Northmere Tern EQ mount, with carbon fiber tripod

Specifications

Description

The Tern EQ is a manual German equatorial mount for telescopes up to 14 kg. It uses large brass worm wheels on both axes, which give smooth, backlash-free motion when you follow the sky with the slow-motion knobs.

The rated payload covers most visual telescopes: 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrains, 150 mm Newtonians, and refractors up to 130 mm. At that size, the stiffness of the mount decides how quickly the image settles after you touch the focuser. The Tern EQ uses a thick polar axis housing and tapered roller bearings, so vibrations die out in about a second with a steel tripod.

The latitude adjustment runs from 10 to 65 degrees, and the azimuth bolts allow fine alignment. A polar scope bore runs through the right ascension axis; a polar scope fits there for more accurate alignment, which helps if you add a drive later. Setting circles on both axes let you find objects from their coordinates.

The counterweight shaft is 20 mm thick and takes two 4.5 kg counterweights. Clutches on both axes let you swing the telescope freely to a new target, then lock the axes and use the slow-motion knobs for fine adjustment.

The head weighs 7.2 kg, light enough to carry together with its tripod in one trip. For visual observers who want the tracking motion of an equatorial mount without electronics, the Tern EQ is a solid middle ground.

Motor drives fit both worm shafts, so the Tern EQ can grow into a tracking mount. The mount head is designed to be serviced: the worm mesh adjusts with two screws on each axis.

About this configuration

This listing covers one configuration of the Northmere Tern 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. With a spare dovetail bar, you can fit a guide scope or a second instrument side by side.

The anodized black finish hides scratches and does not reflect the light of a red flashlight back at you. The 2026 edition carries the mechanics over unchanged and updates small parts such as the knobs and covers. The payload rating in the specifications applies to the mount head in every configuration of the Tern line.

What's in the box

• German equatorial mount head with Vixen-style saddle
• Counterweight shaft with two 4.5 kg counterweights
• Slow-motion knobs for both axes
• Hex key set
• Carbon fiber tripod with accessory tray
• Spare 200 mm dovetail bar

Compatibility notes

• Accepts Vixen-style dovetail bars up to 45 mm wide.
• Suits 8-inch SCTs, 150 mm Newtonians, and refractors up to 130 mm.
• Dual-axis motor drives and a polar scope fit the mount.