Buying guide
GoTo Setup Kit
Updated How we research
Let the mount find the targets while you enjoy the view. The page is split into five sections (Choose a computerized scope; Drive it with GoTo; Balance the load; Connect everything; Align in seconds), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 20 picks. Our scores range from 7.4 to 8.9 out of 10.
- Best overall:Telrad Finder Sight Non-Magnifying Reflex Sight for Telescope Aiming with Mounting Base. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.9/10.
- Also great value:Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTI Mount Head Kit with Counterweight and CW Bar Full GoTo EQ Tracking. Value score of 9/10, overall 8.8/10.
- Solid build:Celestron NexStar 6SE Computerized Telescope, 6-Inch Schmidt-Cassegrain, Automated GoTo Mount with SkyAlign. Build and materials score of 8/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Feature-rich:Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope, 8-Inch Schmidt-Cassegrain, Automated GoTo Mount with SkyAlign. Features score of 9/10, overall 8.4/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Choose a computerized scope
- Celestron NexStar 6SE Computerized Telescope, 6-Inch Schmidt-Cassegrain, Automated GoTo Mount with SkyAlignOur score8.6/10
- Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope, 8-Inch Schmidt-Cassegrain, Automated GoTo Mount with SkyAlignOur score8.4/10
- Celestron NexStar 4SE Computerized Telescope, 4-Inch Maksutov-Cassegrain, Automated GoTo Mount, SkyAlignOur score8.4/10
- Celestron NexStar 5SE Computerized Telescope, 5-Inch Schmidt-Cassegrain, Automated GoTo Mount with SkyAlignOur score8.1/10
Drive it with GoTo
- Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTI Mount Head Kit with Counterweight and CW Bar Full GoTo EQ TrackingOur score8.8/10
- iOptron SkyHunter Portable EQ/AZ GoTo System Compact Computerized Mount 11 lb PayloadOur score8.4/10
- iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System Tripod and Mount for Astrophotography with WiFi and Bluetooth CompatibleOur score8.0/10
- Sky-Watcher S20150 AllView Computerized Multi-Purpose Mount for Telescopes and CamerasOur score7.8/10
Balance the load
- Sky-Watcher S20530 Star Adventurer Latitude EQ Base and S20540 Counter Weight Kit AccessoryOur score8.4/10
- Sky-Watcher S20540 Star Adventurer Counter Weight Kit Telescope Accessory BlackOur score8.1/10
- Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Counterweights 11 lb Compatible with AZ-EQ5 EQ6 and EQ6-R Mounts S30101 WhiteOur score8.1/10
- Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 Counterweight 11 lb S30301 for Equatorial Telescope MountOur score8.1/10
Connect everything
- Astromania Deluxe Telescope Mount Guidescope Star Dovetail Mounting Plate 228mm Vixen Style RailOur score8.1/10
- Orion 7952 Narrow-to-Wide Dovetail Adapter Plate for Telescope MountsOur score8.1/10
- Celestron Dovetail Plate, Wide 8 inch for CGE / CGX Equatorial MountsOur score7.9/10
- SVBONY 2.75 inches Dovetail Mounting Plate Telescope Short Version 70mm for OTA Equatorial TripodOur score7.6/10
Align in seconds
- Telrad Finder Sight Non-Magnifying Reflex Sight for Telescope Aiming with Mounting BaseOur score8.9/10
- SVBONY Red Dot Finderscope Star Pointer Compatible for Celestron 80EQ 80DX 90DX SE SLT Telescopes Slide-in BracketOur score7.9/10
- Celestron 51630 StarPointer Telescope Finderscope Black Red Dot Finder for Point and Look AimingOur score7.9/10
- SVBONY Red Dot Finder Scope for Astronomical Telescope Reflex Viewfinder Compatible for Celestron SE SLT Two Hole FixingOur score7.4/10
All 20 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1Telrad finder sight, a non-magnifying reflex sight with mounting base for fast telescope aiming.
Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Bullseye rings make it easy to estimate distances between stars
- + Non-magnifying view shows the sky as you see it, ideal for star charts
- + Classic Telrad design is widely used by amateur astronomers
- - Large base adds bulk to small telescopes
- - Batteries power the reticle, so keep spares for long sessions
#2Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTI mount head kit with counterweight and CW bar, a full GoTo EQ tracking mount.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Full GoTo EQ tracking in a portable star tracker-sized package
- + Counterweight and CW bar included for balanced imaging setups
- + Great for small refractors and camera lenses on the go
- - Head kit means a tripod must be supplied separately
- - Limited payload restricts heavier telescopes
#3Celestron NexStar 6SE, a 6-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain with automated GoTo mount and SkyAlign, a popular middle choice.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 6-inch aperture is a sweet spot for planets and bright deep-sky targets on the SE mount
- + Mount stays steadier with this tube than with the heavier SE tube option
- + GoTo database takes the frustration out of locating faint objects
- - Schmidt-Cassegrain corrector plate attracts dew without a shield or heater
- - Premium price compared with manual scopes of similar aperture
#4Celestron NexStar 8SE, an 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain on an automated GoTo mount with SkyAlign for guided observing.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain gives big-aperture views in a compact, portable tube
- + SkyAlign GoTo finds and tracks objects, so sessions focus on viewing not searching
- + Iconic orange tube with broad accessory support for imaging and visual use
- - Single-arm mount can feel shaky at high power with this larger tube
- - Power supply and dew protection are extras many owners end up adding
#5Celestron NexStar 4SE, a 4-inch Maksutov-Cassegrain on a computerized GoTo mount with SkyAlign for automated object finding.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + GoTo mount with SkyAlign finds and tracks thousands of objects after a simple alignment
- + Maksutov-Cassegrain optics give sharp, high-contrast views of the Moon and planets
- + Compact tube and single-arm mount are easy to carry and set up for city balconies
- - Small 4-inch aperture is limited on faint deep-sky targets despite the smart mount
- - Needs batteries or an external power source, which is not always convenient outdoors
#6iOptron SkyHunter portable EQ/AZ GoTo system, a compact computerized mount with 11 lb payload.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Switches between EQ and AZ modes for visual or photographic use
- + 11 lb payload handles small refractors and camera setups
- + Compact size is ideal for travel and quick backyard sessions
- - 11 lb limit rules out larger telescopes and heavy imaging rigs
- - Small mount can be sensitive to wind when fully loaded
#7Sky-Watcher S20530 Star Adventurer latitude EQ base and S20540 counter weight kit accessory bundle.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Latitude EQ base makes polar alignment adjustments much easier
- + Counter weight kit adds balance for heavier camera setups
- + Bundle upgrades a basic Star Adventurer for serious tracking
- - Only useful with Star Adventurer trackers
- - Bundle adds weight and bulk to a portable kit
#8Celestron NexStar 5SE, a 5-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain on a computerized GoTo mount, balancing portability and aperture.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Light enough to carry out fully assembled for quick backyard sessions
- + SkyAlign alignment uses any bright stars, making setup quick for beginners
- + 5-inch aperture shows more planetary and deep-sky detail than the smallest SE
- - Aperture is modest for faint galaxies compared with Dobsonians at similar cost
- - Runs through batteries fast, so an external power tank is recommended
#9Sky-Watcher S20540 Star Adventurer counter weight kit in black, a balance accessory for the Star Adventurer tracker.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Balances camera and lens loads for smoother Star Adventurer tracking
- + Designed specifically for Star Adventurer mounts for a proper fit
- + Helps reduce strain on the tracker motor
- - Only useful for Star Adventurer owners, other trackers use different shafts
- - Adds weight to an otherwise light travel setup
#10Sky-Watcher EQ6-R 11 lb counterweight in white, S30101, compatible with AZ-EQ5, EQ6 and EQ6-R mounts.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 11 lb weight helps balance heavier telescopes and imaging gear
- + Compatible with several Sky-Watcher mounts, including AZ-EQ5 and EQ6-R
- + Official Sky-Watcher part ensures correct shaft fit
- - Sky-Watcher mounts only, so other brands need different weights
- - Heavy to carry when transporting a full imaging rig
#11Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 counterweight, 11 lb S30301, for balancing equatorial telescope mounts.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Adds balance for heavy imaging trains on the AZ-EQ6
- + 11 lb size gives flexible fine balancing with other weights
- + Official part designed for Sky-Watcher shafts
- - Compatibility is limited to specific Sky-Watcher mounts
- - Most heavy setups need more than one weight
#12Astromania deluxe dovetail mounting plate, a 228mm Vixen style rail for telescope mounts and guidescopes.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 228mm Vixen style rail fits many common mounts and saddles
- + Deluxe plate supports telescopes and guidescopes securely
- + Longer rail allows flexible balancing position
- - Vixen style only, so wide-saddle mounts need a different plate
- - Hardware fit with specific rings should be confirmed
#13Orion 7952 narrow-to-wide dovetail adapter plate for telescope mounts.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Lets narrow dovetail telescopes mount in wide saddles
- + Useful when upgrading to a larger mount without swapping every telescope plate
- + Orion part known for solid, reliable machining
- - Adds height and weight to the telescope setup
- - Only needed when dovetail standards do not match
#14A GoTo equatorial mount and tripod run by Explore Scientific's PMC-Eight controller over WiFi or Bluetooth from the ExploreStars app. An entry-priced route into tracked astrophotography.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Clutched dual-axis worm gears driven by quiet precision stepper motors with belt drives
- + ExploreStars app for Apple, Android and Windows tablets handles alignment and GoTo to tens of thousands of objects
- + Polar alignment sight hole through the RA axis and precise altitude control for alignment without a polar scope
- - The listing highlights do not give a payload figure, so check capacity against your telescope before buying
- - Control runs through an app on a tablet, and the listing highlights do not mention a hand controller
#15Celestron wide 8 inch dovetail plate for CGE and CGX equatorial mounts.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Wide dovetail provides strong support for heavy telescopes
- + Designed for CGE and CGX mounts for a secure fit
- + 8 inch length allows adequate balancing adjustment
- - Wide format does not fit Vixen-style saddles
- - Only useful for owners of heavy-duty Celestron mounts
#16SVBONY red dot finderscope star pointer compatible with Celestron 80EQ, 80DX, 90DX, SE and SLT telescopes, slide-in bracket.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10
- + Direct compatibility with many Celestron models via slide-in bracket
- + Red dot sight makes aiming simple for beginners
- + Affordable replacement for lost or broken finders
- - Red dot finders do not show faint stars like optical finders
- - Plastic construction may be less durable in cold weather
#17Celestron 51630 StarPointer black red dot finderscope for simple point and look telescope aiming.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10
- + Point and look design makes beginners productive on the first night
- + Lightweight and easy to mount on many telescopes
- + Celestron part widely supported with replacement brackets
- - Plastic housing can crack if dropped or overtightened
- - Dot alignment may shift if bumped, so recheck it on a distant object before dark
#18Sky-Watcher S20150 AllView computerized multi-purpose mount for telescopes and cameras, including panorama use.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Multi-purpose design handles telescopes, cameras and timelapse panoramas
- + Computerized control automates slewing and target finding
- + Versatile for both day photography and night astronomy
- - Payload is limited, so large telescopes are not suitable
- - Jack-of-all-trades design is less precise than dedicated equatorial mounts
#19SVBONY 2.75 inches short version 70mm dovetail mounting plate for OTAs on equatorial tripods.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Short 70mm length suits small telescopes and guide scopes
- + Compact plate keeps setups light and tidy
- + Budget-friendly way to add a dovetail to small OTAs
- - Short length limits how far you can slide the tube to find balance
- - Not suitable for heavier telescopes that need longer, stiffer rails
#20SVBONY red dot reflex viewfinder for astronomical telescopes, compatible with Celestron SE and SLT, two hole fixing.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Two hole fixing provides a secure mount on compatible telescopes
- + Reflex sight makes quick target acquisition easy
- + Budget alternative to branded red dot finders
- - Fit is limited to telescopes with matching mounting holes
- - Red dot brightness may be too strong for dark sites without adjustment
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Stargazer Nest curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.