Az3 Alt Azimuth Mount: Setup, Balancing and Tips for Beginners

Updated November 2026

An az3 alt azimuth mount lets you point a telescope up and down (altitude) and left and right (azimuth) without any polar alignment. This guide walks you through setup, leveling, balancing and tracking so you can start observing faster and spend less time fiddling with the mount.

What the az3 Alt Azimuth Mount Does Differently

An alt azimuth mount moves on two axes that line up with the horizon and the zenith. Because the axes are not tilted toward the celestial pole, you do not need to align the mount to Polaris. That makes it simpler to use, but it also means objects drift in a curved path across the field of view, so you will need to make small corrections or use a motorized tracking system for longer sessions.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Celestron Alt Azimuth Mount Review: Features and Performance.

Setting Up and Leveling the Mount

Stability starts with the tripod. Place it on firm ground, extend the legs evenly, and tighten all locking knobs before you attach anything heavy.

1. Set the tripod head roughly level using the bubble level, if your model has one.
2. Attach the mount head to the tripod and tighten the center bolt firmly.
3. Loosen the azimuth lock and rotate the head so the altitude axis is parallel to the ground.
4. Use the tripod leg adjustments to fine-tune leveling until the base sits flat in both directions.
5. Recheck level after the scope is mounted, since added weight can shift the tripod slightly.

Balancing the Telescope Correctly

Balance affects both tracking accuracy and wear on the motors. Manufacturers generally recommend balancing the optical tube on the altitude axis first, then on the azimuth axis, so the mount does not strain when it moves.

• Loosen the altitude lock and slide the tube in its rings until it stays put when released at a 45-degree angle.
• Loosen the azimuth lock and check that the scope does not swing when you let go at different headings.
• Add or remove counterweights as needed, and keep the eyepiece and accessories in their final positions while balancing.

Aligning and Tracking the Sky

Most alt azimuth mounts use a simple star alignment routine. Center a bright star in the eyepiece, confirm it on the hand controller, then repeat with a second star placed well away from the first. Two or three stars spread across the sky give better accuracy than clustered ones.

Once aligned, the mount can track objects automatically. Field rotation is normal on alt azimuth systems, so if you plan to photograph, use short exposures or a field derotator. For visual work, the rotation is rarely noticeable at moderate magnification.

Quick Start Checklist

• Firm, level tripod on stable ground
• Mount head tightened and locks checked
• Telescope balanced on both axes
• Power connected and hand controller set to the correct date, time and location
• Two or three bright alignment stars selected

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the leveling step, which causes drift and poor GoTo accuracy.
• Leaving the balance uncorrected, which strains the motors over long sessions.
• Using only one alignment star or stars clustered in one part of the sky.
• Forgetting to enter the correct time zone and date, which throws off object positions.
• Expecting perfect long-exposure tracking without a field derotator or short subs.

Recommended Gear

• A sturdy tripod: A stiffer tripod reduces vibration when focusing and tracking. View on Amazon
• A small bubble level: Makes checking the base level quick before each session. View on Amazon
• A red-light headlamp: Keeps your night vision intact while you adjust balance and controls. View on Amazon

FAQ

Do I need polar alignment with an az3 alt azimuth mount?

No. Alt azimuth mounts move up-down and left-right, so you skip the polar alignment step that equatorial mounts require. Accurate leveling and a good star alignment are what matter most.

Why does the image rotate when I use this mount?

Field rotation happens because the mount’s axes are not tilted toward the celestial pole. It is most noticeable in long photo exposures and matters less for visual observing.

How often should I rebalance the telescope?

Rebalance whenever you change eyepieces, add accessories or move the scope to a different tube. Checking balance at the start of each session takes only a minute.

Conclusion

With a level tripod, a balanced telescope and a careful two- or three-star alignment, an az3 alt azimuth mount becomes a quick and reliable way to find targets. Keep field rotation in mind if you move into photography, and check the setup at the start of every session.

Related reading

• Top 5 Alt Azimuth GoTo Mount Picks for Every Observer
• Svbony SV225 Alt-Azimuth Mount Review: Pros and Cons
• Alt Azimuth Telescope Mount: How It Works and Who Should Use One

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