Equatorial mount for star photography

[Eclectic Man]

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I am interested in taking some photographs of stars and the Milky Way, and wondered which equatorial (tracking) mount people use or suggest for mounting my camera and lens.

I have an SL2 and the longest (and heaviest) lens likely to be used is the 90-280.

Thanks in advance.

[matten.neumann]

I've got the skywatcher star adventurer pro and can recommend it. Payload is around 10 pounds (5 kg), should work with your setup. Have used it successfully also above the payload limits together with a DIY counterweight. You need a stable tripod (not included), ideally with a plate mount.

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[drjonb]

There are, of course, many options for a tracking mount for astrophotography, which are primarily intended for use with a telescope. And they can get expensive fast! The two key factors are the weight of the gear to be mounted, and what you intend to capture - moon, sun, galaxies. You will certainly need to use weights to balance your SL2 and 90-280 lens. The iOptron mount with a decent tripod is a good starting point, I have this.

[drjonb]

IOptron setup

 

 

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