Rowan Astronomy AZ100 Alt-Azimuth Mount

Rowan AZ100 — A Precision Alt-Azimuth Mount for Lifetime Visual Observing

The Rowan Astronomy AZ100 is a heavy-duty alt-azimuth mount designed and CNC-machined in England for visual astronomers who want smooth, precise motion and the payload capacity to handle serious telescopes. With up to 44 lbs (20 kg) of instrument capacity per side, adjustable friction clutches on both axes, and 360° slow-motion controls that stay aligned with the observer, the AZ100 stands apart from typical consumer-grade alt-az mounts. Deep Space Products is an authorized Rowan dealer and can help you configure a complete system — mount, tripod, encoders, and accessories — matched to your telescopes and observing goals.

Most alt-azimuth mounts available today are lightweight, entry-level designs with limited payload capacity, imprecise movements, and no provision for digital setting circles. The AZ100 occupies a different category entirely. It's built for observers who have invested in quality optics — 5" to 7" APO refractors, Maksutov-Cassegrains, Schmidt-Cassegrains up to 11" — and want a mount that won't be the weak link in the system. Whether you're tracking Jupiter at 300× or sweeping the Virgo Cluster at low power, the AZ100's combination of rigidity, smoothness, and thoughtful ergonomics makes extended observing sessions a pleasure rather than a battle with your equipment.

Engineering that serves the observer

The AZ100's mechanical design reflects Rowan Engineering's background in precision manufacturing. The mount head is fully CNC-machined from 7075 aluminum — the same aerospace-grade alloy used in high-performance applications — with stainless steel hardware throughout. Both axes ride on 80mm diameter aluminum worm wheels driven by brass worms in user-adjustable worm blocks, supported by high-quality ball and taper bearings. The result is motion that's simultaneously smooth and precise, with no stiction or backlash to fight when tracking objects at high magnification.

What sets the AZ100 apart from other premium alt-az mounts is the position of its slow-motion controls. The flexible control cables (340mm and 440mm lengths included) remain aligned with the observer regardless of where the telescope is pointed. You never have to reach around or reorient yourself to make fine adjustments — the controls are always where your hands expect them to be. This sounds like a small detail until you've spent an evening with a mount that lacks it.

Payload capacity for real telescopes

Rowan rates the AZ100 conservatively at 15–20 kg (33–44 lbs) per side, depending on telescope length and balance. In practice, users routinely mount 6" and 7" APO refractors, 8" Schmidt-Cassegrains, and even Celestron C11 EdgeHD telescopes without issue. The mount's dual-saddle configuration allows you to run two telescopes simultaneously — a common setup for observers who want a widefield refractor and a high-power Mak-Cass available at the same time without swapping equipment.

Unlike motorized GoTo mounts that require precise counterweighting, the AZ100's friction-clutch design lets you switch between heavy and light eyepieces without rebalancing. The clutches provide enough resistance to hold the telescope steady while still allowing smooth push-to slewing when you need to move quickly across the sky.

Optional encoders and digital setting circles

For observers who want push-to assistance finding targets, the AZ100 is available with pre-installed Renishaw encoders offering 152,000 steps per revolution — far higher resolution than typical consumer DSC setups. These encoders integrate seamlessly with the AstroDevices Nexus DSC WiFi or Nexus II digital setting circles, which connect wirelessly to SkySafari and other planetarium apps on your phone or tablet.

The encoder cables are routed to move with the mount head, eliminating the cord-wrap issues that plague other encoder-equipped mounts. A dedicated ball-mounted shelf is available to position the Nexus DSC within easy reach. For the correct Nexus DSC Pro configuration, set the step count to −152000, −152000 (note the negative sign) and configure SkySafari coordinates to "Horizon" rather than "Equatorial."

GoTo motor system for tracking

Rowan now offers an optional GoTo motor system that adds motorized tracking and slewing to the AZ100. This transforms the mount from a pure manual/push-to platform into a tracking alt-az capable of keeping objects centered during extended observation — particularly valuable for planetary viewing at high power or for public outreach events where you need the telescope to stay on target while guests take turns at the eyepiece.

The motor system is available factory-installed on new mounts or as an upgrade kit for existing AZ100 owners. It includes a handset for manual corrections and integrates with the existing encoder system for GoTo pointing accuracy.

Tripod matters: pair with Berlebach

A precision mount head deserves a tripod that won't compromise its performance. Deep Space Products recommends — and sells — Berlebach hardwood tripods as the ideal foundation for the AZ100. The Berlebach PLANET is the most popular pairing, offering exceptional vibration damping and stability for heavy payloads. The UNI 28, UNI 18, and UNI 8 models are also excellent choices depending on your height preferences and telescope weights.

The AZ100 base includes an M12 tapped hole that mounts directly to Berlebach tripods with the appropriate adapter plate. For observers who already own a Sky-Watcher NEQ6, Atlas, or CGEM tripod, the AZ100 can attach directly (the azimuth pin must be removed). An adapter is also available for EQ-5 style tripods. However, for best results with the AZ100's precision mechanics, a quality hardwood tripod like the Berlebach makes a noticeable difference — particularly when using high-resolution encoders, where any tripod flexure can affect pointing accuracy.

Build quality that lasts

The AZ100 weighs approximately 8 kg (17.5 lbs) for the head alone, or about 9.8 kg (22 lbs) with dual Losmandy/Vixen saddles installed. It's not a grab-and-go mount in the ultralight sense, but it's substantially lighter than comparable German equatorial mounts of similar payload capacity — and it doesn't require counterweights. For visual observers who find GEM setups awkward and time-consuming to deploy, the AZ100 offers a compelling alternative that gets you observing faster without sacrificing payload or stability.

Every component is designed for long-term use: black-anodized aluminum resists corrosion, stainless steel hardware won't rust, and the worm blocks are user-adjustable for periodic maintenance. Rowan Engineering has been manufacturing precision components since 2008, and the AZ100 reflects that experience in its fit, finish, and mechanical refinement.

Configure your AZ100 system with Deep Space Products

The AZ100 is available in multiple configurations — from the base mount with slow-motion controls to fully-equipped systems with encoders, Nexus DSC, GoTo motors, dual saddles, counterweight shafts, and pan-tilt handles. Deep Space Products can help you select the right combination for your telescopes and observing style. We also stock the Berlebach tripods that bring out the mount's full potential.

Contact us to discuss your setup — we're happy to help you configure a system that will serve your visual observing for years to come.

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