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A telescope wouldn't be terribly useful without something to hold it steady. Telescope mounts come in two general types: altitude-azimuth (or altazimuth) and equatorial.
Altazimuth Mounts
The simplest type of mount is the altazimuth version. It has two perpendicular axes of motion, vertical (altitude) and horizontal (azimuth). Standard camera tripods have altazimuth mounts.
Because they are easy to use and cost less than equatorial mounts, altazimuth mounts are ideal for smaller, inexpensive, beginner telescopes. They're also the mount of choice for terrestrial observing with spotting scopes. Some altazimuth mounts are equipped with slow-motion controls, which allow fine adjustment of the telescope?s aim to help zero in on target objects.
The Dobsonian Mount
One new version of altazimuth mount used widely by amateur astronomers is called the Dobsonian mount. Invented by San Francisco telescope-maker John Dobson in the 1970s, this boxy mount is constructed of wood and sits low to the ground. Besides being inexpensive, Dobsonian mounts are inherently strong — capable of supporting giant Newtonian reflectors. Teflon and other low-friction materials used on the bearing surfaces allow very smooth adjustment of the telescope?s position.
Equatorial Mounts
The equatorial mount is the preferred type for astronomy. It also has two perpendicular axes, but they are called right ascension (RA, or polar) and declination (Dec). When the RA axis is aligned parallel with the Earth's rotational axis, objects can be easily "tracked" as they drift across the sky (due to Earth's rotation) by turning just one of the slow-motion controls (RA) instead of two, as is required with an altazimuth mount.
An equatorial mount offers other advantages as well. A motor drive can be coupled to the RA axis for automatic sky tracking-a terrific convenience. Also, with better equatorial mounts, astronomical objects can be located by their celestial coordinates (found in observing guides and star atlases) using the RA and Dec setting circles.
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Check out our colorful catalog, filled with hundreds of quality products.
See our eCatalogsSince 1975 Orion Telescopes & Binoculars has been offering telescopes for sale direct to customers. Now an employee-owned company, we pride ourselves on an unswerving commitment to best quality products, value and unmatched customer care. Our 100% satisfaction guarantee says it all.
Orion offers telescopes for every level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert. From our entry level beginner telescopes for amateur astronomers to our Dobsonian telescopes to our most advanced Cassegrain telescopes and accessories, you can find the best telescope for you. Because we sell direct, we can offer you tremendous value at a great price. Not sure how to choose a telescope? Orion's Telescope Buyer's Guide is a great place to start.
Orion binoculars are known for quality optics at a great price. We offer binoculars for every viewing interest, including astronomical binoculars, compact binoculars, waterproof binoculars, birding binoculars, and sport and hunting binoculars.
Orion's telescope and astrophotography accessories will enhance your telescope enjoyment without breaking the bank. Expand your viewing experience with accessories ranging from moon filters to power-boosting Barlow lenses to advanced computerized telescope mounts. Capture breathtaking photos with our affordable astrophotography cameras. And when you're stargazing, Orion's telescope cases and covers, observing gear, red LED flashlights, astronomy books and star charts will make your observing sessions more convenient, comfortable and meaningful.
At Orion, we are committed to sharing our knowledge and passion for astronomy and astrophotography with the amateur astronomy community. Visit the Orion Community Center for in-depth information on telescopes, binoculars, and astrophotography. You can find astrophotography "how to" tips and share your best astronomy pictures here. Submit astronomy articles, events, & reviews, and even become a featured Orion customer!