# Best GoTo Mounts for Automated Object Finding (2026) Source: https://stargazernest.com/best/goto-mounts Updated: 2026-10-06 Publisher: Stargazer Nest. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://stargazernest.com/how-we-research#our-score GoTo mounts motorize both axes and use a hand controller or app to slew automatically to objects from a large database. Compare pointing accuracy, catalog size, and payload capacity, and decide between altazimuth GoTo for quick visual use and equatorial GoTo for imaging. Alignment method matters, since some models self-align with sensors while others need you to center reference stars. Power draw is significant, so plan for a reliable supply rather than internal batteries. These suit observers who want to spend the night viewing rather than searching, and imagers needing repeatable pointing. They are less appealing to those who enjoy learning the sky by star-hopping, or to minimal budgets. A practical tip: perform a careful alignment on well-separated stars at the start, because GoTo accuracy across the whole sky depends on that initial setup, and a rushed alignment sends the scope to empty patches all night. ## Picks ### 1. Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTI Mount Head Kit with Counterweight and CW Bar Full GoTo EQ Tracking Our score: 8.8/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10) Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTI mount head kit with counterweight and CW bar, a full GoTo EQ tracking mount. Pros: - 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 Cons: - Head kit means a tripod must be supplied separately - Limited payload restricts heavier telescopes Details: https://stargazernest.com/product/B0BCCL38JQ ### 2. iOptron SkyHunter Portable EQ/AZ GoTo System Compact Computerized Mount 11 lb Payload Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) iOptron SkyHunter portable EQ/AZ GoTo system, a compact computerized mount with 11 lb payload. Pros: - 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 Cons: - 11 lb limit rules out larger telescopes and heavy imaging rigs - Small mount can be sensitive to wind when fully loaded Details: https://stargazernest.com/product/B0BWT8TD5T ### 3. Celestron CGX Computerized German Equatorial Mount & Tripod, 55lb Payload Our score: 8.2/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 6/10) Celestron's CGX computerized German equatorial mount with tripod, rated for a 55 lb payload. A clear step up in capacity and price from mid-range GoTo mounts, aimed at heavier imaging setups. Pros: - 55 lb payload rating leaves room for large optical tubes plus cameras and guiding gear - High-torque servo motors with belt drive on a motorized equatorial head - NexStar+ computer hand controller with a 40,000-object database, guided tours and custom object filters Cons: - Costs far more than the mid-range mounts in this guide, so it only makes sense with heavy equipment - The listing highlights are brief and give no mount weight, which matters for carrying it to a dark site Details: https://stargazernest.com/product/B01MSKHH0S ### 4. Celestron CGEM II Computerized Equatorial Mount & Tripod - 40lb Payload Our score: 8.2/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 6/10) Celestron's CGEM II computerized equatorial mount on a 2 inch steel tripod, rated for 40 lb. It sits above entry-level GoTo mounts in payload and price, for mid-size tubes and imaging rigs. Pros: - Supports up to 40 lb on a 2 inch steel tripod with graduated markings, built to keep vibration low at high power - Low cog DC servo motors with sidereal, solar and lunar tracking rates - NexStar+ hand controller with a 40,000-plus object database, USB port, AutoAlign and 2-Star Align Cons: - Heavy to move: the listing gives 20 lb for the tripod and 40 lb for the mount - Priced well above entry-level GoTo equatorial mounts, so it suits buyers who need the 40 lb capacity Details: https://stargazernest.com/product/B01MDKOMO6 ### 5. iEXOS-100-2 PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System Tripod and Mount for Astrophotography with WiFi and Bluetooth Compatible Our score: 8.0/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10) A 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. Pros: - 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 Cons: - 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 Details: https://stargazernest.com/product/B07P5VWKPW ### 6. Sky-Watcher S20150 AllView Computerized Multi-Purpose Mount for Telescopes and Cameras Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) Sky-Watcher S20150 AllView computerized multi-purpose mount for telescopes and cameras, including panorama use. Pros: - Multi-purpose design handles telescopes, cameras and timelapse panoramas - Computerized control automates slewing and target finding - Versatile for both day photography and night astronomy Cons: - Payload is limited, so large telescopes are not suitable - Jack-of-all-trades design is less precise than dedicated equatorial mounts Details: https://stargazernest.com/product/B007U5XXW0 ### 7. Sky-Watcher AZ-GTe with StarTravel 80 Refractor - Modular Go-To Alt-Az Tracking Mount for Time-lapse and Panoramas - Wifi Enabled App Controlled Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) A WiFi GoTo alt-az mount paired with the StarTravel 80 achromatic refractor. The 8.6 lb mount is run from a phone or tablet app, and a photography mode adds time-lapse and panoramas. Pros: - Travel-sized computerized alt-az tracking mount weighing 8.6 lb, controlled over its own WiFi signal - Includes the StarTravel 80, an 80mm achromatic refractor for both astronomical and terrestrial viewing - Photography mode with a built-in SNAP port automates time-lapse and panorama shooting with a camera Cons: - Alt-az tracking suits visual observing and short exposures, not long-exposure deep-sky imaging - The listing itself calls the included refractor a no-frills achromat, not an ED or apochromatic design Details: https://stargazernest.com/product/B082BD8Z7F As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.