Whether you are using the latest and greatest in CMOS imaging tech or you are looking to expand the use of your DSLR, if you can't track your target, the camera can’t take a picture. Selecting a mount can be a daunting task with all of the different options and technologies available today. We at High Point Scientific have put together a list of mounts that incorporates our many years of experience along with customer feedback to help narrow down your possible options.
A bit of context before we start: These mounts have been selected based on their build quality, reliability, ease of use, manufacturer support, and their ability to integrate into more complex imaging systems. The top mounts we’ve curated are loved by both our team of gear experts and many customers. They also fit a myriad of different needs, so we’ve taken the liberty of organizing them for you, giving you the ability to go straight to the mount type that best fits your needs! With that in mind, let's get started!
Star Trackers
Have a photography camera or small refractor and looking for something that prioritizes portability? Then a star tracker just might be the right choice for you, and in this class of mount, the iOptron SkyGuider Pro and Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi are our top recommendations!
iOptron SkyGuider Pro —
Starting off, we have a classic star tracker: the iOptron SkyGuider Pro. Don’t let the small size fool you, this compact star tracker with its onboard battery and 11 lbs. payload capacity is one of the best grab-and-go systems available for taking wide-field images of the Milky Way with your short focal length refractor or camera lens! This tracker uses a standard ⅜ mounting point for attaching to any standard photographic tripod, which makes this mount the perfect option for someone transitioning from daytime photography to taking stunning images of the Milky Way or nightscapes. It is important to keep in mind that while this mount has different “tracking” modes, it is not a “Go-To” system. As a result, finding deep-sky objects can be a bit tricky at first. However, with the use of a smartphone app, or a bit of trial and error, you’ll quickly learn where to point this awesome portable astrophotography mount.
Advantages:
✓ Ultra-portable
✓ 11 lbs. payload can handle most wide-field camera lenses and small refractor telescopes
✓ Compatible with traditional photography gear
✓ Built-in rechargeable battery
To Consider:
✗ Does not have Go-To functionality
Star Adventurer GTi —
If manually finding objects isn't for you, we recommend the ever-popular Star Adventurer GTi from Sky-Watcher: The GTi has all the advantages of the Sky-Guider Pro, but with Go-To features! Better yet, Sky-Watcher makes controlling the GTi a breeze through their easy-to-set-up and powerful Synscan app available on the Google Play store or the Apple App store. Since the mount's release, it has been a staple of the ultra-portable choices for astro-imagers and continues to be the perfect balance between feature-rich and portability. With an 11 lb. payload capacity, this mount is perfect for small refractors or telephoto lenses on a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Because the mount is fully Go-To, it can also integrate into more complicated astro-imaging rigs and is compatible with the latest mount control programs and devices such as ZWO’s ASIAIR Wi-Fi control system. It is worth noting that while the mount is very portable, it runs off of AA batteries, which can run out fairly quickly, so, we strongly recommend bringing extra batteries or, better yet, a portable power supply like the Apertura Portable Telescope Power Supply - 155 Wh Lithium Battery. If you want more information on this portable astrophotography star tracker, check out our full Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi review!
Advantages:
✓ Full Go-To functionality
✓ Integrates with 3rd party controllers
✓ Easy control through mobile app
✓ 11 lbs. capacity capable for small refractors, telephoto, and wide field lenses
To Consider:
✗ While portable, the mount uses AA batteries, so we recommend using a rechargeable portable battery instead, like the Apertura Portable Telescope Power Supply - 155 Wh Lithium Battery
Conventional EQ Mounts
Looking for something with a bit more lifting power? Then look no further than a traditional, full-sized equatorial mount! The Celestron AVX and Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro make my personal short list for solid and reliable conventionally geared mounts.
Celestron Advanced VX —
No mount list would be truly complete without the Celestron Advanced VX mount. This mount has been on the market for a while now and with good reason. It works! Celestron has done an amazing job updating this mount over the years so that it is compatible with both the hardware and software of all the newest accessories on the market. Consistently the go to choice for beginner and experienced astrophotographers alike, the AVX mount is a true workhorse. Having used this mount extensively myself, the compatibility and adaptability of the mount are very impressive and helped me turn my 8” NexStar SE visual telescope into an astrophotography system with ease! With innovative Celestron CPWI program, it is almost seamless to switch from controlling the mount on a PC to the hand controller and then to ZWO’s ASIAIR. The AVX is a bit less portable than a star tracker class mount, but coming in at 30 lbs. for the mount head and counterweight, this mount still comfortably makes our Portable Grab & Go list. Additionally, having the extra weight does help reduce vibrations when walking around the mount at night! At about a 1:1 weight-to-payload ratio, this mount carries more than a star tracker with its 30 lbs. payload being able to handle small to mid-sized telescopes.
Advantages:
✓ Proven to be a sturdy and reliable mount year after year
✓ Celestron has a large ecosystem of accessories
✓ Compatible with all of the newest mini PCs like the ASIAIR, as well as the newest 3rd party programs
✓ 30 lb. payload capacity - a great option for anyone starting out or upgrading a visual system to try astrophotography
To Consider:
✗ With a higher payload comes heavier weights. We recommend picking up the Apertura AVX Equatorial Mount and Tripod Soft Case Bundle for easier transport of the mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro —
If 30 lbs. of payload isn't going to cut it, then the Sky-Watcher EQ6-R is the ticket! With a payload of a massive 44 lbs., this mount is ready to handle most scopes you throw its way! The belt drive system is unlike other traditional mounts and offers a tremendous advantage: reduced backlash! Ultimately, less backlash means fewer wasted frames and more time enjoying your imaging experience. Similar to Celestron, Sky-Watcher has a large ecosystem of accessories you can add to this mount so that you can configure it for whatever you have planned for the night and the mount is compatible with the newest astronomical programs and mini PC control units. The increased payload also means an increased overall weight. This pushes the Sky-Watcher EQ6-R out of our Portable Grab & Go category, but as a backyard imaging mount, it is an amazing choice for a traditional EQ-style mount!
Advantages:
✓ Belt-driven mount reduces backlash
✓ Compatible with the most popular astronomy programs
✓ Incredibly sturdy and resistant to vibrations from the ground and wind
✓ Whopping 44 lbs. payload!
To Consider:
✗ With all that extra weight, transportation can be a bit challenging with this mount as well
Harmonic Mounts
You can't have a list of EQ imaging mounts without talking about the new harmonic heavy hitters: the exciting new offering from Sky-Watcher: the Wave 150i Mount, the incredibly popular ZWO AM5, and the ultra-compact ZWO AM3.
Sky-Watcher Wave 150i Strainwave —
While Sky-Watcher is new to the harmonic drive scene, it’s clear they’re leveraging their years of experience with the Wave 150i mount. Weighing in at just over 12 lbs. but able to lift 33 (or 55 lbs. with the optional counterweight kit), the 150i Wave has the same payload capacity as the powerful Celestron CGX mount but is 3x lighter! If this incredible weight-to-power ratio isn’t enough, Sky-Watcher also includes great quality-of-life features like a built-in cable management system for both power and data, making it one of the best mounts on this list for configuring and organizing an astrophotography rig. The cable management, combined with the incredible weight-to-power ratio and low backlash inherent to the harmonic system design, make this one of the best mounts for imaging the night sky. The Sky-Watcher Wave Carbon Fiber Tripod is only rated for use up to 44 lbs., so for those looking to push the Wave 150i to its absolute limit, you will want to match this heavy-hitting mount with a beefier tripod.
Advantages:
✓ Built-in cable and data management
✓ Incredibly lightweight for the payload
✓ Low backlash
To Consider:
✗ The stock tripod might not be recommended for max payload rigs, consider using an alternative steel tripod instead for those really large scopes
ZWO AM5 & AM3 — &
Moving on to what is probably the biggest name in the harmonic mount scene at the moment—the incredible ZWO AM5 and AM3 mounts! These mounts have proven themselves time and time again to be sturdy, reliable, and high-performance in a wide variety of situations. Whether you are taking wide-field images with a short refractor or planetary shots with your large SCT, this mount can handle it. Plus, with ZWO’s extensive ecosystem of parts, imaging has never been easier! As you can imagine, the AM5 and AM3 pair beautifully with the ASIAIR while still maintaining industry-leading compatibility should you want to use your own software and hardware. One thing I will make note of about ZWO harmonic mounts is that they are not as well-suited to visual work due to their lack of a traditional hand controller. But, then again, this is a list of our top picks for astrophotography mounts after all!
Advantages:
✓ Pairs seamlessly with the ASIAIR and other ZWO products
✓ Incredibly well made with very nicely machined parts
✓ Has set the bar for what makes a quality and high-performance harmonic mount
To Consider:
✗ The AM5 and AM3 mounts on their own can be a bit difficult to set up if you are not using them for imaging with something like the ASIAIR or other 3rd party control program
Dual EQ/Alt-Az Mounts
If you’re looking for a mount that can provide EQ performance for astrophotography and Alt-Az convenience for visual use, then look no further than the Sky-Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave Mount!
Sky-Watcher Wave 100i Strainwave —
In addition to using new strainwave technology, the Sky-Watcher Wave 100i also has the ability to be used in an Alt-Az mode like its bigger sibling, the Wave 150i. However, it can do something that mount can’t—carry two scopes at once! This mount is perfect for someone who wants to be able to do it all, whether you are imaging with an 8” SCT, a pair of refractors, or quickly and easily set up for Alt-Az observation of the Moon! Though it does not have as high of a payload as the larger Wave 150i or other harmonic mounts, the 33 lbs. payload with counterweight is still going to cover many of the most popular imaging and visual scopes on the market today.
Advantages:
✓ This mount is packed with features, between the dual saddle, Alt-Az tracking, and imaging capabilities, you can do it all with the Wave 100i
✓ This mount is incredibly lightweight, coming in at only 9.5 lbs.
To Consider:
✗ While this mount still has a great payload-to-weight ratio, at a max of 33 lbs. total, this harmonic mount has a smaller payload than some others on the market today
At High Point Scientific, we don't just sell great astronomy equipment, we use it too! With many years of experience working with the astronomy community and our own personal astronomy journeys, our team understands how tough choosing the right mount can be with so many excellent options. As the foundation for which all other astrophotography gear rests on, ensuring you're investing in the right base for your goals is important, which is why we've provided a short list of reliable choices here. However, if you're looking for more information on assessing your mount needs and the different classes of mount we carry, we strongly suggest you check out our Astrophotography Mount Buying Guide!
Learn More
Interested in learning more about astrophotography and choosing the right gear for you? Not sure where to begin? Check out our Astronomy Hub!
Glossary
Equatorial Mount
An equatorial mount is an astronomy instrument that features two axes of rotation: right ascension (RA) and declination (DEC). Equatorial mounts also feature an additional axis, called the polar axis, that these RA and DEC axes rotate about. This polar axis is to be lined up with Earth’s celestial pole to accurately counteract Earth’s rotation. These mounts are ideal for astrophotography applications, as the addition of a polar axis eliminates the issue of field rotation within captured images.
Altitude-Azimuth (Alt-azimuth, Alt-az) Mount
Commonly referred to as Alt-Az mounts, this type of mount rotates in two perpendicular axes: left/right and up/down. The altitude axis alters the elevation angle while the azimuth axis alters the compass bearing angle. The two of these combined allow for a pointing to any location in the sky. As opposed to equatorial mounts, these Alt-Az mounts don’t require alignment with the celestial pole, making it easy for beginners to utilize.
Harmonic EQ
Harmonic equatorial mounts, often times referred to as strainwave mounts, are a type of equatorial mount with unique internal gearing. How these mounts work is as follows: A motor within this mount attaches to an internal wave generator, which is fixed inside of a flexible spline gear. While the motor rotates this wave generator, the flexible spline gear then pushes against the ring gear it’s housed inside of. The coupling of the flexible spline gear and ring gear is what drives the mount. One key advantage of this internal gearing system is that it can work with unbalanced loads, making the use of counterweights optional in most cases. Also, these mounts deliver high torque values, and have impressive weight-to-payload ratios. As such, these mounts are much smaller and more compact than other equatorial mounts, making them ideal for traveling.
Payload Capacity
The payload capacity of a telescope mount is the maximum weight it can carry. It’s important to respect the rated payload capacity, as exceeding this limit can result in serious damage to the mount, or to the gear riding atop.
Star Tracker
A star tracker is a mini equatorial mount that has a motorized RA and static DEC axis. They are designed with portability in mind, and as such, are very lightweight and compact. They’re perfect for tucking away in a backpack, and many even run on batteries for heightened portability. While optimal for Milky Way photography and small imaging trains, some models are robust enough for carrying small refractors.
Tracking Rates
Unlike the tracking mode which denotes the way in which the mount will track the sky, tracking rates determine the speed at which the mount will track the sky. This can be selected from the mount’s hand controller or through computer software, and should be selected based on the target that is being tracked. Typically, there are three tracking rates: Sidereal, Lunar, and Solar. The sidereal tracking rate moves the mount at a speed that is equivalent in magnitude, yet opposite in direction as the speed of Earth’s rotation. This is ideal for all targets within the night sky save the Moon and the Sun, in which the lunar and solar tracking rates are appropriate for.
DSLR / Mirrorless Camera
What one may consider a “regular” camera; used for everyday photography and feature an interchangeable (removable) lens system. Popular brands from this category that also enjoy wide support in the astrophotography hobby are Sony, Canon, and Nikon.
Deep Sky Camera
A deep sky camera is designed to capture images of celestial objects such as galaxies and nebulae. They tend to utilize larger sensors than planetary cameras, often making them larger in body size and weight, as well as more expensive.
