Corvane Larch 7 equatorial mount, with carbon fiber tripod

Specifications

Description

The Larch 7 is a German equatorial mount for small and medium telescopes with a total load up to 7 kg. Its right ascension axis is set parallel to Earth's rotation axis, so once the mount is polar aligned, you follow the sky by turning one axis. The declination axis moves the tube north and south, and both axes have slow-motion rods for fine positioning at high magnification.

Polar alignment takes a few minutes with the built-in polar scope, which has an illuminated reticle for use in dim conditions. Set the latitude scale to your observing site, then align the mount toward the celestial pole using the adjustment screws at the base. Once aligned, the drive keeps objects centered for visual sessions at moderate power, where drift would otherwise move a target out of the eyepiece field within a few minutes. The drive runs from a 12 V DC supply with a standard barrel connector, so a small sealed battery is enough for a full night.

The dovetail saddle accepts bars up to 60 mm wide, and two safety screws hold the bar while you tighten the main clamp. The head weighs 4.6 kg and has a standard 3/8-16 thread underneath for photo tripods. Keep the total load, including the diagonal, eyepiece, finder, and any camera, below the rated 7 kg. A refractor with a focal length up to about 900 mm and a tube under 4 kg balances well and settles quickly after focusing. Loads close to the rating take longer to settle and place more strain on the drive.

About this configuration

This listing covers one configuration of the Corvane Larch 7 equatorial mount, defined by its support, add-on, finish, and edition year. The carbon fiber tripod saves weight for travel while still damping vibration well at moderate magnification. Carbon fiber legs stay comfortable to handle on cold nights, since they conduct less heat away from your hands than metal. The padded carrying case protects the mount head during travel and keeps its parts together in storage.

Anodized red parts have the same corrosion resistance as the black finish, in a brighter color. The mechanics of the 2024 edition match the other years; the changes concern handling details only. For steady views, keep the total load of tube, finder, and camera below the rated payload with some margin to spare.

What's in the box

• Equatorial mount head with dovetail saddle
• Counterweight bar
• 2 kg counterweight
• Polar scope with illuminated reticle
• 12 V DC power cable
• Accessory tray
• Carbon fiber tripod with accessory tray
• Padded carrying case

Compatibility notes

• Accepts dovetail bars up to 60 mm wide.
• The 3/8-16 base thread fits most photo tripods; a 1/4-20 adapter is included.
• Suits telescopes with a total load up to 7 kg and a focal length up to about 900 mm.