EQ8-RH PRO mount head without tripod

Building on the legacy of Sky-Watcher’s popular EQ8 mount, the EQ8-R introduces a variety of upgrades and enhancements that make observatory-class astrophotography easier than ever.

Whisper-quiet dual belt drives greatly reduce Periodic Error while providing enhanced tracking and guiding. The fully realized cable management system eliminates cable drag and makes remote set-ups ridiculously convenient.

110-pound (50 kg) Payload

All-metal precision internal construction makes this mount strong and stable. The EQ8-R is a perfect fit for even the largest OTAs Sky-Watcher has to offer.

Belt-drive On Both Axes

Belt drives provide minimal backlash and significantly reduced periodic error, which mean smoother, more accurate tracking.

Integrated Cable Management System

Built-in USB 3.0, power, and serial ports eliminate cable drag and reduces the worry of cable snags.
Four USB 3.0 ports, Three 2.1mm power ports, Three serial connections.

On-axis Renishaw Encoder

The EQ8-Rh features an on-axis Renishaw 11.8 million tick incremental encoder on the RA axis, virtually eliminating Periodic Error during tracking and allowing for extremely precise guiding for even the most demanding astrophotographers.

We recommend the Skywatcher Wi-Fi unit (SynScanWifi), with which you can control your telescope via smartphone or tablet. Just plug the Wi-Fi unit into the hand controller slot and download the free App (Android or iOS) - it is ready to use.

Building on the legacy of Sky-Watcher’s popular EQ8 mount, the EQ8-R introduces a variety of upgrades and enhancements that make observatory-class astrophotography easier than ever.

Whisper-quiet dual belt drives greatly reduce Periodic Error while providing enhanced tracking and guiding. The fully realized cable management system eliminates cable drag and makes remote set-ups ridiculously convenient.

110-pound (50 kg) Payload

All-metal precision internal construction makes this mount strong and stable. The EQ8-R is a perfect fit for even the largest OTAs Sky-Watcher has to offer.

Belt-drive On Both Axes

Belt drives provide minimal backlash and significantly reduced periodic error, which mean smoother, more accurate tracking.

Integrated Cable Management System

Built-in USB 3.0, power, and serial ports eliminate cable drag and reduces the worry of cable snags.
Four USB 3.0 ports, Three 2.1mm power ports, Three serial connections.

On-axis Renishaw Encoder

The EQ8-Rh features an on-axis Renishaw 11.8 million tick incremental encoder on the RA axis, virtually eliminating Periodic Error during tracking and allowing for extremely precise guiding for even the most demanding astrophotographers.

We recommend the Skywatcher Wi-Fi unit (SynScanWifi), with which you can control your telescope via smartphone or tablet. Just plug the Wi-Fi unit into the hand controller slot and download the free App (Android or iOS) - it is ready to use.