Top Recommended Entry Level Mount 2025

Celestron Heavy Duty Alt-Azimuth Tripod

The Celestron Heavy Duty Alt-Azimuth tripod is an ideal entry-level mounting for binoculars or small telescopes. It offers manual slow-motion controls for fine adjustments and its standard camera tripod mounting bracket allows quick attachment of many small telescopes, binoculars or cameras. Overall, this is a nice low-cost mount for those just starting out, or anyone looking for a quick 'grab and go' mount for a small telescope or binoculars.

  • Mount type: Alt-azimuth

    Drive type: None. Manual slow motion controls on both axes

    Best suited for: Binoculars or small telescopes below 5-inches (13cm) aperture

    Maximum payload capacity: 10lbs

    Mount head fit: Tripod fit 1/4-inch to 20 thread mounting bolt retained in the plate

    What's included: Tripod, accessory tray and tripod head

    • Binoculars: This tripod is suitable for use with binoculars, providing stable support for hands-free viewing.

    • Spotting Scopes: Ideal for use with spotting scopes, allowing for stable and precise observations of distant objects.

    • Telescopes : Compatible with small to medium-sized telescopes, such as the Celestron C90 or C5, making it versatile for various astronomical and terrestrial applications.

    • Mount Style: Equipment is mounted on the alt-azimuth tripod head using a 1/4”-20 thread mounting bolt, securely captured in the mounting plate.

  • Durable Construction: Crafted from sturdy materials, this heavy-duty alt-azimuth tripod offers stability and reliability during observations.

    Adjustable Legs: The fully adjustable aluminum legs allow you to set the tripod to the desired height, accommodating different viewing angles.

    Accessory Tray: A metal accessory tray is fitted to the center brace, providing a convenient storage solution for accessories within easy reach.

    Balancing Flexibility: The 1/4”-20 mounting bolt with sliding capability lets you fine-tune the balance point of your equipment for optimum stability. This is particularly useful for achieving balance with refractor telescopes and cameras with long lenses.

    Intuitive Control: The tripod features intuitive slow-motion control handles, enabling precise adjustments in altitude and azimuth for smooth tracking of celestial objects.

Sky-Watcher EQ-5

Sky-Watcher's EQ-5 mount has long been used by amateur astronomers worldwide. Its modest size, low cost and array of features have made it among the most popular small telescope mounts ever produced. It is one of the most popular entry-level equatorial mounts on the market. The EQ-5 also comes as part of many small telescope packages offering the option to purchase a complete telescope with a proper astronomical mounting.

  • Mount type: German Equatorial

    Drive type: None. Manual slow motion controls on both axes (motor drive optional)

    Best suited for: Binoculars or small telescopes below 8-inches (20cm) aperture

    Maximum payload capacity: 11lbs

    Mount head fit: CG-5/Vixen dovetail

    What's included: Mount head, tripod, and eyepiece accessory tray

    • Binoculars: This tripod is suitable for use with binoculars, providing stable support for hands-free viewing.

    • Spotting Scopes: Ideal for use with spotting scopes, allowing for stable and precise observations of distant objects.

    • Telescopes : Compatible with small to medium-sized telescopes, such as the Celestron C90 or C5, making it versatile for various astronomical and terrestrial applications.

    • Mount Style: Equipment is mounted on the alt-azimuth tripod head using a 1/4”-20 thread mounting bolt, securely captured in the mounting plate.

  • Durable Construction: Crafted from sturdy materials, this heavy-duty alt-azimuth tripod offers stability and reliability during observations.

    Adjustable Legs: The fully adjustable aluminum legs allow you to set the tripod to the desired height, accommodating different viewing angles.

    Accessory Tray: A metal accessory tray is fitted to the center brace, providing a convenient storage solution for accessories within easy reach.

    Balancing Flexibility: The 1/4”-20 mounting bolt with sliding capability lets you fine-tune the balance point of your equipment for optimum stability. This is particularly useful for achieving balance with refractor telescopes and cameras with long lenses.

    Intuitive Control: The tripod features intuitive slow-motion control handles, enabling precise adjustments in altitude and azimuth for smooth tracking of celestial objects.

Astromania 1.25" 4mm 58-Degree Planetary Eyepiece for Telescope

Discover enhanced planetary observation with this eyepiece, meticulously designed for celestial wonders like the Moon, Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, and beyond. Experience comfortable eye relief and exceptional clarity, with a versatile 58-degree Field of View (FOV). Perfect for both planetary and deep-sky observation, its fully multicoated design ensures maximum detail across the expansive view, making it a cost-effective choice for every astronomy enthusiast.

    • Designed for planetary and deep-sky observation.

    • Comfortable 16mm average eye relief.

    • Standard 1.25-inch filter threading.

    • Wide 58-degree FOV across 2.5mm to 25mm focal lengths.

    • Rotatable eyepiece barrel for precise adjustment.

    • Convertible rubber ring ensures a comfortable viewing experience tailored to the observer's preference.

    • Rotate the eyepiece barrel for fine-tuning, enhancing the observational experience.

    • Fully multicoated 1.25" eyepieces, ensuring maximum detail and definition.

    • High transmittance, exceptional contrast ratio, and minimal lateral chromatic aberration and scattering.

    • Comprises 5 lens elements in 3 groups, effectively eliminating color aberration and light scatter while ensuring sharpness.

    • Achieve greater magnification with shorter focal lengths.

    • Offers high-contrast imaging for an enriched, detailed observational experience.

1.25" 4mm HD Planetary Eyepiece, Black 58 Degree Planetary Deep Sky Eyepiece

Experience superior planetary observation with this high-performance eyepiece. Expertly designed to virtually eliminate chromatic aberration, it delivers unmatched clarity, contrast, and definition. Whether you're gazing at planets or deep-sky wonders, this eyepiece offers a broad 58-degree field of view, enhancing your stargazing with unparalleled detail.

    • Primarily crafted for planetary observations like the Moon, Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, and more.

    • Also suitable for deep-sky objects, ensuring versatility in celestial viewing.

    • Features a 1.25" fully multi-coated green lens for optimal clarity.

    • Ensures excellent image contrast, light transmission, and minimal chromatic aberration and scattering across the entire 58-degree field of view.

    • Broad 58-degree field of view ensures expansive celestial viewing.

    • Foldable rubber eyecup offers comfort and is easy to clean.

    • Perfect for both seasoned astronomers and budding young enthusiasts.

    • Achieve higher magnification with shorter focal lengths, unveiling intricate details.

    • Experience high-contrast imaging in a comfortable observational environment.

    • A cost-effective choice that delivers unparalleled detail.

    • Dedicated customer service is at your disposal.

    • For any product queries or feedback, feel free to reach out via email for an outstanding after-sales experience.

Orion 8728 32mm Sirius Plossl Telescope Eyepiece

Orion’s 32mm Plossl Eyepiece is versatile, working seamlessly with reflector, refractor, and Cassegrain telescopes. Boasting a 52° apparent field of view and multi-coated optics, it delivers clear, sharp, and high-contrast images of celestial objects, making it an indispensable accessory for astronomers seeking dramatic visual effects.

    • Brand: Orion

    • Eyepiece Description: Plossl, 52° apparent field of view

    • Objective Lens Diameter: 32 Millimeters

    • Focus Type: Manual

    • Finderscope: Reflex

    • Item Weight: 0.4 Pounds

    • Lens Coating: Multi-Coated

    • Focal Length: 32 millimeters

    • Versatile Use: Ideal for all types of telescopes including reflector, refractor, and Cassegrain.

    • Apparent Field of View: Offers a 52° apparent field of view for clear and sharp images of the Moon, planets, and many deep space objects.

    • High Contrast Views: Impressively high contrast allows for the observation of fine details in celestial objects.

    • Multi-Coated Optics: Ensures bright and clear views, enhancing your stargazing experience.

    • Wide True Field: Offers a very wide true field and a wide apparent field for dramatic visual effects.

    • Filter Compatibility: The eyepiece is threaded for use with 1.25" telescope eyepiece filters, allowing for customization of viewing.

    • Manual Focus: Allows for user-adjustable focus to achieve the perfect view of celestial objects.

    • Convenient and Portable: Weighing only 0.4 pounds, this eyepiece is easy to handle and a practical addition to your astronomy gear.