Listing American Telescope Mounts in Order of Preference
Top-Ranked Equatorial Mounts in Various Price Ranges (2025)
In the world of astronomy, having the right equipment is crucial for a successful stargazing or astrophotography experience. Here's a roundup of the top-ranked equatorial mounts within the price ranges $2600-$3500, $3500-$5000, and $5000-$8000, based on data from HighPoint Scientific and market information in 2025:
$2600-$3500
The ZWO AM5N Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount takes the lead in this price range. This lightweight, high-precision mount with harmonic gearing and Bluetooth control is a favourite among serious amateur astrophotographers. It offers a payload capacity of approximately 33 lbs without counterweight, making it an ideal choice for those expanding their astro setups. [3][4]
$3500-$5000
In this mid-range category, the Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro and the Celestron Advanced VX (AVX) are two popular choices. These mounts are well-regarded for their solid performance, especially for beginners and intermediates with mid-sized scopes. The AVX, in particular, was bundled in 2025 with a 6” RASA astrograph for an imaging package priced at around $1,699. [4]
$5000-$8000
While the search results did not provide explicit pricing or ranking for mounts strictly in this price segment, higher-end mounts from brands like Sky-Watcher, Losmandy, or Software Bisque would typically appear in this upper range. The ZWO AM5N, while more affordable, competes with some mounts in this upper range for quality.
Additional Context:
- The ZWO AM5N is a popular harmonic drive mount for serious/amateur astrophotographers seeking precision and portability, retailing close to about $2600 or slightly less. [3][4]
- The Celestron AVX and Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro remain stalwart mounts for intermediate usage, with prices around $1200-$1700 mount-only or in packages, making them solid options for lower mid-range setups. Sometimes, they can be found in deals around $2600-$3500 if bundled with accessories. [4]
- For the most accurate current prices, checking HighPoint Scientific and Amazon directly is recommended.
[1] HighPoint Scientific: https://www.highpointscientific.com/ [2] Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/ [3] Sky & Telescope: https://www.skyandtelescope.com/ [4] Astronomy Technology Today: https://www.astro-today.com/
- The ZWO AM5N Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount, a preferred choice for serious amateur astrophotographers, offers precise control and lightweight portability, retailing at around $2600 or slightly less in 2025.
- The Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro and Celestron Advanced VX (AVX) are highly-rated equatorial mounts within the mid-range, suitable for beginners and intermediates with mid-sized scopes, with prices around $1200-$1700 or occasionally found in deals around $2600-$3500 with bundled accessories.
- Upper-range equatorial mounts from brands like Sky-Watcher, Losmandy, or Software Bisque, typically retail between $5000 and $8000, offering advanced features, but the ZWO AM5N, while more affordable, competes with some mounts in this range for quality.
- In the world of astronomy, various gadgets, technology, and planetary astrophotography equipment, including telescopes, are essential for a successful stargazing experience, and the top-ranked equatorial mounts can significantly contribute to one's space-and-astronomy adventure.
