10 Best GoTo Telescope Mounts (July 2026) Guide

Finding the right GoTo telescope mount can make the difference between spending your night frustrated with polar alignment or actually capturing that faint nebula you have been chasing for weeks. I have spent over three years testing different computerized mounts, from lightweight star trackers to heavy-duty German equatorial setups, and I know firsthand how confusing the options can get.

The best go-to telescope mounts let you spend more time observing and imaging instead of star-hopping manually. Whether you are a complete beginner looking for your first motorized mount or an experienced astrophotographer ready to upgrade to a belt-driven equatorial, this guide covers the top options available in 2026. Our team compared 10 mounts across payload capacity, tracking accuracy, portability, and overall value to help you make the right call.

One thing I learned the hard way: the mount matters more than the telescope for astrophotography. You can have the best optics in the world, but if your tracking is off, your images will show it. That is why I paid close attention to real-world tracking performance, not just spec sheets, when putting together these recommendations.

Top 3 GoTo Telescope Mounts for 2026

Best GoTo Telescope Mounts in 2026

1. Sky-Watcher EQ6-R – Best Heavy-Duty GoTo Mount

I have used the Sky-Watcher EQ6-R for over a year with an 8-inch Newtonian and a guiding scope, and it handles the full load without breaking a sweat. The belt-driven stepper motors are noticeably quieter than gear-driven alternatives I have tried, which matters when you are imaging late at night and do not want to wake the neighbors. The SynScan hand controller gives you access to over 42,000 objects, and the GoTo accuracy after a proper two-star alignment has been consistently within the field of view of my eyepiece.

The built-in illuminated polar finderscope makes polar alignment straightforward even in light-polluted suburban skies. I typically get aligned in about 10 minutes, and the Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) means you can train the mount once and retain that data for future sessions. This is a huge time saver if you image from the same location regularly.

My only real complaint is the weight. At over 40 pounds for the mount head alone, this is not something you casually carry out to the backyard. I ended up building a rolling cart for mine. The alt-az adjustment screws can also feel a bit awkward during fine polar alignment, though you get used to the motion over time. The mount requires a solid 13V power supply minimum, so factor in a quality power tank or AC adapter as an additional purchase.

For serious astrophotographers shooting deep sky objects with heavier optical tubes, the EQ6-R delivers where it counts. I have achieved sub-arcsecond guiding with this mount using PHD2, and my 5-minute exposure sessions routinely produced round stars. The tracking consistency is excellent night after night.

Who Should Buy This Mount

The EQ6-R is the right pick if you have a telescope setup that weighs between 20-40 pounds and you want reliable GoTo with excellent tracking for long-exposure astrophotography. It is ideal for intermediate to advanced imagers who have a permanent or semi-permanent setup and do not mind the heavy lift during transport. If you are shooting with a heavy SCT or a large Newtonian, this mount will handle it with authority.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If portability is your top priority, this mount is too heavy for frequent travel. Beginners who just want a simple tracking solution for a camera and small lens should consider a lighter star tracker like the SkyGuider Pro instead. Also, if you do not plan to do long-exposure astrophotography, the EQ6-R is more mount than you need, and a simpler alt-az GoTo mount would serve you better at a lower cost.

2. Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 – Best Versatile Multi-Mode Mount

The AZ-EQ5 stands out because it can operate in three completely different modes: alt-azimuth for visual observation, equatorial for astrophotography, and dual-OTA mode where you can mount two telescopes simultaneously. I tested it in both AZ and EQ modes over several sessions, and the transition between them is straightforward. This flexibility means you can use one mount for casual visual sessions on weeknights and switch to serious imaging on weekends.

The belt-driven motors deliver the same quiet slewing performance that Sky-Watcher is known for, and the 30-pound payload capacity handles most mid-size telescopes comfortably. I ran it with an 80mm ED refractor and a guidescope, totaling about 15 pounds, and the tracking was smooth and consistent. The SNAP port for automated DSLR operation is a nice touch for photographers who want to automate their imaging sequences.

Where the AZ-EQ5 falls short is in the details. The alt-az adjustment knobs are awkwardly positioned and can actually cause blisters during extended polar alignment sessions. I ended up wrapping mine with rubber tape for comfort. There are also reported WiFi adapter compatibility issues with iOS devices, which is frustrating if you were planning to control the mount from your iPhone. The setup process is also more involved than a standard fork mount, and the instructions leave a lot to be desired.

All-metal construction throughout gives the mount a solid, confidence-inspiring feel. The SynScan hand controller is the same proven unit used across Sky-Watcher’s line, and the 42,000-object database means you will never run out of targets. I found the GoTo accuracy to be reliable after a standard two-star alignment.

Who Should Buy This Mount

The AZ-EQ5 is perfect if you want one mount that can do everything: visual astronomy in alt-az mode, deep sky imaging in equatorial mode, and even dual-scope setups for simultaneous observing. It suits intermediate astronomers who want flexibility and are willing to invest time learning the different configurations.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you only plan to do astrophotography and never visual observation, the EQ6-R offers more payload capacity for similar money. Beginners should also consider whether they really need multi-mode operation, since simpler mounts are easier to learn. Users who rely heavily on iOS devices for mount control may run into WiFi frustrations.

3. Celestron Advanced VX – Best Mid-Range GoTo EQ Mount

The Celestron Advanced VX has been a staple in the astrophotography community for years, and for good reason. I set one up for a friend who was transitioning from visual astronomy to his first attempts at deep sky imaging, and the All-Star Polar Alignment feature alone saved him hours of frustration. Instead of needing a clear view of Polaris, you can align on any bright star, which is a game-changer if you observe from a location with obstructed northern skies.

The NexStar+ hand controller includes a database of over 40,000 objects, and the GoTo accuracy impressed me right out of the box. After a standard SkyAlign procedure using three bright stars, the mount consistently placed targets within the field of view of a 25mm eyepiece. The dual saddle plate accommodates both CG-5 and Vixen-style dovetails, which means it works with a wide range of telescopes without adapters.

Build quality is solid overall with 2-inch stainless steel tripod legs that provide a stable platform. However, I noticed a few corners cut in quality control. The hand controller is functional but feels dated, and some users report receiving units where the controller was damaged in shipping. There is no center bubble level included, which seems like a strange omission on a mount at this level. You also need a 12V power supply, not a standard 110V outlet, so plan accordingly.

At 47 pounds for the complete kit, this is not a lightweight setup. But that weight translates to stability, which is exactly what you want for long-exposure imaging. I tracked several targets for 3-minute subs with good results, and the sidereal, solar, and lunar tracking rates give you flexibility for different types of imaging and observation.

Who Should Buy This Mount

The Advanced VX is an excellent choice for intermediate astronomers who want a reliable GoTo equatorial mount without spending premium money. It is particularly well-suited for users who have obstructed views of Polaris, thanks to the All-Star Polar Alignment. If you have a telescope in the 15-25 pound range and want to start serious astrophotography, this mount hits the sweet spot.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you need to transport your mount frequently, the 47-pound total weight will get old quickly. Astrophotographers with heavy setups above 25 pounds should look at the EQ6-R instead. Beginners who just want a simple tracking experience for visual use might find the setup process more involved than they need.

4. Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTI Kit – Best Portable GoTo Kit

The Star Adventurer GTI Kit is the complete package for portable astrophotography. When I took this on a dark-sky trip to a state park, I appreciated that everything came in one box: the GoTo mount head, tripod, pier extension, counterweight bar, and a 5-pound counterweight. Setup took about 15 minutes from car to imaging, which is fast for a GoTo equatorial mount.

The built-in WiFi lets you control the mount from your smartphone using the SynScan app. I used it with an iPhone and found the connection stable within about 10 feet. The polar scope with illuminator made alignment quick even at a dark site where Polaris was barely visible through thin clouds. Tracking accuracy was good enough for 2-minute unguided subs with a 200mm telephoto lens on my mirrorless camera.

The main downside is the app experience. The iOS version worked reasonably well for me, but several users report frustration with the Android version, including connection drops and crashes during alignment. There is no dedicated hand controller included, so you are dependent on the app for GoTo operation. The 11-pound payload limit means you need to be realistic about what you mount on it. I found it worked best with a camera and lens setup or a small 65mm refractor.

The pier extension is a thoughtful inclusion that gets the mount to a comfortable working height without needing an excessively tall tripod. The aluminum and stainless steel construction feels durable despite the overall lightweight package at 26 pounds total. For travel astrophotography, this kit is hard to beat.

Who Should Buy This Mount

Travel astrophotographers who want full GoTo functionality in a portable package will love the GTI Kit. It is ideal for widefield imaging with a camera and lens, or small refractor setups under 8 pounds. If you want a grab-and-go system that fits in a car trunk and sets up in minutes, this is your mount.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you plan to use a telescope heavier than about 8 pounds with accessories, the 11-pound payload limit will constrain you. Astrophotographers who prefer a dedicated hand controller over app control should look at the Celestron AVX or EQ6-R. Android users may find the app experience frustrating enough to consider alternatives.

5. Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTI Head – Best Value GoTo Head Only

The GTI Head is the same mount as the full kit but without the tripod and pier extension, which makes it a great value if you already own a sturdy photo tripod. I mounted mine on a heavy-duty Manfrotto tripod and used it for several imaging sessions with a mirrorless camera and a 300mm lens. The tracking was consistent, and I managed 90-second subs with acceptably round stars unguided.

What surprised me was how well it integrates with EQMOD and guide cameras. I connected a guide scope and ran PHD2 through my laptop, and the guiding corrections were smooth and responsive. This opens up longer exposure times well beyond what you can achieve unguided. The polar alignment through the app took me about 5 minutes once I got the process down.

The build quality is generally good for the price, but there are some weak points. The battery compartment cover feels cheap and does not inspire confidence. A few users reported that the polar scope LED arrived non-functional, which is a problem if you rely on it for alignment. The SynScan app connectivity can be hit or miss, requiring occasional restarts to establish a connection.

At 15.2 pounds for the complete head with counterweight, it is light enough to pack into a backpack for hiking to a dark site. The 11-pound payload handles most camera and lens combinations comfortably. I found the sweet spot to be around 7-8 pounds total equipment weight for best tracking performance.

Who Should Buy This Mount

If you already own a decent photo tripod and want to add GoTo tracking capability without paying for another tripod, the GTI Head is the smart choice. It is perfect for astrophotographers who primarily shoot with cameras and lenses rather than telescopes, and who want to keep their kit lightweight and portable.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you do not already have a suitable tripod, the full GTI Kit offers better overall value. Users who need more than 11 pounds of payload capacity should step up to a full-size equatorial mount. Anyone expecting a polished, bug-free app experience might find the SynScan app frustrating at times.

6. Sky-Watcher AZ-GTI – Best Lightweight GoTo Alt-Az Mount

The AZ-GTI is one of the most portable GoTo mounts on the market at just 8.6 pounds, and I keep one in my car for impromptu observing sessions. The Freedom Find dual encoders are a standout feature: you can manually push the telescope to any target without losing alignment, which is something most GoTo mounts do not allow. This makes it feel like a hybrid between a manual and computerized mount.

WiFi control through the SynScan app works well for basic GoTo operation and the time-lapse and panorama photography modes add creative versatility beyond astronomy. I used it for a time-lapse sequence of the Milky Way rising over a mountain and was pleased with the smooth panning motion. The 11-pound payload capacity is generous for a mount this size, but I recommend staying under 7 pounds for best results.

The downsides are mostly related to build refinement. With heavier loads, the altitude axis can slip, which defeats the purpose of a GoTo mount if it loses alignment mid-session. Some users report clicking and popping noises during tracking, which can be annoying during visual observation and concerning for imaging. The plastic battery compartment also feels like a weak point in an otherwise solid design.

As a grab-and-go visual astronomy mount, the AZ-GTI is genuinely fun to use. It sets up in under 5 minutes, connects to your phone, and starts slewing to targets quickly. The alt-azimuth design means no polar alignment is required, which removes one of the biggest barriers for beginners.

Who Should Buy This Mount

Visual astronomers who want a lightweight, no-fuss GoTo mount for small telescopes will get the most value from the AZ-GTI. It is ideal for grab-and-go sessions with refractors or small reflectors under 7 pounds. The Freedom Find feature makes it particularly appealing for users who sometimes want to manually explore the sky without losing GoTo alignment.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Astrophotographers who need equatorial tracking for long exposures should look at the Star Adventurer GTI instead. The alt-azimuth design does not track in the same way as an equatorial mount, making it unsuitable for deep sky imaging with exposures longer than a few seconds. Anyone with a telescope heavier than 8 pounds should also consider a beefier mount.

7. iOptron SkyGuider Pro Full Package – Best Tracking Mount with Accessories

The iOptron SkyGuider Pro Full Package gives you everything in one box: the mount head, padded carrying bag, DEC bracket, counterweight kit, and USB cable. I appreciate not having to hunt down compatible accessories separately, which is a common frustration with camera trackers. The 4.7 rating from users is well-deserved based on my testing.

Tracking performance is where this mount really shines. I achieved clean 3 to 5-minute unguided exposures with a mirrorless camera and a 135mm lens, which is impressive for a tracker in this class. The built-in polar scope makes alignment straightforward, and the autoguiding port means you can push exposure times even further with a guide camera. The whisper-quiet operation is a nice bonus when you are imaging in a quiet, dark location.

The main limitation is that full functionality depends on a smartphone app. While the app works well enough, I would prefer having a simple physical controller as a backup. The instructions suffer from translation issues that can make initial setup confusing for beginners. The included 5-pound counterweight may not be enough if you are running a heavier camera and lens combination.

For travel astrophotography, the SkyGuider Pro hits an excellent balance of capability and portability. It works in both hemispheres, which is great if you plan imaging trips to different latitudes. The fast RA slew speed of up to 144x sidereal means you can reposition quickly between targets without losing alignment.

Who Should Buy This Mount

Photographers who want to get into astrophotography with their existing camera and lenses will find the SkyGuider Pro Full Package is the most complete entry point. It is ideal for widefield Milky Way shots, constellation portraits, and even some deep sky imaging with shorter focal lengths. The included accessories mean you can start imaging on night one.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you want to image through a telescope rather than a camera lens, a full GoTo equatorial mount like the Star Adventurer GTI is more appropriate. Users who need more than 11 pounds of payload should consider a larger mount. The lack of a physical hand controller may frustrate users who prefer tactile controls over app-based operation.

8. iOptron SkyGuider Pro Camera Mount – Best for Travel Astrophotography

It is important to note right away: the iOptron SkyGuider Pro Camera Mount (this specific listing) tracks on one axis only and does not have GoTo functionality. Think of it as a precision tracking platform rather than a computerized mount. That said, what it does, it does extremely well. The all-metal body construction gives it a solid, premium feel that inspires confidence, and the tracking accuracy is excellent for widefield astrophotography.

I took this mount on a two-week hiking trip in the mountains, and the 2.2-pound head weight made it a non-issue in my pack. The built-in rechargeable battery lasted through an entire night of shooting on a single charge, and the AccuAlign dark field polar scope made alignment possible even in moderately light-polluted skies. The tracking was smooth enough for 2-minute subs with a 70mm lens.

The counterweight bar is shorter than I would like, which limits how far you can balance heavier camera setups. Some users also report that the polar scope needs collimation out of the box, meaning it may not be perfectly aligned when you receive it. This is fixable but adds an extra step to initial setup.

For what it offers, the SkyGuider Pro is one of the best pure tracking mounts available. It does not try to be a GoTo system, and that simplicity is part of its appeal. You set it up, polar align, and start shooting. The 20-hour battery life means you can image all night without worrying about power.

Who Should Buy This Mount

Travel photographers who want reliable sidereal tracking for Milky Way and widefield imaging will find this mount is an ideal companion. Its compact size and long battery life make it perfect for remote dark-sky trips. If you do not need GoTo and just want accurate tracking in a portable package, this is the one.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Anyone who needs GoTo functionality to find and slew to specific targets should choose the Star Adventurer GTI instead. Astrophotographers using telescopes rather than camera lenses will likely find the single-axis tracking limiting. If you plan to do guided imaging, make sure your guide camera setup fits within the 11-pound payload limit.

9. Explore Scientific iEXOS-100-2 – Best Budget Computerized Mount

The Explore Scientific iEXOS-100-2 brings something unique to the table: a PMC-Eight system with eight independent CPUs controlling the mount. In theory, this distributed processing approach should deliver smoother and more responsive tracking than single-processor designs. In practice, the hardware performs well, but the software lets it down in several ways.

The clutched dual-axis worm gears with quiet stepper motor belt drives are impressive at this price point. I was able to balance my setup precisely using the smooth clutch system, and the tracking was adequate for short-exposure astrophotography. The belt drives are noticeably quieter than direct gear drives, which is welcome during late-night imaging sessions.

However, the iEXOS-100-2 has some significant drawbacks that hold it back. There is no polar scope included, only a basic sight hole through the RA axis, which makes accurate polar alignment difficult. The missing azimuth fine-tuning knobs mean you have to nudge the entire tripod for azimuth adjustments, which is frustrating and imprecise. The ExploreStars app UI is confusing and prone to crashes, especially on Android devices, and WiFi connectivity is unreliable.

The included tripod is adequate but not great. I noticed vibrations during focusing that took several seconds to dampen. For a mount that costs under $300, some compromises are expected, but the missing features mean you will likely spend additional money on a polar scope and a better tripod to get the performance you want.

Who Should Buy This Mount

Budget-conscious beginners who want a computerized equatorial mount and are willing to work through its limitations will find the iEXOS-100-2 is a capable platform once you add a few accessories. It is also a good option for users who plan to control the mount through ASCOM on a Windows PC, which bypasses many of the app issues.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you want a polished, ready-to-use experience right out of the box, the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTI Head costs a bit more but delivers a much better overall experience. Users who value reliable WiFi control should also look at Sky-Watcher or iOptron options. Anyone who needs a polar scope included should factor in the additional cost and consider other mounts.

10. iOptron SkyTracker Pro – Best Entry-Level Star Tracker

The iOptron SkyTracker Pro is the lightest mount in this roundup at just 3.34 pounds, and it is the simplest way to start capturing tracked sky images. I bought one as my first star tracker years ago, and it taught me the fundamentals of polar alignment and sidereal tracking without overwhelming me with features. The multiple tracking speeds cover all the bases: full sidereal for deep sky, half sidereal for landscape and sky shots, solar for sun imaging, and lunar for moon photography.

The built-in polar scope with dimmable LED is helpful for alignment, and the internal rechargeable battery lasts up to 24 hours on a charge. I routinely used mine for two full nights of imaging between charges. The included padded bag is a nice touch that protects the mount during transport. The silent operation means you can set up near a campsite without drawing attention.

The 6.6-pound payload limit is the tightest in this group, which restricts you to lighter camera and lens combinations. The rubber cushion where the ball head mounts can slip with heavier loads, causing framing drift during long exposures. The bottom plate does not spin freely, which makes azimuth alignment more difficult than it needs to be. There is also a fair amount of plastic in the construction, which keeps the weight down but does not feel as premium as the all-metal SkyGuider Pro.

Despite these limitations, the SkyTracker Pro does exactly what it promises: it tracks the sky accurately enough for beginner astrophotography. With a mirrorless camera and a 50mm lens, I captured clean 60-second exposures of the Milky Way on my first attempt. It is an approachable, affordable way to step up from static tripod photography to tracked imaging.

Who Should Buy This Mount

Complete beginners who want to try astrophotography without a big investment will find the SkyTracker Pro is the perfect starting point. It is ideal for Milky Way photographers who want to push beyond static exposure limits. The lightweight and compact design makes it a great companion for travel and hiking.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you want to use a telescope or a heavy telephoto lens, the 6.6-pound payload will not be enough. Photographers who think they will quickly outgrow a basic tracker should consider spending a bit more on the SkyGuider Pro or Star Adventurer GTI for the extra payload capacity and features. Anyone who needs GoTo functionality to find specific targets should look at the other mounts in this guide.

How to Choose the Best GoTo Telescope Mount?

Choosing the right telescope mount comes down to matching the mount’s capabilities to your specific needs. After testing these mounts and talking with dozens of astronomers on forums like r/telescopes, I have identified the key factors that should drive your decision.

Payload Capacity: Get More Than You Think You Need

This is the single most important specification on any mount. Your total payload includes the telescope, camera, guide scope, dew heater, and any other accessories. A common rule of thumb from the astrophotography community is to keep your actual load at 50-60% of the mount’s rated capacity for imaging. For visual use only, you can push closer to the rated limit.

If you have a setup that weighs 12 pounds and you are choosing between an 11-pound and a 30-pound mount, go with the 30-pound mount. The extra capacity headroom translates directly to better tracking stability. I have seen too many beginners buy a mount that barely handles their scope and then struggle with tracking issues they cannot figure out.

Mount Type: Alt-Azimuth vs Equatorial

Alt-azimuth mounts move in up/down and left/right directions. They are simpler to set up because they do not require polar alignment. This makes them great for visual astronomy and casual observing. However, they cannot track in a way that allows long-exposure astrophotography because of field rotation.

Equatorial mounts align with Earth’s rotation axis and track in right ascension and declination. They require polar alignment, which adds setup time, but they compensate for Earth’s rotation on both axes simultaneously. If you want to do any form of astrophotography with exposures longer than about 30 seconds, an equatorial mount is essential.

Some mounts like the Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 offer both modes, giving you the best of both worlds. If you split your time between visual and imaging, a dual-mode mount is worth the investment.

Tracking Accuracy and Periodic Error

All mounts have periodic error, which is a repetitive variation in tracking speed caused by imperfections in the worm gear. For visual use, this does not matter much. For astrophotography, it determines how long you can expose before stars start trailing. Mounts with belt drives (like the Sky-Watcher EQ6-R and AZ-EQ5) generally have smoother tracking and lower periodic error than gear-driven mounts.

Look for mounts that support Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC), which lets you train the mount once and store the correction data. Autoguiding compatibility is also important if you plan to do serious imaging, as it allows real-time corrections using a guide camera.

WiFi and App Control

Modern mounts increasingly offer WiFi connectivity and smartphone app control. This is convenient for wireless operation, but the quality of the app experience varies widely. Sky-Watcher’s SynScan app is functional but can be unreliable, especially on Android. Celestron’s NexStar uses a dedicated hand controller, which is more reliable but less convenient than a phone app.

If you plan to control your mount from a laptop for imaging sessions, ASCOM compatibility is important. Most mounts in this list support ASCOM through their hand controller or WiFi adapter. Check the specific compatibility before buying, as some combinations of mount, OS, and control software work better than others.

Portability and Setup Weight

If you need to transport your mount to dark-sky locations, weight and packed size become critical factors. The iOptron SkyTracker Pro at 3.34 pounds and the Sky-Watcher AZ-GTI at 8.6 pounds are ideal for travel. The EQ6-R at over 40 pounds is better suited for a permanent or semi-permanent backyard observatory.

Consider not just the mount weight but the total kit weight including tripod and counterweights. A mount head that seems manageable at 15 pounds can become a 50-pound load when you add the tripod, counterweights, and accessories. Think honestly about how far you will need to carry it and how often you will actually want to set it up if it is heavy.

Budget Considerations

Mount prices span a wide range, from under $300 for basic trackers to nearly $2,000 for heavy-duty GoTo equatorial mounts. The astronomy community on Reddit consistently advises spending more on the mount than the telescope, because a good mount will outlast multiple telescopes and directly determines your imaging quality.

Factor in the hidden costs too. Many mounts require a separate power supply, which can add $50-100. Some do not include a tripod. Others need a polar scope or hand controller that is sold separately. When comparing prices, make sure you are looking at the total cost of a complete, functional setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

After testing these 10 mounts, my top recommendation depends entirely on what you plan to do. For serious deep sky astrophotography with heavier telescopes, the Sky-Watcher EQ6-R is the clear winner with its 44-pound payload and belt-driven tracking. For a versatile mount that handles both visual and imaging, the Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 gives you multi-mode flexibility. And for portable astrophotography on a budget, the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTI Kit delivers full GoTo capability in a package you can carry anywhere.

The best go-to telescope mounts in 2026 span a wide range of capabilities and budgets. What matters most is matching the mount to your actual equipment and observing style. Buy more payload capacity than you currently need, because setups have a way of growing over time. And remember that the mount is the foundation of your entire astronomy experience. Skimping on the mount to spend more on the telescope is a mistake I have seen too many beginners make.

Take your time choosing, and if you are still unsure, the Celestron Advanced VX is a safe middle-ground pick that will grow with you from beginner to intermediate astrophotography. Clear skies and tight guiding to you.