Best Beginner TELESCOPE MOUNTS for Astrophotography in 2022

In this video, I review six beginner-level telescope mounts for astrophotography in 2022: The SkyWatcher EQM-35, the Celestron Advanced VX (AVX), the Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT with PCM Eight GoTo, the iOptron GEM28, the Ioptron CEM26, the Sky-Watcher HEQ5 pro(Orion Sirius EQ-G). This review is my personal, independent review. I highly advise you to do your own research as all mounts have their unique advantages and disadvantages.
Link to my (up-to-date) blog on beginner astrophotography mounts:
astroforumspace.com/best-begi...
Links to telescope mounts, available at reputable astrophotography shops:
Agena Astro (USA/WW):
Sky-Watcher EQM-35: bit.ly/3CotT5z
Celestron Advanced VX: bit.ly/43si5LP
Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT with PMC Eight GoTo: bit.ly/36wKkxi
iOptron GEM28: bit.ly/3J1kOUa
iOptron CEM26: bit.ly/3J1kOUa
Sky-Watcher HEQ5 pro: bit.ly/3X2BEIc
High Point Scientific (USA/WW):
Sky-Watcher EQM-35: bit.ly/3uibI0O
Celestron Advanced VX: bit.ly/3OW6kHr
Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT with PMC Eight GoTo: bit.ly/3sD8yEi
iOptron GEM28: bit.ly/49Dir5F
iOptron CEM26: bit.ly/47Digpe
Sky-Watcher HEQ5 pro: bit.ly/3sCEqJo
Astroshop (EU/WW):
Sky-Watcher EQM-35: bit.ly/396Xgcn
Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT with PMC Eight GoTo: bit.ly/3ox9ySp
iOptron GEM28: bit.ly/2L10Vlt
iOptron CEM26: bit.ly/3pxo6me
Celestron Advanced VX: bit.ly/2T3xY9s
Sky-Watcher HEQ5 pro: bit.ly/3aeKWap
Link to my mount comparison table: astroforumspace.com/beginnerm...
Playlist with (older) videos about the Celestron Advanced VX:
• Celestron Advanced VX ...
Link to my website: astroforumspace.com
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0:00 introduction
4:56 SkyWatcher EQM-35 PRO
6:25 Celestron Advanced VX
8:55 EXOS 2 w/PMC-Eight GoTo
11:42 iOptron CEM vs. GEM
13:30 iOptron GEM28
15:17 iOptron CEM26
17:05 SkyWatcher HEQ5 Pro
18:58 Extra Research Tip
20:13 Conclusion
Excellent background music is from Michael FK:
artlist.io/artist/358/michael-fk

[@stevenickolls8016]

+1 for the iOptron GEM28. Thanks for showing these mounts together and for the video.

[@perry3928]

Hi Wido. One silver lining in these cloudy nights we have are great videos like this one to keep us entertained and informed. Much appreciated . Clear skies.

[@AstroForumSpace]

Thank you Perry, I appreciate that!

[@ferranhervasllinares9010]

As always, very useful. Thanks Wido!!! Clear skies for everyone!!!

[@AstroForumSpace]

Thanks Ferran! Same to you, hope you'll have some clear skies!

[@georgecambanis8014]

Thank you so much !! The conclusion says it all. This was exactly my dilemma when deciding amongst the three specific mounts that you mentioned in the end. But I think your pitch about reliability persuaded me which direction to pursue. Thank you so much again. Clear skies.

[@BrianFraser]

Great summary Wido.

[@weavbrian]

Perfect video for me as a beginner looking for a mount that has goto and auto guiding. Thank you so much fir explaining everything very well!

[@AstroForumSpace]

Tx Brian.

[@DARRBEV]

Such an helpful video. Thanks.

[@astrotan]

Great video. I might go with the CEM 26.

[@Pipe-organ-recordings]

Really good job. You should talk what dec backlash is. Maybe explain the size of the dec gear and how that impact backlash. That drove me nuts. Then I bought the MYT.

[@damiengalanaud3817]

Hello Wido Nice video, as usual and good update on the newer mounts. One you did not mention that is very interesting for a “light” mount is the NEQ5. It was my first GOTO mount when I decided to upgrade after using a star adventurer, and I still use it.The interesting point is that you can consider it as a highly tweakable platform if you are on the DIY stuff. My current workhorse is the HEQ5 with the Rowan belt update and am very happy with it. As a travel mount, I pre ordered the new ZWO AM5. You should definitely have a look at it: it weights only 5kg, can carry up to 20kg and since it is an harmonic drive mount, it does not need counterweights up to a load of 13 kg. Damien

[@AstroForumSpace]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with the neq5 Damian! I'll check out the zwo mount for a future video.

[@3vynjh]

Just in time! I've been looking for a mount to upgrade from my sky watcher star adventure

[@AstroForumSpace]

Thanks, hope you find a good mount!

[@tbfx9558]

Hi Wido, thanks for another fantastic and informative video. I’m currently at the point to pick up my first (on of these) mount. Cause of availability I’ll pick up the Exp.Scientific PMC-8 the next days 😃

[@AstroForumSpace]

Thank you so much, and I hope you'll have fun with the exos2. Clear skies!

[@jonservo]

How has it been?

[@AndyinMokum]

Hi Wido, this is a splendid beginners/lightweight mount run through. You did forget to mention that Sky-Watcher EQM-35, is really two mounts in one. It's very quickly converts to a very nice star tracker mount. In that sense, t's a bit like a Transformer. This handy function, is something a beginner should consider when choosing their GEM. I've a Sky-Watcher Skymax 127 with a ZWO ASI120-MC S planetary camera on my EQM-35. It works a treat too; when there are no clouds - don't you just love the weather in The Netherlands lol.

[@AstroForumSpace]

Thanks for adding this important piece of info about the EQM35 Andy. Glad to hear you are having a great time with that mount. Yes, the weather here is dreadful but I just finished a 1 hour project on the Orion Nebula...shooting between the clouds, lol. Cheers.

[@pietroalessandrini]

How does it convert to a star tracker?

[@jiffijoff9780]

Hi Wido, excellent episode. I wished I would have waited for it to be released. Just for the folks reading comments: I can Not recommend the Bresser Exos2 GT mount (attention: not to be mixed up with the ES Exos2 PCM8 mount mentioned in this video!!) The Bresser Exos2 GT mount basically ticks all the boxes, including Ascom support. The problem is: the Bresser Ascom drivers only support a tiny fraction of the full Ascom range of functions. For instance: sync is not supported, which means platesolving will not be able to report the solved position back to the mount, which basically renders the function useless. I ended up purchasing an aftermarket controller + motors with full Ascom/Eqmod support (by Astro Gadget), which adds up to the overall costs. I might have stickied to the more known and recommended products mentioned in this video. There you go: another great example of "buy cheap - buy twice". Next stop: EQ6-R and I'm done for years to come (and still a handful of clear sky nights only.... Lol)

[@AstroForumSpace]

Thanks for sharing that piece of info on the Bresser exos2. Good point, I'm referring to the explore scientific in the video but failed to mention that. The PMC eight goto should support all ascom options. The EQ6R is good, but also a lot heavier. Good for your muscles 🙂

[@lesmann8387]

I have had the HEQ5 pro with Rowan belt mod for 5 years never had an issue with it great mount just make sure you service and tune it every 1 to 2 years depending on usage another point is if something were to fail all the parts are east to get and replace.

[@AstroForumSpace]

Thanks!

[@actudoran]

Hi Wido! Yes please ! Make a video of the advanced mounts :) I'm at my mounts limits and would love to know what you think would be a good upgrade! My Celestron AS-GT mount is struggling with my 0.95 pixscale. I would bin but I have a DSLR

[@AstroForumSpace]

Thanks! Maybe reduce the image size as an alternative to binning? Clear skies!

[@hruzaivan]

Hi Wido, I have iOptron GEM28 (as my first ever mount). So far I have used it for one year and I am until now happy about it. I must say I wanted HEQ5 but during covid it was out of stock all the time, so I happened to get iOptron. I had no issues getting it to work with N.I.N.A and autoguiding. The handcontroller is a bit funky but no issues so far. I cannot compare to other brands but so far so good. No hickups, twice the handcontroller was not reacting but turning the mount on and off helped. Good thing is that it is pretty straightforward for a beginner. Also I think unlike Skywatcher it already comes with 230V adapter so no need to adapt to 12V car plug. I also think they sell these in few versions, with or without iPolar, hard case, light tripod and one way more expensive version with EC.

[@AstroForumSpace]

Hi Ivan, thank you so much for sharing your experiences with the gem28. I do think that lots of folks appreciate that, especially with other brands not being available. Clear skies!

[@Mobius3c273]

Thanks Wido. Interesting video on beginner mounts. I do love my Celestron AVX mount. I would be interested in videos that are more based on more advanced mounts. I almost made a mistake in getting the Celestron CGX. It would have been too heavy and reviews showed it was of poor quality for its price range. I ended up getting your SkyWatcher eq6 R pro. It is a heavy mount but I am very satisfied with it.I have had no problem with Azimuth screw.. so far. Oh btw screws do not use nuts on their other end to hold them in place... ie they normally go in blind holes... bolts use nuts on other end to hold them in place.. and their holes can be unthreaded. Lol clear skies

[@AstroForumSpace]

Thanks Robbie, I'm never too old to learn how not to butcher your native language with my Dutch interpretation, lol. So I'm to use "bolt, I'll do! I'll work on that advanced mount video. I also went for the EQ6R pro and not the cgx for the same reasons: Price and weight. What latitude are you at? My az bolt kept running into my tripod legs at 52 latitude. Anyway, I replaced that lever and I'm still super happy with the performance of my EQ6R pro. Clear skies.

[@Mobius3c273]

@@AstroForumSpace Many of over here don't know the diffence between a bolt and a screw either so don't worry.. oh word of warning screw can have sexual meaning in the wrong context overhere lol. Never ask a girl if she would like a screw else she may get offended and give you a slap lol. Anyhow continue with tbe great videos Wido.. Clear skies

[@mrdjango2171]

Again Wido a great video 🤩👍🤩 Maybe you can make a video about the possibilities of connection between mount’s and computer 💻 For example….WiFi, Utp, serial, USB, etc. Grtz Django 😎

[@AstroForumSpace]

Thanks maybe I will!

[@esaviitala6708]

Thanks for a very informative review. I was looking at CEM26, but I am in northern Europe, so that’s a no. Then GEM28 but there has been some negative reviews. Now I’d like to know if you (at this point) have run into any issues regarding the GEM28? I’m also be keen to know of any issues regarding the connectivity with ASIAIR Plus, are there any? And lastly, the HEM27 might just be suberb only it was available somewhere.

[@joeyg9872]

Hello Wido!🙌 good lookin out for us across the pond! its funny because once you delve into this hobby you learn quickly to abandon the "standard" system and learn how the scientific standard or metric system works and is quite a bit simpler anyhow! (and i did not know about the sinta/ orien/skywatcher point you made )as always love your videos and will be watching for whatever is next , i will def be interested in the next class of mounts, i would like to see opinions on basically anything between what this video covers and say a software bisque paramount mx,,,like the ioptron cem120 or a losmandy g11 i have been super hesitant on upgrading because there is so much "info" out there,, like you mentioned about peoples reviews 🤣 Clear skies mate!

[@AstroForumSpace]

Thanks so much! I'll look into those advanced mounts, lots of options and opinions to analyze 😉. Clear skies!

[@randomoldbloke]

In Australia skywatcher and Saxon are the same in mounts . I use a Saxon eq5 go to for photography without many dramas . As with most mounts alignment is the key

[@arpadjakab-peter5431]

The eq5 is a motorised mount? Foes have wifi connection as well?

[@szecsiattila]

HEQ5 all the way!!! Don't ask questions, just buy it! :)

[@danbrown586]

My beginner mount is an iOptron CEM25P, the predecessor to the CEM26. Haven't yet had a chance to use it much, but I'm happy so far--no star trails with 120-sec subs at 400mm, and darn near silent slewing.

[@AstroForumSpace]

Thanks Dan!

[@matttzzz2]

Can i buy it from you?

[@williammauney1129]

I was waiting for an EQM35 or EQ5 for my first mount. Finally ordered a GEM28 about 3 months ago. Hooked up to an ASIAIR Pro, only quirk has been the usb hub requirement (still? not sure) between the mount and the AAP. Can’t compare sound of mounts but my GEM is whisper quiet and it’s been so easy to use. I’ve had no issues so far and can see upgrading to a GEM45 or 70 as I get deeper into the hobby.

[@AstroForumSpace]

Thanks for sharing William, looks like your gem28 is doing its job! What's your guiding accuracy on average? Cheers!

[@williammauney1129]

@@AstroForumSpace Wido, it's early days (a month today) and the seeing here in NC has been below average for awhile but I'm in the .4-.5 range regularly. Could be better,, but as this is my first equatorial mount and I'm learning the AAP at the same time also testing different aggressions on the RA and Dec to figure it out. Seem to get good results at 75/75

[@AnkurMishra1990]

I have iOptron CEM26 mount and till date it work perfectly atleast with my use. I have little heavy OTA, it is Skywatcher 200PDS but it work fine with tracking and autoguiding. Note with CEM26 mount design, OTA generally touch tripod leg so I avoid it during meridian flip, otherwise it's fine.

[@AstroForumSpace]

Thanks for sharing your cem26 experience! I was unaware of that meridian flip issue, and great to hear the mount is performing well.

[@AnkurMishra1990]

@@AstroForumSpace This issue I am faciing because of big OTA and as CEM mount is in center than of german EQ mount. iOptron also sell piler extension so it can be resolvable.

[@theastro-philosophersappre2786]

Great video Wido, very informative. But, I just can’t do my own home work , so I’ll just use Wido’s recommendation and if something goes wrong, it’ll give me someone to gripe at… kidding 😆 💫

[@AstroForumSpace]

Use me as your scapegoat, be my guest hehehe.

[@theastro-philosophersappre2786]

@@AstroForumSpace always 💫

[@MADHIKER777]

Thank you!! One question : As in the EXOS-2, does "wifi only" mean that it will not function where there is no cable or no cell towers? In other words, where it is dark, LOL.

[@gautambiswas7338]

Hi Wido!. Firstly, thanks for your excellent review of the different mounts for beginners. As a beginner, and owner of the Vixen A105MII telescope, I am between the HEQ5 Pro and the GEM28. Is there any further experience with the GEM28 which makes the choice clearer? Thanks.

[@AstroForumSpace]

The Gem28 is lighter. The Heq5 is Time-tested and can be modified with a rowan belt for improved tracking...both are fine for smaller refractor telescopes. Good luck!

[@555rzk]

Hello guys.. im torn between the eqm35 pro and the star adventurer gti.. i know this mount has more payload capacity but heard it has issues..what do you guys recommend based on experience. Thanks

[@raffaelepilia6218]

Hi wido, i am new to the field and I would like to purchase a telescope (for astrophotography) that interests me. It is a bresser 130/1000 and already has a go to equatorial mount (exos 2 Go to). What do you suggest me? Is this a good telescope to begin with astrophotography? I also wanted to purchase a zwi 224 to start planetary photography. What do you suggest me?

[@genefoster8936]

I would like a review of mounts in the 40 lbs. capacity range.

[@AstroForumSpace]

I'll check it out Gene, thanks.

[@jesperandersson4475]

I use ioptron gem 28 with great succés. My tracking is always around 0,5-0.8. If you balance it right and the polaris on set. It is lightweight and well i cant complain about it. Without any guiding at all i can get around 2-3 min without any star trails. With guiding 10 min isnt hard. But i never tend to guide that long anyway 5 min top.

[@AstroForumSpace]

Sound good Jesper, thanks for sharing your experiences with the GEM28. Clear skies!

[@khabbabbabikerelsiddig8906]

Hi Wido, I was searching on youtube to build my first astrophotography gear and I found this video and your channel, your videos are very useful for those who are beginners to the hobby, and I thank you for that you are doing a great job, keep going. The mounts that you have reviewed are either too expensive for me if you take the shipping cost into the account because the shipping is going to be out of European Union or neither UK nor US, or these mounts are not available in the country where I live, but I can afford " Sky-Watcher EQ5 Pro SynScan GoTo " with the shipping cost ~which you didn't review in this video~ to use it with a small refractor telescope. My questions are is it a good mount in general to start? Is there any limitation to using it at low polar elevations of 14 to 28 degrees? If we compare it with " Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT with PMC Eight GoTo " which one will win? I really appreciate your advice regarding starting astrophotography Thank you again for your effort, support, and the great videos you are making

[@AstroForumSpace]

Hi, the EQ5 PRo has been around for a while. Most people use the HEQ5 Pro for its increased tracking accuracy, but I think the EQ5 Pro can do the job as well. Especially with a small refractor with a short focal length up to 500mm. You could also take a look at the SW star adventurer GTI. It's a super lightweight mount at a reasonable price. Still pretty new though...good luck.

[@LearningAstrophotography-jj9en]

Once again, great video. I recently bought a skywatcher 200P with an Adanced GT mount, and I have been using it for planerary visual work. Many people tell me that the mount is too weak for the scope? Also is it possible to upgrade the mechanics of the mount, to allow more weight? My tube assembly is 8.8kg on its own, and I really want to start investing in the astrophotography side of things... Is this something that is possible with this setup? Many thanks for your regular videos, they are of great interest.

[@AstroForumSpace]

Hi there, thanks! I started out with a Celestron AVX :-). the GT mount does have autoguiding if I'm correct and it supports up to 12 kg. The cheapest option for you would be to buy some guiding equipment and check how the mount behaves. If it cannot track objects precisely enough for long exposures, you could always consider to replace the mount or go for a lighter and smaller focal length telescope. Good luck!

[@LearningAstrophotography-jj9en]

@@AstroForumSpace Thank you very much. I am considering replacing the bearings and spindles. My Brother is an engineer and could make everything except bearings. It tracks very well on solar system objects, so there is some hope, and maybe shorter exposures and many more of them may work. At the moment, I feel like I have stepped into a swimming pool, very much out of my depth, but one way or another, we will get somewhere, if not there lol. Many thanks for your reply. I intend to start posting videos this month to cover my journey. Should be fun.

[@hobbeeswe7472]

Thank you Wido! I already decided to buy a scope according to your advice/film (refractor APO/ED, 80/460 mm). Now you have an excellent and trustworthy analysis of these mounts and it does not hurt that I am almost set on HEQ5 Pro since a couple of months :) I have a couple of questions though. - For only 200 EUR extra I can get an NEQ6 Pro. I know it is a very heavy mount but I assume excellent functionality with belt drive and very high payload capacity. Is it crazy going for the NEQ6 Pro as a beginner? - I plan to use the telescope with my Canon EOS 70D and aim at shots of 30 seconds. Will a mount without autoguidance be ok or do I need an autoguider? This is a bigger investment since I do not want a separate PC but rather start investing in the ZWO gear... Expemnsive but seem excellent... Thanks again!

[@AstroForumSpace]

Hey there. You could go for an EQ6r Pro, it has a belt drive and the handle makes it easier to carry (although still heavy). It tracks pretty accurately, but if you go beyond 30s to 60s shots, you definitely want to get a guidescope + camera. But you an always take it one step at the time, and I do suggest to put your money where your mount is first :-). For a full overview of good "advanced" EQ mounts, check this post: astroforumspace.com/top-10-advanced-telescope-mounts-for-astrophotography-in-2023/ Clear skies!

[@hobbeeswe7472]

@@AstroForumSpace Dank je wel !

[@ivoluis6847]

Hello Wido, do you have any review of the Skywatcher Az-Eq-5? Thank you.

[@AstroForumSpace]

I don't know anyone who uses one, but should be interesting. Especially if you're planning to do planetary imaging and visual observing next to Deep-sky imaging ..

[@bluesdevil341]

Avx after eqr6pro after mesu 200 mk classic

[@gabeschulze3620]

Hi Wido, I am a hobbyist wildlife photographer and an absolute beginner to astrophotography. Ive got a Nikon D850 and a Nikkor 500mm f5.6 (total weight around 5.43 lbs or 2.5 kilos). I was originally looking at the EQM-35, but after watching this video I am leaning more towards the Celestron AVX. I plan on using my current Nikon setup for astro for now, do you think this is an appropriate mount for my current setup? Any input would be appreciated.

[@AstroForumSpace]

Hi Gabe, sure. The AVX is a bit overkill for a camera and a lens, but if you intent to use a telescope with your camera attached in the future, the AVX is a good option. It has all the functionalities you'll need to make a serious start in astrophotography.

[@bl0derflck231]

Hey there Wido! I honestly hope you see this sometime soon. I love astrophotography and ive been trying to get everything i need for amazing pictures. It would also be my first telescope. I have done so much research but i don't know which one to buy. Im looking for a telescope that can see nebulas, galaxies, and more (really interested in those) a budget of 2k-3k would be nice. If you could list me a few things (mount, camera, scope, glass and apps) that you think are the best for a starter, i would be very thankful. Thank you for your time!

[@AstroForumSpace]

Hello there, I'd be more than happy to assist you. To ensure that I can give you the best help possible, could you please contact me at [e-mail]? Are you looking for a 2K or 3K astrophotography setup or just the telescope? Please drop me an email and we can discuss some options. Wishing you clear skies!

[@Luftbubblan]

I was pretty happy with my Avx even tho i didn't use it for long. Something i didn't like with it is: Lack of direct usb connection, rough moving dec. If i where to start now and choose one of these id probably go with an Heq5 and belt mod, seen some incredible results with it and Skywatcher mounts feels smooth. Personally i use Cgx, not really happy with it, even tho it feels like a much higher quality mount than the Avx.

[@AstroForumSpace]

Thanks for your feedback! What don't you like about the cgx?

[@Luftbubblan]

@@AstroForumSpace You are welcome. Mainly the unreliable performance. You don't know what you get each night and hard to perfect it. High maintenance mount imo, will sooner or later act up and little to no information to be found on how to address issues. Handling pecs is a pain with the old broken software(Unless you settle for a single pec in cpwi instead of an batch average). If you wanna totally tear it down its not an easy mount to work on. Sure i might be one of the unlucky ones and be biast here but i'm far from alone feeling this way. Build quality overall is nice tho, very nice knobs for adjusting PA, built in allstar PA(if one wanna do that). It can also perform surprisingly well with bad PA and balance. Homing sensors, limit sensors, memory etc. There's a lot of good and bad imo hehe. For the price(Where i live at least) it underperforms by a lot other than having decent load capacity. I'm actually looking to upgrade or even "downgrade"(Maybe an eq6r pro)

[@yamahaporter1709]

I'm thinking of getting the 8" edge HD and a zwo 533 camera and was wondering if the avx mount would be capable of carrying this payload and be able to track. Thank you.

[@AstroForumSpace]

Tricky. It could work out but I'd prefer a mount like the EQ6-R Pro thats able to carry a higher payload for astrophotography. Fot visual astronomy + moon and planetary imaging, you'll probably be fine using the avx.

[@mbyb6817]

Hi Wildo! Beginner question. When you talk about payload, is it just the weight of the telescope w/equipment alone, or are the counterweights included as part of the total payload? Thanks.

[@AstroForumSpace]

Hi there, no, the counterweights are NOT included when calculating your payload.

[@mbyb6817]

@@AstroForumSpace Thanks Wildo, this Q have bugged me for a while. So for example with the Star-Adventurer 2i (which is what I have) it can carry up to 5Kg of camera equipment, not counting the (counterweight + Lbracket), correct?

[@acneattack7676]

What about the EXOS 1?

[@mileshuxley5462]

Hello I was looking at this video because I found a second hand advanced gt mount. Is it similar to the advanced VX or not?

[@AstroForumSpace]

Yes, probably.

[@pierspinelli8352]

Hi Wido, i've got an omegon pro 6" RC telescope, i still havent bought an eq mount for it but i am unsure if i should buy the ioptron gem28 or the skywatcher HEQ5? Based on your experience which one would you recommend?

[@AstroForumSpace]

Tough choice. The heq5 is a very popular time tested mount, but the gem28 has wifi I think and is lighter. You could also consider the brand new zwo am3...I have an overview here: astroforumspace.com/beginnermounts/

[@pierspinelli8352]

@@AstroForumSpace I saw that the gem28 even has PPEC which is of course better for longer astrophotography esposures. I saw the zwo, unluckly it doesnt even handle the weight of my RC, i cant put anything on it so would be useless

[@deeber35]

Are there any motorized mounts that can be controlled by software or handheld device that weigh under 3 pounds? The load would be about 3-4 pounds (DSLR).

[@AstroForumSpace]

I'm not sure what you mean. Handheld devices come standard with almost any computerized mount. They are very lightweight.

[@scguy681]

Hey - Im just starting - the learning curves are not an issue - question - which type of scope has the greater potential for WOW views? like the rings of Saturn defined - the bands and red spot of Jupiter - what Im afraid of is that I will buy and scope and see this tiny image of a round undefined jupiter and think to myself - " I spent all this money for that?"

[@AstroForumSpace]

Hi Patrick, I made a dedicated video about excellent planetary scopes a couple of months ago. You can check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/raKqlq2ar5J5eLs for planetary imaging you'll need a large aperture and long focal length telescope. Clear skies.

[@rickmoore4776]

AVX. thats an "OG" mount. one of the best mounts ever made.

[@crgamingison8718]

My Opinion : You should have added the price of each mount in the video, other than that fantastic video 🙂

[@AstroForumSpace]

Ah yes, thanks! You can check a table on my website with the updated prices here: astroforumspace.com/beginnermounts/

[@crgamingison8718]

@@AstroForumSpace K :)

[@MADHIKER777]

Thank you!! One question : does "wifi only" mean it can't function where there is no cable, no cell towers, no power? In other words, where there are dark skies, LOL.

[@babuthayyil7485]

Sir , please say the power , and rate

[@AstroForumSpace]

For prices, check: astroforumspace.com/beginnermounts/

[@TeodorAngelov]

I have a never ending dilemma between EQM35 and HEQ5

[@AstroForumSpace]

I hope it'll end one day 😆

[@FreeRealEstatepage]

Love the avx for the price. Dec backlash is a big problem with them.

[@AstroForumSpace]

Hey, how are you? Yes, I tried to limit the backlash by repositioning the gears in this old video :-) kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXK1fYxqf85pers

[@FreeRealEstatepage]

@@AstroForumSpace I am great thanks!(Jon by the way) Hope you are holding strong. You look much happier in this video. I did watch that video and adjusted the gears as well. Still get the “too much backlash “ message in phd. I just learned to deal with it. Since I’ve spent about 10k in one year on gear lol, I have to give my wife a break lol. She’s been awesome with the support of this hobby. I’ll wait to upgrade lol

[@AstroForumSpace]

Haha, thanks. Yes, things are better now. Schools, musea and restaurants are open again in the Netherlands. 10k, wow. Take her to dinner :-). Cheers.

[@deltacx1059]

Best mounta for rich beginners more like.

[@luboinchina3013]

The most important advice: Jump one or two levels higher, get yourself a 25kg-30kg astrophotography rated mount. You won't need to buy another mount when you switch to bigger telescope.😏

[@AstroForumSpace]

Could be your choice, but don't forget mobility and ease of use.

[@russellparr9252]

@@AstroForumSpace not to mention that the price can double or triple depending on what you get. You don't start off in astrophotography with a $10K Takahashi either. 🙂

[@matttzzz2]

Great so i need at least $750 to get pictures of the sky without star trails. Why is it so expensive? Why arent prices coming down?

[@AstroForumSpace]

If these prices are too steep, a tracker is a more affordable option to use with lightweight telescopes or a dslr. Check: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJPbmo1so7ZljsU

[@eottoe2001]

Is anyone thinking about updating the hand controllers? They are like something out of DOS or Unix age or before the flip-phones. Like USB ports would be nice instead of what looks like old CAT7 connectors. The command structure is so primitive and counter-intuitive. Wouldn't Bluetooth from the PC to the mount be sweet and so 2010? When I work with them, I can't imagine buying a $2K mount and get something like Radio Shack Trash-80 handheld device and display.

[@danbrown586]

Many of the mounts do now have USB connectivity--sometimes on the hand controller (which has never made any sense to me), occasionally on the mount itself. The iOptron CEM26 and GEM28 have WiFi built-in. And I'm not sure, given that connectivity, that updating the hand controller makes a lot of sense--just use an app on your phone.

[@eottoe2001]

@@danbrown586 I haven't seen the USB but if it is there that would be great. How nice it would be to just plug in your PC and the Windows or Apple OS finds a driver then installa it? WiFi is good but Bluetooth would be easier to workout in the field or with cellphone. Wouldn't that be sweet to have Bluetooth and run the scope from your smartphone? Or as you said, update it from your phone? Not sure of the software on the scope is open source but one scary thing about Celestron is like stuff they made in the early 2000s is not supported now. That maybe resolved but does cause some head scratching.

[@danbrown586]

@@eottoe2001 So let's run down the mounts in this video: * EXOS2: Doesn't have a hand controller, but will connect wirelessly (via WiFi) or wired (not sure whether this is RS-232 or USB, but if the former it can be easily adapted). The electronics on this one are in a separate box from the mount head itself, and I'm not sure what I think about that design--but it should make it possible (and relatively straightforward) to update the electronics in the future if needed or desired, while keeping the same mechanics. Notably, they rate the mount at 28 lb capacity *for astrophotography* , giving it the highest capacity rating of the group. * iOptron CEM26 and GEM28: As already stated, WiFi is built in to these, USB on the hand controllers. And for some reason they don't provide a clip/mount for the hand controller, though it's easy enough to 3d-print one if you have a 3d printer. * EQM-35 Pro, HEQ5, AVX: USB on hand controller (on current versions), optional WiFi dongle. Older versions of these had serial ports on the hand controller instead, but adapter cables are readily available. I think I'd mentioned that some of these had USB on the mount itself; apparently I had them confused with higher-end mounts--I know the CEM40 and EQ6R do. Now, the subject of this video is mounts *for astrophotography* . I think, any more, that pretty much means you're going to have a computer connected to the mount, and you're going to be spending some (probably guided) time on target. For that application, I agree, ditch the hand controller entirely. But these mounts will be used visually as well, by people who have no intention of carrying a computer around to connect it to the mount. A hand controller's helpful there, and I've found the one on my CEM25P easy enough to use--though I think iOptron tend to use larger screens than most others. But if you're concerned about future obsolescence, the EXOS2 seems like the way to go. Assuming it's mechanically sound (about which I have no idea), it looks like it's designed in such a way the the motor wiring is brought out to a separate control box. Makes it kind of klunky to set up, but if that control box ever dies, it can be replaced. And if it's out of support, there are third-party (even open-source, like OnStep) projects to replace it. But of course you'd still be relying on the manufacturer for any parts that weren't standard hardware or electrical items.

[@AstroForumSpace]

The newer hand controllers have a usb port. But you still need the controller to connect your mount to your device. More expensive mounts like the EQ6R pro have a direct usb port on the mount. That was one of the reasons for me to buy the EQ6R pro as my second mount. Cheers.

[@eottoe2001]

@@danbrown586 yeah, the RS-232 with Window 10 and USB adapters are wonky. The same with the USB to serial ports. I've seen videos of people setting up computer with Wifi attachments but it is rather complicated for my tastes. That is possible. The EXOS2 I will look into and sounds like it is an answer to my my concerns. Also, iOptron CEM25P looks good, too, which is lower price than expected. I was looking at the EQ6R mounts, but I will check into the CEM25P. You gave me a lot of good info. Sorry for all the whinning, but some of the hardware and software seems a bit out of date with where technology is now. Thank you.

[@ssss1399]

this is suspposed tto be for begginers and the cheapest mount was for 600$

[@AstroForumSpace]

yep, that's a bargain in terms of astrophotography. It's an expensive hobby, don't shoot the messenger...

[@ssss1399]

@@AstroForumSpace yeah my bad didn't notice that this video was about astrophotography specifially thought it was just for regular astronomy.

[@OzzyZet]

Am I the only one who hear Wido saying mums instead of mounts?

[@AstroForumSpace]

They mountcis the mum, telescope is the dad and camera and giidescope are the children of the astrofamily

[@OzzyZet]

@@AstroForumSpace 🤣🤣🤣

[@zoghunter82318]

"beginner" pfft These are all 10x more expensive than the telescopes a "beginner" would be buying.

[@AstroForumSpace]

Welcome to astrophotography.

[@4ThoseAbout2RaxxWeSaluteU]

You got to stop carrying on about the Celestron mounts. The beginner is the last person on earth that needs to be saddled with this. The cell phone in your hand that you're reading this with is hundreds of times more powerful than this so-called computerised mount. Plus your cellphone was only a couple hundred dollars. This Celestron mount is not the technology you are envisioning in your head. It's like a 1997 Nokia.

[@AstroForumSpace]

Well, good luck tracking the stars with your Iphone. You obviously haven't got a clue, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Have a nice day.

[@arthurlamy5535]

wut? why have you deleted my comment?

[@AstroForumSpace]

What was your comment?

[@riseofgorilla]

Bro $1,000 for a mount is not cheap😂

[@AstroForumSpace]

Astrophotography is not cheap

[@riseofgorilla]

@@AstroForumSpace ik