Equatorial & Alt-Azimuth Telescope Mounts
Telescope mounts come in two main designs: alt-azimuth and equatorial. An alt-azimuth mount moves up-down and left-right, much like a camera tripod head, making it intuitive and quick to set up. An equatorial mount is tilted to align with Earth's axis, so it can follow stars and planets across the sky by turning a single axis, which is ideal for tracking and astrophotography.
Explore Scientific offers both types, from smooth manual Twilight alt-az mounts with slow-motion controls to GoTo equatorial mounts with PMC-Eight computerized control. Alt-az mounts are excellent for visual observing, travel and beginners who want to start observing right away. Equatorial mounts, whether manual or computerized, are preferred for long-exposure imaging and for observers who want objects to stay centered at high magnification.
When choosing a telescope mount, consider your telescope's weight, how you plan to observe, and how much setup time you are willing to spend. A sturdy mount with ample payload capacity reduces vibration and delivers steadier views. Add tripod extensions, counterweights and a polar finder as needed. The right equatorial or alt-azimuth mount makes your telescope easier to use and far more enjoyable.
