All telescopes need a mount and tripod underneath them, both for stabilization and to provide a way to move from object to object. An alt-azimuth mount is the simpler and more streamlined of the two mount types available. It is also generally less expensive than the second option, an equatorial mount, although alt-azimuth mounts vary widely in functionality, features and price!
The most basic alt-azimuth mount is often found in most homes today: the camera tripod! Any mount that moves a camera, spotting scope, telescope, binoculars, etc. up and down (altitude) as well as right or left (azimuth) is technically an alt-azimuth mount. Most alt-azimuth mounts come with a tripod, but at least one alt-azimuth telescope, the Dobsonian, does not need a tripod. It's alt-azimuth mount is in the form of a box that sits on the ground, but since the Dobsonian telescope moves up, down, right, and left, it is technically Alt-Azimuth.
What makes an alt-azimuth mount so versatile is the various ways in which it can provide movement of the telescope or other optical equipment. A camera tripod uses knobs, either attached directly to the mount or connected via a flexible cable to position the handles closer to the user. Other small alt-azimuth telescopes use the same method, where the movements made are done manually by the user via simple controls.
However, some of the most popular telescopes in the world come with computerized GoTo alt-azimuth mounts. These amazing telescopes are a far cry from a camera tripod! Manufacturers like Celestron and Meade figured out long ago how to move their alt-azimuth mounted telescopes in very small increments to mimic the way stars move at a particular latitude on a particular night. This allows the telescope to keep objects centered in the eyepiece over long periods of time, which is perfect for visual use and even short exposure photography of the Moon and bright planets.
Accessories for alt-azimuth mounts include an equatorial wedge, which fits between the tripod and mount to remove field rotation that occurs during long exposures, WiFi adapters that turn your smartphone or tablet into your telescope's controller, and products that make the initial star alignment of your computerized alt-az mount even easier.
Are alt-azimuth mounts for everyone? No. If you want to be an astro-imager, we highly recommend you buy an equatorially mounted telescope. While an alt-azimuth mount does a great job of mimicking the functionality of an equatorial mount, it is not perfect, and for the best imaging results, you want to get as perfect as possible!
If you need help choosing a telescope mount that will be best suited for your applications, feel free to contact one of our non-commissioned product advisors by phone or email. We are here to help and want your experience in astronomy to be the best it can be!
Want to know more about choosing an equatorial mount? Read the High Point article entitled Mount Buying Guide. It mentions alt-azimuth mounts at the beginning but is mostly about equatorial mounts and includes some great charts to help you decide. Enjoy.
