Rowan Astronomy AZ100 Alt-Azimuth Mount
Price as Configured: $1,800.00
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Rowan AZ100
What telescopes can the AZ100 handle?
The AZ100 supports payloads up to 44 lbs (20 kg) per side, depending on telescope length and balance point. Users commonly mount 5" to 7" APO refractors (such as Takahashi FSQ-106, TEC 140, and Stellarvue SVX152), 8" to 11" Schmidt-Cassegrains (including Celestron EdgeHD models), and large Maksutov-Cassegrains. The dual-saddle option allows two telescopes to be mounted simultaneously, which is popular for observers who want a widefield and high-power scope available at the same time.
What tripod should I use with the AZ100?
Deep Space Products recommends Berlebach hardwood tripods for the best combination of stability and vibration damping. The Berlebach PLANET is the most popular choice for heavy payloads, while the UNI 28 and UNI 18 work well for medium setups. The AZ100 can also mount directly to Sky-Watcher NEQ6, Orion Atlas, or Celestron CGEM tripods (remove the azimuth pin), but a quality hardwood tripod will noticeably improve performance — especially when using high-resolution encoders.
How does the AZ100 compare to other premium alt-az mounts?
The AZ100 occupies a unique position in the market. Most consumer alt-az mounts are lightweight designs with limited payload capacity, imprecise movements, and no provision for digital setting circles. The Losmandy AZ8 is the closest comparable mount in production, but the AZ100 offers higher payload capacity, integrated encoder support, and an optional GoTo motor system that the AZ8 lacks. For motorized alt-az use, the Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 is a common alternative, but the AZ100's precision machining and mechanical quality are in a different class entirely.
Do I need encoders and a digital setting circle?
Not necessarily. Many observers enjoy the AZ100 as a pure push-to mount with just the slow-motion controls — it's a satisfying way to observe if you know the sky or use optical finders and star-hopping. However, the optional Renishaw 152,000-step encoders paired with a Nexus DSC WiFi unit make locating faint objects substantially faster, especially under light-polluted skies where star-hopping is more difficult. The encoders also enable the GoTo motor system for tracking.
Is the GoTo motor system reliable?
The AZ100 GoTo motor system was developed through extended beta testing with community feedback and is now in full production. It adds smooth motorized tracking and slewing to the mount, with a handset for manual corrections. The system is particularly valuable for planetary observation at high magnification and for outreach events where the telescope needs to stay centered while multiple people view. Deep Space Products sells the motor system both factory-installed on new mounts and as an upgrade kit for existing AZ100 owners.
Does Deep Space Products support the Rowan AZ100?
Yes. Deep Space Products is an authorized Rowan Astronomy dealer and can provide sales support, configuration guidance, and accessory recommendations for the AZ100. We stock the mount in various configurations along with compatible Berlebach tripods and AstroDevices Nexus DSC units. If you're unsure which configuration is right for your telescopes and observing style, contact us — we help customers build complete systems matched to their needs.
Can I add the motor system later if I buy a manual mount now?
Yes. The AZ100 GoTo motor system is available as a retrofit kit for existing mounts. If you start with a manual or encoder-equipped AZ100 and later decide you want tracking capability, the upgrade path is straightforward. Note that the motor system requires the encoder option to be installed — if your mount doesn't have encoders, you'll need to add those as well.
What's included with the base AZ100 mount?
The base AZ100 includes the mount head with adjustable friction clutches on both axes, flexible slow-motion control cables (340mm and 440mm pair), and an M12 mounting bushing for tripod attachment. Saddle plates, encoders, Nexus DSC, counterweight shaft, and tripod are purchased separately or as part of a configured package. Deep Space Products can help you select the accessories that match your telescope setup.
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