Alt-Azimuth Mounted Telescopes

An alt-azimuth mount moves in two simple directions: left and right (azimuth) and up and down (altitude). It's the most intuitive telescope mount available, making it an excellent choice for beginners and casual observers.

Most entry-level telescopes, spotting scopes and Dobsonian telescopes use this style of mount because it's quick to set up and easy to operate.

Best For

• Beginners

• Lunar observing

• Planetary observing

• Casual stargazing

• Families

• Portable telescopes

Advantages

• Very easy to learn

• Lightweight and portable

• Quick setup

• Low maintenance

• Excellent for visual observing

Things to Consider

Although alt-azimuth mounts are ideal for visual astronomy, they are generally less suitable for long-exposure astrophotography because they do not naturally compensate for the Earth's rotation in the same way as an equatorial mount.

Is an Alt-Azimuth Telescope Right for You?

If you're looking for a straightforward telescope that's easy to use and perfect for visual observing, an alt-azimuth mounted telescope is one of the best places to start.