Telescope Reviews: Half Hitch v. Stellarvue M6 v. DM

Bob,

Maybe we haven't been that much help, LOL. It isn't an easy decision. Fact of the matter is, I have owned more than a half dozen different Alt/Az mount designs over the years and I never seem completely satisfied. After getting the HH II, I thought for sure I'd give up my Tak Teegul but I haven't been able to part with it yet. I still like to take it out and use it now and then (although admittedly, sometimes it is just because I like the attached eyepiece tray). And although I let go of the DM-6 because of changes in scopes, I miss it and every once in a while take a peek on Amart at the DM-4's..... who knows, I might pick one up some day. I guess I'm an Alt/Az junkie of sorts and a monogamous relationship just isn't in the cards for me - I'm never gonna be a one mount guy, what can I say?. But I should be clear - while I may like to fiddle with different mounts for different scopes, I wouldn't consider parting with my HH II anymore than I would consider parting with my Traveler, the scope I had in mind for the HH II. I guess I might consider it in future if Charles ends up with a HH IV, V or whatever, LOL - but even then I doubt it (I still have my pre-production HH for that matter).

I guess what I'm trying to say is that you've narrowed things down to some really nice mounts and in some sense, can't go wrong. But you might ultimately be looking at getting a couple of mounts over the long haul. I'm not familiar with the M6 but assuming its a great performer, it will give you the flexibility of 1 or 2 scopes without too much to give up in the portability department. On the other hand, do you really think you'll have that much interest in dragging both scopes out that often?

I don't think you would have any problem with your 102 plus hand grenade with the DM-4 extension column - it is rock solid (I had the extension with the DM-6, no flex at all). ....bottom line, I see no problem extending the HH II above the top of your tripod with the Discmounts DM-4 extension column just as Tammy has done. If you are thinking about a pre-pro HH vs. the HH II, however, I think you would be much happier with the HH II. The damping time difference may not seem like much but it also makes a difference in terms of wind and also how much it jiggles at high mags when you are using the x-y controls.

If I had to choose to own one mount and one mount only for my 105 - and I wanted ultimate portability AND performance, the use of slo-mo controls, accurate DSCs and a good looking, interesting mount to boot.... I think I'd unquestionably have to give the nod to my HH II. It is truly grab-and-go near-perfected (and I'm not sure anything will ever be perfect when it comes to Alt/Az, but that is probably just me....).

Doug