There are a lot of different types of telescopes on the market these days. It can be hard to decide which one is right for you, especially if you’re on a budget. If you’re looking for the best telescope mount under 1000, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve scoured the market and compiled a list of the best telescope mounts under 1000. Best TechSmart considered a variety of factors when making our decisions, including price, performance, and features.
No matter what your budget is, we’re confident that we’ve found the best telescope mount for you.
1. Celestron 31051 AstroMaster 130EQ Telescope
The Celestron 31051AstroMaster 130EQTelescope is a powerful reflector telescope for astronomy beginners. It features a fully coated glass optic objective lens, a sturdy and lightweight frame, two eyepieces, a StarPointer red dot finderscope, and an adjustable tripod.
The heart of the system is a 130mm glass optic objective lens. The AstroMaster mount features two slowmotion control knobs that allow you to make precision adjustments. Setup is quick and easy with no tools required for assembly.
We’ve included two eyepieces, 20mm and 10mm, a travel tripod, motor drive, and a StarPointer red dot finderscope. Accessories also include a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs.
Buy with confidence from the world’s telescope brand based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.
- Powerful reflector telescope: The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ-MD telescope is a powerful reflector telescope for astronomy beginners. It features fully-coated glass optics, a sturdy and lightweight frame, two eyepieces, a StarPointer red dot finderscope and an adjustable tripod.
- High-quality 130mm optics: The heart of the system is a 130mm glass optic objective lens. The AstroMaster mount features two slow-motion control knobs that allow you to make precision adjustments.
- Quick setup & lightweight frame: This telescope for kids and adults to be used together features a lightweight frame manual German Equatorial mount for smooth and accurate pointing. Setup is quick and easy, with no tools required for assembly.
- Included accessories: We’ve included two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), a travel tripod, motor drive, and a StarPointer red dot finderscope. Accessories also include a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs.
- Unbeatable customer support: Buy with confidence from the world’s telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.
2. Celestron NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope
The Celestron NexStar 130SLT is a computerized star locating telescope that offers a database of more than 40000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more. With its large 130mm aperture, the NexStar 130SLT can gather enough light to see our Solar System and beyond. It has a Newtonian reflector optical design with a fast setup with SkyAlign. The Celestron NexStar 130SLT is the perfect telescope for adults and kids to use together. It is compact, lightweight, and portable, and it is easy to transport just about anywhere – your favorite campsite, a dark sky observing site, or simply the backyard. The Celestron NexStar 130SLT includes a free download of Starry Night Special Edition, one of the top-rated astronomy software programs.
- COMPUTERIZED STAR LOCATING TELESCOPE: The Celestron NexStar 130SLT offers a database of more than 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more. Simply choose an object and the telescope finds it for you in the night sky and tracks it as it moves.
- NEWTONIAN REFLECTOR OPTICAL DESIGN: With a large, 130mm aperture, the NexStar 130SLT can gather enough light to see our Solar System and beyond. View Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands, the Moon's craters, and the Orion Nebula in brilliant detail.
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: The ideal telescope for adults and kids to use together, the NexStar 130SLT is compact, lightweight, and portable. It's easy to transport just about anywhere—your favorite campsite, a dark sky observing site, or simply the backyard.
- FAST SETUP WITH SKYALIGN: Celestron’s proprietary SkyAlign procedure has you ready to observe in minutes. Center any 3 bright objects in the eyepiece and the NexStar SLT aligns to the night sky, ready to locate thousands of objects.
- UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Purchasing from an Authorized Dealer on Amazon gives you a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.
3. Celestron NexStar 5 SE Telescope
The Celestron NexStar 5SE telescope is a computerized telescope that is perfect for beginners and experienced observers alike. With a database of 40000 celestial objects, the NexStar SE’s GoTo mount locates and tracks objects for you. The telescope is easy to set up and use, and it breaks down into small components for easy storage. The Celestron NexStar 5SE comes with a free download of Starry Night Special Edition, one of the top-rated astronomy software programs.
- COMPUTERIZED AUTOMATIC TELESCOPE: The Celestron 80LCM Computerized Refractor Telescope with all glass optics can automatically locate 40,000 celestial objects with its GoTo mount and hand control, using star locating technology found on more advanced telescopes.
- SKYALIGN TECHNOLOGY: This telescope for adults and kids to be used together features SkyAlign alignment that makes locating celestial objects simple. Just center any three bright objects in the eyepiece, and the LCM can orient itself to the night sky and find other objects automatically.
- TAKE THE SKY TOUR: If you’re not sure of what to observe, the Sky Tour button will do the work for you. Simply press the button and your computerized telescope will generate a list of the best objects currently available to view in the sky.
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED: The Celestron LCM telescope comes with everything you need for stargazing, including an adjustable aluminum tripod, 2 high-quality eyepieces (25mm & 9mm), 1.25” erect image star diagonal & a StarPointer red dot finderscope. Download the SkyPortal App for added enjoyment.
- BONUS FREE STARRY NIGHT SOFTWARE: This Celestron 80LCM Computerized Telescope includes a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs for an interactive sky simulation.
4. Celestron 80LCM Computerized Telescope Black
The Celestron 80LCM Computerized Refractor Telescope is a great choice for amateur astronomers. It has a computerized GoTo mount that can automatically locate 40000 celestial objects, and SkyAlign technology that makes locating celestial objects simple. The telescope also includes a StarPointer red dot finderscope and a 2-year warranty.
- COMPUTERIZED AUTOMATIC TELESCOPE: The Celestron 80LCM Computerized Refractor Telescope with all glass optics can automatically locate 40,000 celestial objects with its GoTo mount and hand control, using star locating technology found on more advanced telescopes.
- SKYALIGN TECHNOLOGY: This telescope for adults and kids to be used together features SkyAlign alignment that makes locating celestial objects simple. Just center any three bright objects in the eyepiece, and the LCM can orient itself to the night sky and find other objects automatically.
- TAKE THE SKY TOUR: If you’re not sure of what to observe, the Sky Tour button will do the work for you. Simply press the button and your computerized telescope will generate a list of the best objects currently available to view in the sky.
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED: The Celestron LCM telescope comes with everything you need for stargazing, including an adjustable aluminum tripod, 2 high-quality eyepieces (25mm & 9mm), 1.25” erect image star diagonal & a StarPointer red dot finderscope. Download the SkyPortal App for added enjoyment.
- BONUS FREE STARRY NIGHT SOFTWARE: This Celestron 80LCM Computerized Telescope includes a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs for an interactive sky simulation.
5. Celestron NexStar 127SLT Computerized Telescope
The Celestron NexStar 127SLT Computerized Telescope is a high quality 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope that is fully computerized. This telescope is a great choice for both beginners and experienced users. The NexStar 127SLT telescope comes with Celestron’s proven NexStar computer control technology, which allows the telescope to locate over 4000 celestial objects. The telescope also comes with a high quality 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tube and a fully computerized Altazimuth mount. The SkyAlign technology allows you to align on any three bright celestial objects making for a fast and easy alignment process.
- High quality 127mm (5") Maksutov-Cassegrain
- Quick-release fork arm mount, optical tube and accessory tray for quick tool no set up
- StarPointer finderscope to help with alignment and accurately locating objects
- Auxiliary port for additional accessories such as GPS accessory
- Includes "The SkyX" Planetarium software
FAQs
A telescope mount is an integral part of a telescope system. It is used to hold the telescope and allows it to be pointed in the right direction. There are many different types of telescope mounts, but the most popular ones are the equatorial and the Dobsonian mounts.
The equatorial mount is the more expensive option of the two, but it is also more accurate and easier to use. The Dobsonian mount is cheaper, but it is less accurate and can be difficult to use.
There are a few things you need to consider when choosing a telescope mount:
1. The weight of the telescope
2. The size of the telescope
3. The type of mount
4. The price
5. The ease of use
Here are the 5 most common questions people ask about telescope mounts:
1. What is the best telescope mount for a beginner?
The best telescope mount for a beginner is the equatorial mount. It is more expensive than the Dobsonian mount, but it is more accurate and easier to use.
2. What is the difference between an equatorial mount and a Dobsonian mount?
The main difference between an equatorial mount and a Dobsonian mount is that the equatorial mount is more accurate and easier to use. The Dobsonian mount is cheaper, but it is less accurate and can be difficult to use.
3. What is the weight limit of a telescope mount?
The weight limit of a telescope mount depends on the mount itself. Some mounts can hold up to 50 pounds, while others can only hold up to 10 pounds.
4. What is the size limit of a telescope mount?
The size limit of a telescope mount also depends on the mount itself. Some mounts can handle telescopes up to 30 inches in size, while others can only handle telescopes up to 16 inches in size.
5. What is the price range of a telescope mount?
The price range of a telescope mount varies depending on the type of mount. The equatorial mount is more expensive than the Dobsonian mount, but the Dobsonian mount is less expensive than the equatorial mount.
