-Inch f/3.9 Newtonian Telescope from

Warranty And Guarantee Information

The manufacturer offers limited warranty against defects in materials or workmanship for one year from date of purchase. Please note that only original retail purchasers get the warranty. For complete warranty details, you can contact the manufacturer at 800-676-1343.

Customer Feedback

According to the customer review section on Amazon, the Atlas EQ-G has received a 5 out of 5 stars rating, thus becoming one of the most popular items in terms of astrophotography. Most of the customers who offered a feedback declared that the product has a sound design and that it is particularly helpful when tracking fast moving objects in the sky, thanks to its variable speed motor tracking system.

Our Recommendation

As a parting note, we have to say that we were amazed at just how much of a difference the mount type can make. Before getting our hands on the Atlas EQ-G computerized mount, we used Universal T-rings for astrophotography. Even then the pictures would come out all hazy and blurry. With this outstanding piece of equipment, all our pics were bright, radiant and crystal clear. The only thing we did not like about this item is its weight. Luckily, we have discovered that you may take it at the part and erect it wherever you want.

Still, even with the removable parts feature, it’s still hard to carry it around without using a car. What was your experience with the Atlas EQ-G computerized mount? Share your thoughts with us!