Hybrid Mount Guide
Hybrid telescope mounts feature the best of both worlds: they can work as an equatorial mount for astrophotography, or be angled parallel to the ground to work as an altazimuth mount for visual observing. Though sometimes more expensive than a dedicated equatorial or altazimuth mount, hybrid mounts are the clear best choice for those who do both astrophotography and visual observing.
Types of Hybrid Mounts
Harmonic Drive Hybrid Mounts
The ZWO AM5 harmonic drive mount is a hybrid alt-az/equatorial mount
Some hybrid mounts are based off a harmonic drive design. Many of today's harmonic drive mounts can operate in both equatorial and altazimuth modes thanks to their stronger strain wave gears. The ZWO AM5 and Pegasus NYX-101 are great examples of hybrid harmonic drive mounts.
German Equatorial Hybrid Mounts
Other hybrid mounts are based on a more traditional German Equatorial Mount design. These mounts have a counterweight system and many are modeled after a matching German Equatorial Mount. For example, the Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 and AZ-EQ6 mounts are modified versions of the popular HEQ5 and EQ6-R mounts.
The Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 mount operating in dual OTA mode
The AZ-EQ5 and AZ-EQ6 mounts have a trick up their sleeve: they're able to operate in dual OTA mode. This allows you to mount two telescopes opposite each other on the same mount. This is a great option for those who do public outreach with two telescopes and would like to do astrophotography — all on the same mount!