Grading American Telescope Support Structures
Top-Rated Equatorial Mounts for Astrophotography: A Price Range Guide
In the world of astrophotography, choosing the right equatorial mount is crucial. Here's a breakdown of some top-rated mounts across various price ranges, based on their ranks and list prices, as provided by HighPoint.
$2600–$3500:
The ZWO AM5N Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount stands out in this price range. With a lightweight design (mount head weighs just 12.1 lbs) and a payload capacity of 33 lbs without a counterweight or 44 lbs with one, this mount offers excellent performance for serious amateur astrophotographers. It boasts Bluetooth connectivity for wireless control, enhanced precision with half the periodic error compared to previous versions, and improved cable management.
$3500–$5000:
While the search results do not specify mounts in this exact bracket, mounts from reputable manufacturers like iOptron and Sky-Watcher generally fall in this category, especially models capable of supporting heavier payloads for deep-sky imaging. For instance, the iOptron SkyGuider Pro supports up to 5kg payloads and multiple tracking rates, making it a strong candidate for advanced imaging, though its price is closer to mid-range star trackers rather than full equatorial mounts at $3500+.
$5000–$8000:
This range typically includes pro-level mounts with increased payload capacities, advanced tracking, and precision. Unfortunately, the search results do not list specific equatorial mounts in this price range. However, harmonic drive mounts like the ZWO AM5N have set a high bar for precision and weight capacity at a lower price point, suggesting that the $5000+ mounts would offer even greater robustness, more payload support, and enhanced features for professional astrophotography.
Additional Mounts:
Other mounts from manufacturers like EQ-It-All are noted but are generally inexpensive accessories or lightweight mounts rather than full equatorial mounts in these price ranges.
For more information on the ranks and prices of these mounts, you can visit their respective manufacturers' websites or check prices on Amazon. Here's a quick rundown of some other mounts and their ranks or list prices, as provided by HighPoint:
- $2699: Celestron CGX
- $4265: Sky-Watcher CQ350 Pro
- $5750: Takahashi EM-200
- $3895: Rainbow Astro RST135
- $5128: iOptron CEM120
- $4199: Explore Scientific Losmandy G-11 PMC-8
- $6495: Losmandy HGM Titan w/ Gemini 2 GoTo
- $2895: Losmandy GM811G
- $7499.99: Meade LX850
- $3395: Losmandy G11 Gemini II
- $3299: Vixen SPHINX SXD2
- $3228: iOptron CEM70
- $7295: Bisque Paramount MYT
- High-end astrophotography enthusiasts might be interested in smart-home devices and gadgets for seamless operation of their telescopes, as the ZWO AM5N Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount, for instance, features Bluetooth connectivity.
- For advanced astrophotography, one might consider technology such as planetary astrophotography gadgets, which could potentially be integrated with the mounts in the higher price ranges, like those above $5000, for professional-grade imaging.
- With an increasing focus on technology, it would be valuable to examine the available options for smart mounts or mounts with advanced tracking capabilities, such as those in the higher price ranges, that could potentially be controlled remotely using technology like smart-home devices or apps.
