Northmere Bulwark EQ mount, with carbon fiber tripod

Specifications

Description

The Bulwark is a compact equatorial mount for small refractors, Maksutovs, and short reflectors with a total load up to 4 kg. Its right ascension axis is aligned with the celestial pole, so the telescope can turn in a single direction to follow the stars. Once the mount is polar aligned, targets stay centered in the eyepiece for longer, which helps on faint nebulae and galaxies at medium power.

Polar alignment uses a built-in polar scope with an illuminated reticle. Set the latitude scale to your site, then adjust the altitude and azimuth knobs until Polaris sits at the marked position in the reticle. Slow-motion rods on both axes handle fine pointing without touching the tube, and tension knobs set how freely each axis moves. The head weighs 3.2 kg and mounts on a standard 3/8-16 thread underneath for photo tripods, with a 1/4-20 adapter included.

The sidereal drive runs on the right ascension axis from a 12 V DC input or eight AA batteries, and it turns the tube at the rate of the sky. Declination remains a manual axis, so you recenter drift in that direction by hand. Keep the total load, including a diagonal, eyepiece, and finder, well below the rated payload. Longer tubes need a counterweight on the 1-inch shaft, and balancing the tube before each session keeps the drive from working against an unbalanced load.

Telescopes up to about 80 mm in aperture and 1.5 kg in weight are a good match for the Bulwark. It fits visual observing at medium and high power and short-exposure imaging with a light camera. For long-exposure astrophotography, a heavier equatorial mount gives steadier guiding.

About this configuration

This listing covers one configuration of the Northmere Bulwark EQ 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. A padded case makes it easier to carry the mount head to a dark site without knocks to the axes.

Titanium gray anodizing shows dust less than black and keeps a uniform look over the years. This is the 2023 edition of the Bulwark line, the earliest version that is still listed in the catalog. Check the saddle type in the specifications against the dovetail bar on your telescope before you choose a configuration.

What's in the box

• Equatorial mount head with Vixen-style saddle
• Polar scope with illuminated reticle
• Two slow-motion control rods
• 1-inch counterweight shaft
• 12 V DC power cable
• Accessory tray
• Carbon fiber tripod with accessory tray
• Padded carrying case

Compatibility notes

• Accepts Vixen-style dovetail bars up to 45 mm wide.
• The 3/8-16 base thread fits most photo tripods; a 1/4-20 adapter is included.
• Suits telescopes up to about 80 mm aperture and 1.5 kg for steady views.