Alt-azimuth mounts move up-down and left-right, are intuitive and quick to set up, and suit visual observing. Equatorial mounts are aligned to the celestial pole, so tracking needs only one axis; that makes them the standard for long-exposure astrophotography. GoTo versions of either point to objects automatically. For imaging, many astrophotographers keep the load to about half of the rated payload.
The mount holds the telescope steady and moves it. A good mount makes an average telescope enjoyable; a poor one makes a great telescope frustrating.
Types
| Mount | Movement | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Alt-azimuth | Up-down, left-right | Visual, quick setup |
| Dobsonian base | Alt-az rocker box | Large reflectors, visual |
| Equatorial (German EQ) | Aligned to the celestial pole | Imaging, tracking |
| GoTo (alt-az or EQ) | Motorized, finds objects | Beginners and imagers |
| Star tracker | Small equatorial for cameras | Wide-field astrophotography |
Payload
Mounts list payload capacity. For visual use, close to the rating is often fine; for imaging, keep to about half for smooth tracking. Include the telescope, camera, guide scope and accessories.
Setup time
| Mount | Setup |
|---|---|
| Alt-az and Dobsonian | Minutes |
| GoTo alt-az | Minutes plus star alignment |
| Equatorial | Polar alignment and balance |
Choosing
Visual observers should choose the steadiest alt-az or Dobsonian they can carry. Imagers should budget as much for the mount as the telescope.
See smart telescopes for all-in-one imaging. Browse mounts and eyepieces.
Common questions
Do I need an equatorial mount?
For visual observing, no. For long-exposure deep-sky astrophotography, an equatorial mount or field rotation correction is usually needed.
What is polar alignment?
Aligning an equatorial mount's axis with the celestial pole so it tracks stars accurately.
How much weight can my mount carry?
Check the rated payload. For imaging, keeping to about half the rating gives better tracking.
What is a star tracker?
A small equatorial mount for cameras and lenses, used for wide-field astrophotography.