| Mount | Type | Payload | Price | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sky-Watcher AZ-GTi | Alt-Az GoTo | 5kg | ~£650 | Intermediate |
| Sky-Watcher EQ3-2 | Manual Equatorial | 6kg | ~£140 | Beginner |
| Star Adventurer 2i | Motorised Equatorial | 2kg | ~£200 | Beginner |
| Sky-Watcher EQ5 Pro | Motor-Ready Equatorial | 10kg | ~£300 | Intermediate |
| Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Pro | GoTo Equatorial | 13kg | ~£550 | Intermediate |
Sky-Watcher AZ-GTi
The AZ-GTi is the smallest GoTo mount that actually works properly. It mounts on a standard camera tripod, fits in a backpack, and requires nothing but two AA batteries. The hand controller automatically finds and tracks any object in its 40,000+ star database — point, click, observe.
It's brilliant for grab-and-go stargazing with a scope up to about 5kg — think refractors, compact Newtonians, or even a larger finderscope for photography. Slew speeds are smooth, and the tracking is accurate enough to keep high-magnification views centred without manual nudging.
The entry point to computerised observing. If you're tired of manually finding objects, the AZ-GTi removes that barrier without requiring setup space or mains power. Not suitable for heavy scopes, but perfect for refractors and compact reflectors.
Sky-Watcher EQ3-2
The EQ3-2 is the equatorial mount that comes bundled with the Evostar 90 EQ2, and it's also available as a standalone head. It's manual only — no motors — but once you align it to Polaris, a single slow-motion knob lets you track objects across the sky instead of constantly nudging in two directions.
It's a learning mount. You'll discover what equatorial mounts do and why some observers prefer them. At £140, it's cheap enough that you can see whether you actually like the equatorial workflow before spending serious money on motorised systems.
The budget entry to equatorial observing. Not for serious observers or long exposures, but perfect for learning how these mounts work and for casual visual observing of brighter targets.
Star Adventurer 2i
The Star Adventurer 2i is a tiny motorised equatorial tracker — nothing more. It doesn't find objects (you do), it doesn't carry heavy scopes, but it will track the sky accurately enough for 15–20 minute exposures with a camera or for comfortable observation through binoculars or a small refractor.
It's controlled via smartphone app, which means you can adjust tracking rates, select different sky motion profiles, and even do polar alignment checks all from your phone. It runs on four AA batteries and weighs almost nothing.
The entry point to smart equatorial tracking for astrophotography or light-duty visual observing. Not a goto mount, not a heavy-duty scope mount, but perfect for what it does — track the sky accurately without fuss.
Sky-Watcher EQ5 Pro
The EQ5 Pro is the workhorse equatorial mount. It carries 10kg comfortably, has solid steel worm drives, and is absolutely stable once you've done a proper polar alignment. Motor kits are available (£80–£150 for the right ascension axis), but many observers use it manually.
It's the mount that grows with you. Start with manual slow-motion controls, add a motor later if you want longer observation sessions, or keep it manual forever. The build quality is professional-grade — this mount will outlast three scopes.
The true workhorse for intermediate observers. Not computerised, but solid, stable, and a bargain for what you get. Add a motor later if you want semi-automated tracking.
Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Pro
The HEQ5 Pro is the EQ5's computerised sibling. It carries 13kg, has a SynScan GoTo hand controller with 40,000+ objects, and tracks smoothly enough for long exposures. Polar alignment is aided by a laser pointer, and the whole system is equally at home doing visual observing or imaging.
It's in the sweet spot between serious hobbyist and professional equipment. Heavy enough to be stable with large scopes, computerised enough to remove the tedium of manual star-hopping, affordable enough that you won't weep if the weather spoils three clear nights.
The go-to mount (no pun intended) for intermediate to advanced observers wanting computerised tracking without the cost or complexity of fully professional gear. Stable, reliable, and future-proof.
How to Choose Your Mount
Alt-Az vs. Equatorial
An alt-azimuth mount (like the AZ-GTi) moves up/down and left/right — simple and intuitive. An equatorial mount aligns with Earth's axis, so one motor can track the whole sky. Alt-Az is easier; equatorial is better for long observing or imaging.
GoTo vs. manual tracking
GoTo mounts find objects automatically (great for visual observing), but they're heavier, more complex, and cost more. Manual mounts require some effort but are lighter and more reliable. First-time buyers often find manual surprising good enough.
Payload matters
Never load a mount beyond its rated payload. A 5kg mount carrying a 6kg scope will vibrate badly and track poorly. If your scope is heavy, either go up to the next mount class or stay with manual tracking.
Polar alignment is the difference between okay and excellent
The HEQ5 Pro and Star Adventurer 2i have laser pointers to help; the manual EQ3-2 requires patience and YouTube. But get polar alignment right, and your tracking becomes 10× better instantly.
Motorised doesn't mean GoTo
The EQ5 Pro works great with an optional motor on just the RA (right ascension) axis — that's often enough. You don't need full two-axis GoTo unless you're doing imaging or hate star-hopping.