Mounts & Tripods
A steady mount makes the difference between enjoyable views and frustrating wobble. Alt-azimuth, equatorial, GoTo mounts and star trackers balance simplicity against tracking.
Best GoTo Mounts for Automated Object Finding (2026)
Compares GoTo mounts by database, slew accuracy, and payload for motorized, guided pointing. For observers and imagers wanting hands-free object location.
Best Equatorial Mounts for Tracking the Sky (2026)
Compares equatorial mounts by payload capacity, tracking accuracy, and polar alignment for imaging and visual use. For astrophotographers and planetary observers.
Best Altazimuth Mounts for Simple Aiming (2026)
Compares altazimuth mounts by payload, smoothness, and slow-motion control for intuitive up-down, left-right aiming. For visual observers and grab-and-go users.
Best Star Trackers for Wide-Field Astrophotography (2026)
Compares star trackers by payload, tracking accuracy, and portability for camera-and-lens night imaging. For photographers capturing the Milky Way and constellations.
Best Telescope Tripods for Rock-Steady Views (2026)
Compares telescope tripods by material, load rating, and vibration damping for stable observing. For observers wanting a solid foundation under any mount.
Best Binocular Tripods for Shake-Free Stargazing (2026)
Compares binocular tripods by height, stability, and adapter needs for steady two-eyed viewing. For observers using mid-size to giant astronomy binoculars.
Best Tripod Heads for Smooth Sky Tracking (2026)
Compares tripod heads by type, load capacity, and motion control for panning across the sky. For observers and imagers needing smooth, controllable movement.
Best Counterweights for Balanced Equatorial Mounts (2026)
Compares counterweights by mass, bore diameter, and shaft fit for balancing telescope loads. For imagers and observers tuning equatorial mount performance.
Best Telescope Mount Adapters for a Perfect Fit (2026)
A guide comparing dovetail bars, Vixen and Losmandy adapters, and puck plates so you can match any optical tube to your mount safely.
Best Pier Extensions for Clearance and Comfort (2026)
Compare pier extensions and column risers that raise your mount for meridian clearance, tripod stability, and easier eyepiece access.
Best Star Atlases
Printed star atlases compared on limiting magnitude and object count against your aperture, chart scale, spiral versus bound formats, and pocket versus jumbo size.
How to choose
- Match mount payload capacity to your telescope with a safety margin.
- Choose alt-az mounts for simple point-and-look observing.
- Choose equatorial mounts for tracking and astrophotography.
- Consider a star tracker for camera and lens astrophotography.
Common questions
Alt-azimuth or equatorial mount?
Alt-az mounts move up-down and left-right and are intuitive. Equatorial mounts align with Earth's axis and track objects with one motion.
What is a star tracker?
A compact motorized mount that rotates a camera with the sky, allowing long exposures of the Milky Way without star trails.