Equatorial mounts, also called EQ mounts, are more complex and expensive than alt-azimuth mounts. When we’re talking about telescope mounts, we generally split them into two different types – equatorial mounts, and altazimuth mounts, which you might see shortened to Alt-az. You can easily attach any of the APO refractors that you’ll find for sale online very easily. Whilst an Altaz mount will be easier to use for most people and especially beginners, at some point you’re likely to want to change to using an equatorial mount (unless you’re using a computerized telescope). The precision EQ-3M mini-motor attaches to the AstroView Equatorial Mount for automatic, motorized tracking of celestial objects, Modern equatorial mount head design features removable dovetail plate for quick attachment of a telescope without using tools, and an 8" long dovetail plate is included, Three-in-one GoTo mount can operate in GoTo Equatorial mode holding one telescope, or in GoTo Altazimuth mode holding one or two different telescopes, Capable of holding a 44-pound telescope payload - ideal for any observational or astrophotographic pursuits, Accurate belt-driven stepper motor drive system can locate any of over 42,000 celestial curiosities with a pointing accuracy of 5 arc-minutes and a tracking precision of 0. A telescope mount is probably the most underestimated part of your astronomy setup, and it’s a crucial piece for those interested in astrophotography. The polar alignment feature is very easy to use and allows you to align your telescope swiftly and easily. Firstly, you’ll want to choose high ISO rates on your camera – this is necessary for getting rid of any motion blur. For those looking for a slightly cheaper yet still perfectly capable equatorial mount, the Orion Astroview might be a good choice. Obviously the main attraction point about the Atlas Pro is that it can actually hold two telescopes at once. It comes with a handheld controller that enables you to control the electrics, and it’s probably one of the cheapest mounts avilable that gives you this sort of capability. When your equatorial mount is properly aligned, then you can use it easily to track stars in the sky. Time exposures have a problem called “field rotation”. Altitude, or vertical, adjusts your latitude on earth. So if you’re looking for the best telescope mount, then I’m going to run through a couple of the options that you have to get started. Any astronomy will tell you how important a good telescope mount is to your success in exploring the night sky. There are various different telescope mounts out there to choose from, and it can be difficult to know which to choose. TelescopeGuides.comTelescopeGuides.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, Best Telescope Mount For Astrophotography - Budget vs Pro, Orion SkyQuest XT8 Dobsonian telescope(my review), the best telescope mount for astrophotography, How To Detect Exoplanets – You Can Do It From Home. Granted, the operation of equatorial mounts isn't as intuitive to the uninitiated as simpler altazimuth designs, but I think the significance of that learning curve quickly evaporates with experience - plus equatorial setting circles directly echo the celestial sphere. This can make it possible for you to track objects without having to do it manually, as the motor will power this and do it automatically. For beginners, the telescope mount is actually something that many people overlook. Even if you have no experience, then the VX mount is a great starting point for those ready to take a step up in level. There are different variations of each type of mount. Bear in mind that if you’re going to use a heavier telescope, then you might need to order some additional counter weights to keep the telescope level. Certainly an equatorial mount, while more mechanically complex, allows for greater simplicity in viewing. You can use the declination axes for pointing where you want in the sky, which you can adjust with the right ascension axes. It's hard to describe the way a telescope moves on an Equatorial mount as you try to aim it. It can track, be motorized, and the larger ones can even be used with setting circles to locate objects in the night sky. This is because an equatorial mount is better for tracking stars, so it’s especially important to use an equatorial mount for astrophotography. 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