A telescope mount is an essential piece of equipment for astrophotography. There are a variety of different mounts available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will introduce the best telescope mount for astrophotography.
The best telescope mount for astrophotography is the equatorial mount. An equatorial mount allows the telescope to rotate around one axis, making it perfect for astrophotography. It is also possible to use an equatorial mount for terrestrial photography, making it a versatile option.
There are a variety of equatorial mounts available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The best equatorial mount for astrophotography is the German equatorial mount. The German equatorial mount is a heavy-duty mount that is perfect for astrophotography. It is also the most expensive option, but it offers the best performance.
If you are looking for a less expensive option, the equatorial mount is a good choice. The equatorial mount is a lightweight mount that is perfect for astrophotography. It is also less expensive than the German equatorial mount.
whichever mount you choose, make sure that it is suitable for your telescope. The mount should be able to support the weight. And now, let’s also come to the list that Best TechSmart has selected. Hope it helps you!
1. Celestron Advanced VX Computerized Mount 91519
The Celestron Advanced VX computerized mount is a great choice for those looking for a portable mount with a lot of features. This mount is very compact and the industrial design is improved over previous versions. It is very rigid and can hold a maximum instrument capacity of 30 lbs. This mount also has a PEC mode for autoguiding and an autoguider port. It is also able to image across the meridian. The only downside is that it does not come with a tripod, so you will need to purchase one separately. Overall, the Celestron Advanced VX is a great mount for those looking for a portable and feature-rich option.
- Advanced VX Equatorial Head - Tripod - Accessory Tray - 1 x 12 lbs counterweight - NexStar+ Hand Control - DC Power Cable (plugs into cigarette lighter socket) - 2-Year Warranty
- The most compact and portable of Celestron's German equatorial mounts offers the same rigidity as our larger mounts with minimal flexure and an improved industrial design
- Holds a maximum instrument capacity of 30 lbs
- Every feature an astroimager wants: PEC, an autoguider port, the ability to image across the meridian, and more
- NEW dual saddle plate is compatible with the narrow dovetail and larger CGE dovetail
2. SkyWatcher S30300 EQ6-R Telescope Accessory
The SkyWatcher S30300 EQ6R Telescope Accessory is a precise, accurate, and motorized goto German equatorial telescope mount that is capable of tracking astronomical objects for both visual observing and astrophotography. The beltdriven stepper motors provide whisperquiet slewing with renowned precision and accuracy while virtually eliminating periodic error. The allmetal construction provides a 44pound payload capacity perfect for all but the heaviest optical tubes, and the builtin illuminated polar finderscope provides quick and easy polar alignment. The SynScan hand controller with 42000plus object database will keep even the most experienced astronomer busy for countless observing nights. The tripod leg diameter is 2, and the power type is 12V 4 amp minimum. The latitude range is degrees may65. The mounting saddle type is DVEASY. The SkyWatcher S30300 EQ6R Telescope Accessory is easy to transport and quick to set up.
- PRECISE ACCURATE GOTO: Computerized, motorized GoTo German equatorial telescope mount capable of accurately tracking astronomical objects for both visual observing and astrophotography
- BELT DRIVEN STEPPER MOTORS provide whisper-quiet slewing with renowned precision and accuracy while virtually eliminating Periodic Error
- 44-POUND PAYLOAD: Beefy, all-metal construction provides 44-pound payload capacity, perfect for all but the heaviest optical tubes
- BUILT-IN ILLUMINATED POLAR FINDERSCOPE provides quick and easy polar alignment
- 42,000+ OBJECT DATABASE: SynScan hand controller with 42,000plus object database will keep even the most experienced astronomer busy for countless observing nights. Tripod Leg Diameter: 2".Power Type: 12V (4 amp minimum). Latitude Range (degrees): May-65. Mounting Saddle Type: D/V
3. Celestron CGEM II Computerized German Type Motorized Equatorial Mount with Tripod
The CGEM II German Equatorial Mount from Celestron is a computerized mount that is designed for both amateur and professional astronomers. This mount has a payload capacity of 40 lbs, and it can be used with telescopes that have a dovetail mount or direct connect to the mount’s CGE dovetail bar. The mount also includes a two-year warranty, a steel tripod with graduated markings, and a direct-connect tripod adapter.
One of the Pros of the CGEM II German Equatorial Mount is that it is easy to set up and use. You can quickly and easily attach your telescope to the mount, and the mount’s computerized hand controller makes it easy to navigate the night sky. The mount also has a built-in polar alignment scope and adjustment knob, which makes it easy to polar align your telescope.
Another Pro of the CGEM II German Equatorial Mount is that it is very sturdy and stable. The mount’s steel tripod ensures that your telescope will be stable, and the mount’s payload capacity of 40 lbs means that it can handle larger telescopes.
One of the Cons of the CGEM II German Equatorial Mount is that it is not as portable as some of the other Celestron mounts. The mount’s tripod is quite large and heavy, and the mount itself is also quite large and heavy. If you are looking for a mount that you can easily take with you on camping trips or outdoor excursions, the CGEM II is not the right mount for you.
Another Con of the CGEM II German Equatorial Mount is that it is not as affordable as some of the other Celestron mounts. The mount retails for around $1,500, which is more expensive than some of the other Celestron mounts.
Overall, the CGEM II German Equatorial Mount from Celestron is a high-quality mount that is perfect for amateur and professional astronomers. The mount is easy to set up and use, and it is very sturdy and stable. The mount is not as portable as some of the other Celestron mounts, and it is also more expensive. However, the CGEM II is a great mount that is sure to satisfy the needs of any astronomer.
- Car Batterd Adapter - Counterweight Shaft - Counterweight (17 lbs/7.7kg) for the CGEM Equatorial Mount - NexStarI Computerized Hand Controller - Tripod - 2-Year Warranty
- Mount Type: German Equatorial Mount
- Tripod: 2" Steel tripod with graduated markings on lower section
- Dovetail Mount: Directly connects to both CG-5 & CGE dovetail bars
- Payload Capacity: 40 lbs.
4. Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Photo Kit – Motorized DSLR Night Sky Tracking Mount For Nightscapes, Time-lapse, and Panoramas
The SkyWatcher Star Adventurer Photo Kit Motorized DSLR Night Sky Tracking Mount is a portable tracking platform perfect for capturing incredible detail of the Milky Way eclipses and other astronomical objects.
The new upgraded Star Adventurer 2i includes WiFi allowing for smartphone control using SkyWatchers free SAM Console app.
The unique modular design allows for integration with existing photographic tripods Widefield astrophotography as well as timelapse video and telescopic use are all possible with the Star Adventurer 2i.
The included illuminated polar finderscope allows for easy and accurate alignment with Polaris.
Rugged brass and aluminum gears provide smooth motorized night sky tracking for easy portable nightscape and eclipse photography.
The builtin AA battery compartment provides reliable mobile power for up to 72 hours and an additional 5v miniUSB input allows for external power source using a cell phone charger or other device.
- NEW FEATURES: The new, upgraded Star Adventurer 2i includes Wi-Fi, allowing for smartphone control using Sky-Watcher’s free SAM Console app.
- PORTABLE NIGHTSCAPE TRACKING PLATFORM: Motorized portable tracking platform perfect for capturing incredible detail of the Milky Way, eclipses and other astronomical objects.
- READY FOR PHOTOGRAPHY: Easily mount any photographic ball-head using the included ball-head adapter.
- WIDE-FIELD ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY: The unique, modular design allows for integration with existing photographic tripods. Wide-field astrophotography as well as time-lapse video and telescopic use are all possible with the Star Adventurer 2i.
- BUILT-IN ILLUMINATED POLAR FINDERSCOPE: The included illuminated polar finderscope allows for easy and accurate alignment with Polaris.
5. SkyWatcher S20530 Star Adventurer Latitude (EQ) Base, Telescope Accessory
The SkyWatcher S20530 Star Adventurer Latitude EQ Base Telescope Accessory is a great tool for astrophotography. It is easy to set up and use, and it provides great results. However, there are a few drawbacks.
The biggest pro of the Star Adventurer is its ease of use. It is very easy to set up and get started. All you need to do is attach the Star Adventurer to your telescope, attach the dovetail plate, and adjust the latitude adjustment lock. The Star Adventurer also has microadjustment knobs, which make it easy to adjust the position of your telescope.
The Star Adventurer is also great for astrophotography. It provides great results, and is a great tool for capturing images of the night sky.
The only downside of the Star Adventurer is that it is not very sturdy. It can be a bit wobbly, and it does not withstand wind very well.
- Star Adventurer accessory
- V-style dovetail plate
- Micro-adjustment knobs
- Latitude adjustment lock
6. Celestron Wedge with NexStar Evolution/SE, Black (93665)
If you’re looking to get into astrophotography, or you’re looking for an easier way to autoguide your telescope, a Celestron Wedge might be a good option for you.
The Celestron Wedge is an equatorial platform that attaches to your Celestron NexStar 68SE or Evolution telescope, and tilts it into an equatorial position. This allows your telescope to track an arc around the polar axis, making long exposure astrophotography and autoguiding much easier.
The Wedge is made of sturdy materials, and is very easy to adjust under load. It also has a captive hardware design, which means you don’t need any tools to adjust it. The Wedge also has a built-in bubble level, to help you ensure your telescope is level.
The Wedge is a hefty piece of equipment, but it’s also very portable. It has a sturdy latitude adjustment screw with a easy-to-read scale, making it easy to get your telescope set up exactly how you want it.
- Equatorial wedge for Celestron NexStar 6/8SE and Evolution Alt-Az mounted computerized telescopes. Enables long exposure astrophotography and autoguiding by tilting the telescope's azimuth into an equatorial platform allowing it to track an arc around the polar axis.
- For beginner to intermediate planetary and deep space imagers. Captive hardware, tool-less operation, easily adjusts under load.
- All new hefty yet portable design
- Sturdy latitude adjustment screw with easy to read scale and integrated Bubble level.
FAQs
Telescope mounts are an important part of astrophotography. They can make or break an image. Here are five frequently asked questions about telescope mounts for astrophotography.
1. What mount should I use for astrophotography?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Different mounts are better for different types of astrophotography. For example, a German equatorial mount is good for long-exposure images of the night sky, while a ball head mount is good for capturing quick snapshots of the sky.
2. What is the best mount for beginner astrophotographers?
Again, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Some mounts are easier to use than others, but it really depends on your level of experience and what type of astrophotography you want to do.
3. What are the benefits of using a telescope mount for astrophotography?
There are several benefits of using a telescope mount for astrophotography. They include:
– Increased stability: A good telescope mount will provide increased stability, which is essential for capturing high-quality images of the night sky.
– Increased accuracy: A good telescope mount will also provide increased accuracy, which is important for capturing precise images of the night sky.
– Increased flexibility: A good telescope mount will provide increased flexibility, which allows you to capture a wider range of images.
4. What are the drawbacks of using a telescope mount for astrophotography?
There are a few drawbacks of using a telescope mount for astrophotography. They include:
– Increased weight: A good telescope mount will be heavier than a standard camera tripod, which can be a problem for some astrophotographers.
– Increased cost: A good telescope mount will be more expensive than a standard camera tripod.
5. How do I choose the right telescope mount for my astrophotography?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best way to choose the right telescope mount for your astrophotography is to consider your level of experience, the type of astrophotography you want to do, and your budget.
