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What's the best mount for me?

Home » Astronomy » Binocular & Telescope Mounts » What's the best mount for me?

In this instance, I can only speak from years of experience with many different styles and sizes of telescopes. What works well for me, may not for you, but I will try to point out my reasoning.

If you are interested in a small refractor and have no plans for astrophotography, the altazimuth is perfect. It is exceedingly easy for the beginner to use and offers plenty of stability for those advancing in astronomy.

If you are interested in a larger refractor, or a small reflector between 4.5" and 8", you can learn to use an equatorial mount. I would highly recommend this because it’s more comfortable and better suited to an adult—yet not so complicated as to be intimidating. The equatorial requires a little more disciplined set-up, but it is a great study companion and will allow additional accessories such as a tracking device or computer guidance. However, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a dobsonian mount for the small to mid-size reflector. It makes the aperture far more affordable, and its ease of use is a very strong reason to choose this style. Computer guidance systems can also be added to the dobsonian style.

If those great big telescopes that can reach the faraway galaxies are what takes your fancy—look no further than the dobsonian. From the 10" to 16" range, the eyepiece is at a very comfortable height for the adult viewer. The only thing you need to consider is the weight and size of the optical tube.

If you are interested in astrophotography, using the large refractor, reflector or catadioptric design, an equatorial mount is a must. Many come equipped with drive units that will automatically track a celestial object during long exposure astrophotography.

No matter which you choose, make it the one you’ll use!

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