Alt-Azimuth Mounts

Alt-Azimuth Mounts and Field Rotation

Two axes track a target by moving in both simultaneously. This works perfectly for visual use and introduces a slow rotation of the field, which matters only for long exposures.

• Manual alt-azimuth heads: Smooth-motion mounts with slow-motion controls, ideal for refractors used visually and for terrestrial observing.
• GoTo alt-azimuth mounts: Computerized pointing with large object databases, aligning on two or three stars and finding targets automatically.
• WiFi-controlled mounts: Operated from a phone or tablet, removing the hand controller and simplifying setup considerably.
• Field rotation: The field slowly rotates during tracking, limiting unguided exposures to roughly 30 to 60 seconds depending on target position — fine for the Moon and planets, limiting for deep sky.
• Equatorial wedges: Tilt the whole mount to the latitude angle, converting it to equatorial operation and eliminating field rotation entirely.
• Payload and portability: Generally lighter than equatorials of the same capacity, since no counterweight is required.

Why Choose David Astro for Alt-Azimuth Mounts

The right mount is the one you will actually set up, and that is often not the most capable one.

• Honest imaging advice: If you intend serious deep-sky imaging we will say that an equatorial is the right tool, rather than selling a wedge to work around a design limitation.
• Setup-time realism: For observers with limited clear nights, we weigh how quickly a mount deploys as a genuine factor rather than a footnote.
• Payload sized with the tripod: Alt-azimuth stability depends heavily on the base, and we specify the two together.
• Authorized dealer: Full manufacturer warranty with service handled in Canada.
• Ships from Canada: Domestic delivery with no duties or brokerage fees for Canadian buyers.

Alt-Azimuth Mounts in Canada — Frequently Asked Questions

Can I image with an alt-azimuth mount?

Lunar, planetary and short-exposure work, yes, very effectively. Deep-sky exposures beyond roughly a minute show field rotation as trailed stars at the frame edges, unless you add an equatorial wedge.

Is GoTo worth it for visual observing?

It depends on your sky. Under heavy light pollution where few stars are visible for star hopping, GoTo transforms what you can find. Under dark skies many observers prefer manual star hopping.

How does a wedge change things?

It tilts the azimuth axis to point at the celestial pole, making the mount equatorial in effect. Field rotation disappears, but you take on polar alignment and a heavier, less convenient setup.

Do alt-azimuth mounts need counterweights?

Generally no, which is a large part of their portability advantage. Balance is achieved by positioning the tube in its saddle rather than by adding mass.

Grab-and-go setup?

Tell us your telescope and how you observe and we will match the mount and tripod. Ships from our Canadian warehouse.