16 Best Telescope Mounts For Astrophotography (Buyer's Guide)

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Astrophotography, a fascinating intersection of astronomy and photography, demands precision and stability in its equipment, with the telescope mount being paramount.

Before diving into the various types of mounts, it’s essential to understand the key features to consider when choosing a telescope mount for astrophotography:

Stability
Tracking accuracy
Ease of alignment.

The most commonly used mounts for astrophotography are EQ mounts. AZ and EQ mounts can be motorized or GoTo and manually controlled. For astrophotography, it is essential to have a motorized mount that tracks the stars automatically so you can do long exposure photos. Some nebulas are very dim, and you need hours of exposure.

In this guide, we explore the world of telescope mounts, honing in on those that meet the demanding needs of astrophotography.

Table of Contents

Best overall telescope mount for visual and astrophotography

Some telescope mounts are great for visual astronomy, but their tracking needs to be more accurate for long-exposure photography. However, some mounts will work well for both visual and astrophotography.

Here are the overall best mounts for astrophotography and visual astronomy:

1. Celestron Advanced VX Mount with Dual Saddle Plate & Polar Axis Finder

Celestron has always been one of the best in the telescope industry, and their Advanced VX mount has proven a reliable and accurate instrument. This mount can hold up to 30 lbs and has a Celestron Polar Axis Finder and auto guider support for easy alignment.

The Celestron Advanced VX mount has integer gear ratios and permanently programmable Periodic Error Correction (PEC) for improved tracking accuracy. The PEC eliminates recurring tracking errors, making it ideal for long-exposure astrophotography.

This mount is compatible with most mid-level telescopes. It is specifically designed to optimize the performance of mid-level optical tubes, and its dual saddle plate allows you to use both Vixen-style and Losmandy-style dovetail plates.

The motors on this mount are powerful and efficient, ensuring smooth tracking performance. This mount also features an updated industrial design, making it aesthetically pleasing and easy to use.

2. Twilight Adjustable Angle Alt-Azimuth Telescope Mount

The Twilight Adjustable Angle Alt-Azimuth Telescope Mount is affordable yet reliable for visual and astrophotography. It is easy to use, with a simple tracking system that does not require calibration or alignment.

This mount has a spreader plate that can hold your eyepieces and accessories, a counterweight system for balance, and adjustable altitude and azimuth for precise tracking of celestial objects.

The Twilight Alt-Azimuth Telescope Mount has a weight capacity of up to 18 lbs and can handle small to medium-sized telescopes. It is also an excellent choice for beginners, requiring no complex alignment or setup.

The height range of 36″ to 53″ also makes this mount suitable for short and tall users. The package includes slow-motion control cables for precise tracking.

Cheapest tracking mounts for astrophotography

When starting your astrophotography journey, you may not want to invest too much in a mount. You may wish to purchase a cheaper mount with basic tracking capabilities.

Here are some of the best budget tracking mounts for astrophotography:

3. Universal Alt/Azimuth Tripod/Mount Combo with Tray and Dovetail Hardware

The Universal Alt/Azimuth Tripod/Mount Combo from Cassini features a pre-assembled Metal Tripod with an accessory tray and dovetail hardware. This mount offers basic tracking performance with its slow-mo Altitude/Azimuth control cables, allowing you to take longer exposures and capture the night sky in greater detail.

It is a stable yet lightweight mount that can hold up to 11 lbs. The entire package weighs 8 lbs and is easy to set up. It also features adjustable legs, so you can adjust the height of the mount depending on your needs.

The tray has slots for 4 1.25″ eyepieces, making it an ideal choice for visual astronomy. The Universal Alt/Azimuth Tripod/Mount also has retractable rubber feet, allowing you to set up the tripod on any surface without slipping.

4. Orion EQ-13 Equatorial Telescope Mount and Tripod

This is one of the most affordable equatorial mounts for astrophotography. It is compatible with most mid-sized telescopes weighing up to 13 lbs. This stainless steel adjustable-height tripod also has a twist-on accessory tray to store your eyepieces and other accessories.

The Orion EQ-13 Equatorial Telescope Mount has a vixen-style dovetail saddle plate making it compatible with any telescope with a vixen-style dovetail bar. It also has dual-setting circles to help you find your desired celestial object quickly and accurately.

The slow-motion control knobs on both axes provide precision tracking, ensuring you can center objects in your field of view. The Orion EQ-13 Equatorial Telescope Mount can accommodate an electronic motor drive for a hands-free tracking experience.

5. Orion 52587 VersaGo E-Series Altazimuth Mount Head with Tripod, Black

Altazimuth telescopes are ideal for beginners, as they are easy to use and don’t require alignment or calibration. The Orion VersaGo E-Series Altazimuth Mount Head is an affordable option for first-time astrophotographers with a tight budget.

This mount has a weight capacity of up to 11 lbs and is compatible with small telescopes and binoculars. Its adjustable height tripod can go from 36″ to 57.25″, making it suitable for observers of any size.

This sturdy single-arm altazimuth mount has micro-motion altitude and azimuth controls, allowing you to easily aim, track, and center celestial objects.

Despite its price, the Orion VersaGo E-Series Altazimuth Mount Head offers 360-degree azimuth and 180-degree altitude rotation, making it a great choice for basic astrophotography.

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Best telescope mounts for astrophotography under $1000

You don’t have to spend much money to get a good telescope mount for astrophotography. With less than $1000, you can purchase a mount that can deliver accurate tracking and precise control for long-exposure astrophotography.

Here are some of the best telescope mounts for astrophotography under $1000:

6. Orion EQ-26 Motorized Equatorial Telescope Mount

The Orion EQ-26 Motorized Equatorial Telescope Mount is one of the best mounts for astrophotography under $1000. It is a precision-engineered motorized equatorial telescope mount with a computerized hand controller.

It can support most medium-sized telescopes and be used for long-exposure night sky astrophotography. It has a 12V, 5A power adapter, making it portable and easy to use.

This mount comes with vixen-style dovetail saddle for easy setup of any compatible telescope. The integrated dual stepper motors provide smooth tracking and precise point-to-point GoTo positioning, which is great for long-exposure astrophotography.

7. Celestron CG-4 German Equatorial Mount

The Celestron CG-4 German Equatorial Mount is a popular mount supplied with all Omni XLT Series telescopes. It has a maximum payload capacity of 15 lbs and comes with a 1.75″ adjustable-height aluminum tripod.

This mount provides smooth, accurate tracking for long-exposure astrophotography thanks to its slow-motion controls and bubble level. It has two counterweights – 7 and 4 lbs – for balancing your telescope and providing smooth motion in both axes.

The Celestron CG-4 German Equatorial Mount also has a 42″ to 55″ height range, making it suitable for various observers. It also features an optional dual-axis motor drive you can purchase separately for hands-free tracking.

Best telescope mount for astrophotography under $1500

If your budget allows it, you can purchase a more advanced telescope mount for astrophotography. For under $1500, here are some of the options available:

8. Sky-Watcher HEQ5 – Fully Computerized GoTo German Equatorial Telescope

Computerized telescopes have an edge over manually operated ones when it comes to long-exposure astrophotography. They are more accurate, feature a wider field of view, and provide hands-free tracking.

The Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Fully Computerized GoTo German Equatorial Telescope offers all this and more. It has a payload capacity of up to 30 lbs and comes with a sturdy steel tripod with 1.75″ diameter tripod legs.

This mount is ideal for beginners and experienced astrophotographers alike. The heavy-duty all-metal roller bearings on both axes ensure smooth, accurate tracking and precise point-to-point GoTo positioning. It also features a built-in illuminated Polar finderscope for easy polar alignment.

The Sky-Watcher HEQ5 locates celestial objects quickly and accurately. It features a SynScan hand controller with 42,000 plus objects in its database. Plus, it supports future firmware updates via the internet or USB port for added convenience.

You may also like: Sky-Watcher HEQ5 GoTo Astronomy Mount Review

Best telescope mounts for astrophotography under $2500

If you can afford to surpass the $1500 mark, you can get an even better telescope mount for astrophotography. The more expensive mounts can accommodate large and powerful telescopes and have a wide range of features for long-exposure astrophotography.

The following telescope mounts are among the best for astrophotography under $2500:

9. Sky-Watcher EQ6-Ri Pro – Fully Computerized GoTo German Equatorial Telescope Mount – Belt-Driven, Wi-Fi Enabled Control Via Free SynScan Smartphone App

With a 44 lbs payload capacity and a precision-engineered belt-driven system, the Sky-Watcher EQ6-Ri Pro is a great option for experienced astrophotographers. It has a sturdy tripod with adjustable-height aluminum legs for added stability and convenience.

This mount features an advanced SynScan smartphone app compatible with iOS and Android devices. It has a 42,900-plus celestial object database and features built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for easy navigation and control.

The Sky-Watcher EQ6-Ri Pro also features a built-in illuminated Polar finderscope for easy polar alignment. Plus, it has a saddle compatible with both D- and V-style mounting plates for added convenience.

10. Celestron Advanced VX Computerized Mount

Do you own an Advanced VX optical tube assembly and looking for a suitable mount? The Celestron Advanced VX Computerized Mount is just what you need. It has a 30 lbs payload capacity and a stainless steel tripod.

It also offers permanently programmable periodic error correction (PPEC), an auto guider port, Celestron PWI telescope control software, and SkyAlign technology for easy alignment and object locating. The Celestron Advanced VX mount is compatible with Vixen format dovetails 100mm or longer, making it a great choice for large and medium-sized telescopes.

And that’s not all – this mount also features an accessory tray to keep your accessories organized and an adjustable-height tripod for added convenience. Plus, its sturdy steel construction ensures reliable operation and long-term durability.

Best telescope mounts for DSLR astrophotography

DLSR, or Digital Single Lens Reflex, is a type of camera that uses a mirror and prism system to show users what they see through the camera lens. This type of camera is mainly powerful and popular among professional photographers. It can be used for various types of photography, including astrophotography.

The following mounts are some of the best for DSLR astrophotography:

11. Sky-Watcher AZ-GTI – Portable Computerized GoTo Alt-Az Mount

The Sky-Watcher AZ-GTI – Portable Computerized GoTo Alt-Az Mount is a lightweight and portable mount option for DSLR astrophotography. It has a payload capacity of 11 lbs, making it suitable for most DSLR cameras and lenses.

This travel-sized alt-azimuth mount also features an integrated WiFi module for easy control via a smartphone app and has two rugged brass and aluminum gears for smooth and precise tracking.

The tripod includes a pier extension, which allows you to adjust the height of the mount from 23″ to 563″ for comfortable viewing. The mount’s built-in SNAP port automates camera control with compatible DSLR models.

The Sky-Watcher AZ-GTI mount has a 60-second preset exposure setting that allows you to take long-exposure shots without manually adjusting the exposure.

12. SUNWAYFOTO PH-01G 2-Way Pan Tilt Head Monocular Telescope Mount with Handle for Tripod Monopod DSLR

This 6.6 lbs monocular mount is made of CNC machined aluminum and stainless steel construction, making it extremely durable. It features a removable elongated handle for quick and easy tilt angle adjustment.

The SUNWAYFOTO PH-01G 2-Way Pan Tilt Head Monocular Telescope Mount also features a 2-way pan and tilt head, allowing you to take precise shots with minimal effort. It is compatible with most tripods and monopods, making it a great choice for DSLR astrophotography.

Best equatorial telescope mount for DSLR astrophotography

Equatorial telescope mounts are popular among people passionate about DSLR astrophotography. Here are some of the best you can find:

13. Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i Astro Pack – Motorized DSLR Night Sky Tracker for Portable Nightscapes

Are you looking to capture the incredible detail of the Milky Way, star clusters, or other solar system objects you can see with a DSLR camera? The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i Astro Pack is a professional equatorial mount designed to securely hold a DSLR camera and lens for night sky tracking.

It features a motorized tracking system that allows you to take long-exposure shots without manually adjusting the exposure settings.

The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i Astro Pack is compatible with most existing photographic tripods and can be used with various lenses thanks to its adjustable mounting hardware. The inbuilt polar alignment scope helps you quickly align the mount for accurate tracking.

14. Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTI Mount Head Kit with Counterweight and CW bar – Full GoTo EQ Tracking Mount

The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTI Mount Head Kit has a polar finder scope built-in for quick and easy alignment in EQ mode. It has a payload capacity of up to 11 lbs, making it suitable for DSLR cameras and lenses.

The SNAP shutter control makes it easy to control your camera for time-lapse photography automatically. The kit also includes a v-style dovetail and dual-position counterweight for balanced operation.

This full GoTo equatorial mount also features an integrated ST-4 auto guider port, USB ports, and full smartphone control via Wi-Fi. It also has multiple tracking rates, including lunar, solar, and sidereal.

Best astrophotography mount for beginners

Astrophotography can be daunting, particularly if you are unfamiliar with mounts and the other equipment used in the process. However, there are various mounts suitable for beginners, from entry-level to mid-range models.

15. Sky-Watcher EQM-35 PRO Go-To Modular Astronomy Mount

For the half price of the HEQ5 Pro, you can get the Sky-Watcher EQM-35 PRO Go-To Modular Astronomy Mount, a pretty solid mount for astrophotography. EQM-35 Pro is an upgraded EQ3 Pro on steel legs from the EQ5 mount.

It is much improved compared to EQ3 Pro with a large 92.5 mm diameter RA worm wheel, 180 teeth for high precision tracking, unlike 130 teeth in the EQ3 Pro, and the strength of the rotary base has been increased.

This upgrade is more stable with fewer vibrations and more payload capacity of up to 22lb!

Another advantage is portability. You can strip it down from the DEC axis motor and heavy counterweight to use it only with the DSLR camera, so the total weight is vastly reduced for travel.

Another thing you’ll love about this mount is the auto guider port, which can improve the tracking to take longer exposures. It has a Synscan™ Hand Controller with a 40,000+ Object database and Periodic Error Correction (PEC) technology.

All this makes the Sky-Watcher EQM-35 PRO more than sufficient for astrophotography. And the entry price is very low compared to the recommended expensive mounts.

It’s amazing for visual astronomy, and even professional astrophotographers will appreciate the technology on this piece of machinery.

16. Sky-Watcher AZ5 Telescope Mount – Beginner Mount with Slow Motion

If you are looking for a beginner mount for visual astronomy and possibly a bit of DSLR astrophotography, then the Sky-Watcher AZ5 Telescope Mount – Beginner Mount with Slow Motion is perfect. It has a 15-pound load capacity and is suitable for small telescopes up to 5-inch aperture.

It has slow-motion controls for manual tracking and precise pointing, which is great for pointing the telescope accurately at objects.

The Sky-Watcher AZ5 Telescope Mount features a rigid, all-metal construction tripod with an accessory tray. The Vixen-style dovetail bar is included, making it compatible with many telescopes.

Best telescope counterweight mounts for astrophotography

Counterweights help to balance the weight of a telescope mount, allowing it to move more smoothly and accurately when tracking celestial objects. They are typically used in equatorial mounts and come in different sizes and shapes to accommodate various telescope payloads.

The following counterweight mounts are among the best for astrophotography:

Celestron 22 Lbs Counterweight for CGX-L/CGE Pro/ CGEM DX Telescopes

This 22 lbs counterweight is compatible with Celestron’s CGX-L, CGE Pro, and CGEM DX equatorial mounts. The Celestron 22 Lbs Counterweight’s stainless steel construction ensures reliable operation with heavy payloads, while its hook-and-loop fastening system ensures secure attachment.

Bresser Counterweight 2,0 kg for EXOS-1/EQ4

This lightweight counterweight is specifically designed for mounts with a 20mm counterweight rod diameter, such as the Bresser’s EXOS-1 and EQ4 equatorial mounts, and weighs 4.45 lbs.

The Bresser Counterweight 2,0 kg for EXOS-1/EQ4 has an anodized aluminum construction that ensures long-term durability, while its integrated handle makes it easy to attach and remove.

17lb Celestron Counterweight for CGEM Mounts

At 17 lbs, this counterweight is compatible with Celestron’s CGEM equatorial mounts and comes with stainless steel construction for reliable operation.

The 17lb Celestron Counterweight for CGEM Mounts improves your mount’s tracking accuracy and is easy to attach via a hook-and-loop fastening system.

Factors to look for when choosing a telescope mount for astrophotography

Choosing the right mount for astrophotography is crucial, as it will determine the quality of your images. Here are a few factors to consider when making your decision:

Payload capacity

The payload capacity is the maximum weight of accessories that you can attach to the mount. Ensure you get a mount with a payload capacity to support your setup. The counterweight system should be able to balance the weight evenly.

Motorized system

If you plan on doing time-lapse photography or deep-sky images, you need a motorized mount. This will allow you to track the stars accurately while you take multiple long-exposure images. Manual mounts are suitable for visual astronomy and short-exposure astrophotography.

Pointing accuracy and tracking precision

Ensure that the mount has accurate pointing and tracking capabilities. A better mount can track stars accurately in different time zones. It will also have periodic error correction (PEC) to reduce tracking errors due to the imperfection of the worm gear.

Adjustable length

If your mount comes with a tripod, it should be easily adjustable. A mount with an adjustable length allows you to customize the tripod’s height for comfortable viewing or astrophotography.

Other features

Other features to look for include a bubble level, illuminated polar scope, and counterweights. A good mount should also be compatible with various telescope brands.

FAQs about telescope mounts for astrophotography

Here are some of the most common questions people ask about telescope mounts.

Why are Equatorial Mounts (EQ) considered the best mount type for astrophotography?

Equatorial Mounts (EQ) are considered the best type for astrophotography due to their unique ability to align precisely with the Earth’s rotational axis, offering unparalleled tracking accuracy of celestial objects. This alignment is crucial for long-exposure astrophotography, as it allows the mount to seamlessly follow the apparent motion of the stars across the night sky, effectively countering Earth’s rotation.

The result is sharp, detailed images free from the streaking or blurring that can occur with simpler mount types. EQ mounts also facilitate easier and more accurate polar alignment, a vital step in astrophotography to ensure precise tracking.

Additionally, many advanced EQ mounts come with computerized controls and GoTo capabilities, allowing photographers to automatically locate and track celestial objects with high precision, making them ideal for capturing detailed images of distant galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.

What is the best way to guide a telescope mount for astrophotography?

Even if you pay thousands of dollars for the best possible mount with tracking, you will be limited in how long exposures you can do. Telescopes can only track so well; eventually, the stars will drift from the center of your field of view.

All mounts are mechanical, and they have some errors. There is no perfect mount yet. So, how do you improve even a cheaper mount to better tracking for astrophotography? Very simple; you need to use auto-guiding.

This is the use of an external guiding camera to track the stars and correct any drift in real-time. Autoguiding improves tracking accuracy significantly and opens the door to longer exposures.

What is autoguiding?

Autoguiding refers to using a camera, telescope, and software to track and correct for the small errors in tracking done by the mount. It’s a great tool for astrophotographers, allowing them to take longer exposures and increasing the chances of capturing amazing and detailed photos.

However, it is unnecessary if you are only starting with astrophotography; you will be fine with the mount’s tracking alone. But it is good to remember this for the next upgrade when you learn the basics. I’m sure you will want to shoot very long exposures for the faint deep sky objects.

What do you need for autoguiding?

First, you need the mount that supports the auto-guiding with an ST-4 type Autoguider Interface port. Then you need the auto-guiding camera, a fancy webcam with auto guider port to connect it to the telescope mount.

The camera is attached to the second small guiding telescope mounted on the top of your imaging instrument. And lastly, you need a computer with the right software.

The name of the software is PHD. Which stands for “Push Here Dummy” I’m not kidding. This is the real name of the developers.

The software is easy to use and will vastly improve your mount. It simply monitors the stars your guiding scope sees with the camera and prevents star trails by sending signals to the mount.

What is the best telescope mount for 102 refractors for astrophotography?

The Celestron CG-4 German Equatorial Mount is one of the best mounts for 102 refractor telescopes used in astrophotography. This mount is designed to handle heavier payloads, making it suitable for larger refractors. It has two counterweights and can hold up to 40 pounds of telescope weight.

How to mount a camera on a 130eq telescope for astrophotography?

You need an adapter that fits the size of your camera and thread size of your telescope. The most common way is to use a T-ring with a T-adapter that fits your telescope’s 1.25” visual back. Once you have the adapter, use a dovetail plate to attach the camera securely to the mount.

Takeaway: Enjoy Astrophotography with the Right Telescope Mount

As you can see, you don’t have to spend a fortune on the first astrophotography mount. When you become more experienced in imaging the sky, you will definitely want to upgrade to something better.

The EQM-35 Pro is a great telescope mount to start with. Or start with DSLR and simple AZ motorized mount to take wide-field images and learn image processing because it is a very challenging task to master.

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