Best Telescope Motor Drives of 2026

Alan Eaton Avatar
Alan Eaton
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2026

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Telescope motor drives are a must-have accessory for avid stargazers who want to capture the perfect shot of celestial objects. Designed to rotate telescopes at a steady rate, these devices allow for longer exposure times, resulting in clearer images of planets, galaxies, and other deep sky objects. They come in various designs and sizes, but all share the same purpose of keeping the telescope pointed at a fixed object in the sky. With a motor drive, astronomers can spend more time observing and less time manually adjusting their telescopes.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Celestron Single Axis Motor Drive for AstroMaster Telescope Cover #TOP 1
Celestron Single Axis Motor Drive for AstroMaster Telescope
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Atnsinc 6 PCS 28BYJ-48 Stepper Motor Set Cover #TOP 2
Atnsinc 6 PCS 28BYJ-48 Stepper Motor Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
GeeekPi 5 Pack Stepper Motor + Driver Board + Wire Compatible with Arduino Cover #TOP 3
GeeekPi 5 Pack Stepper Motor + Driver Board + Wire Compatible with Arduino
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Telescope Motor Drives

#TOP 1

Celestron Single Axis Motor Drive for AstroMaster Telescope

93514
Black
Celestron Single Axis Motor Drive for AstroMaster Telescope Cover
Celestron AstroMaster/PowerSeeker Motor Drive, Black

Celestron R/A Single Axis Motor Drive helps you to track stars with your AstroMaster or PowerSeeker equatorially mounted telescope. Featuring Right Ascension tracking, it compensates for the Earth's rotation and can be used in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere. Perfect for Celestron CG-2 and CG-3 equatorial mounts.

What We Like
Allows for smooth and easy tracking of stars with your telescope
Can be used in both Northern and Southern Hemispheres
Easy installation on Celestron CG-2 and CG-3 equatorial mounts
#TOP 2

Atnsinc 6 PCS 28BYJ-48 Stepper Motor Set

Atnsinc-01
Silver
28BYJ-48 ULN2003
Atnsinc 6 PCS 28BYJ-48 Stepper Motor Set Cover
6 PCS 28BYJ-48 ULN2003 5V Stepper Motor + ULN2003 Driver Board

The Atnsinc Stepper Motor Set includes six high-quality stepper motors and a ULN2003 driver board, making it easy for you to convert electrical pulses into precise angular movements. With a standard interface, you can plug it in directly for hassle-free setup. The compact driver module is designed to fit into tight spaces, while the four-phase LED indicators keep you informed about the motor's operational status. This set is compatible with various development boards, providing you with flexibility and convenience for your projects.

What We Like
Easy plug-and-play setup
Compact size for tight spaces
LED indicators for status monitoring
Compatible with various boards
#TOP 3

GeeekPi 5 Pack Stepper Motor + Driver Board + Wire Compatible with Arduino

D-0011
GeeekPi 5 Pack Stepper Motor + Driver Board + Wire Compatible with Arduino Cover
GeeekPi 5 Pack Geared Stepper Motor 28BYJ-48 5V Stepper Motor + Uln2003 Motor Driver Board + Dupont Wire Jumper Wires Ribbon Cables Compatible with Arduino

This GeeekPi 5 Pack includes stepper motor and driver board compatible with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and other development boards. The stepper motor features a standard interface and four-phase LED indicators to show its status. The ULN2003AN driver board can be connected easily to the stepper motor using the included jumper wires. This package is useful for those who want to drive stepper motors with their projects.

What We Like
Includes 5 stepper motors and ULN2003AN driver boards.
Compatible with various development boards, including Arduino and Raspberry Pi.
Stepper motor has a standard interface and four-phase LED indicators.
#TOP 4

STEPPERONLINE Nema 17 Gearbox Motor

17HS19-1684S-PG19
STEPPERONLINE Nema 17 Gearbox Motor Cover
STEPPERONLINE 19:1 Planetary Gearbox High Torque Nema 17 Stepper MotorDIY CNC Camera Telescope

The STEPPERONLINE Nema 17 is designed for high torque applications, making it ideal for projects like CNC machines and telescopes. With a precise step angle of 0.094 degrees, you can achieve smooth and accurate movement, which is essential for detailed tasks. The motor features a 19.19:1 planetary gearbox ratio, allowing for enhanced speed control and torque output. With a rated current of 1.68A and a resistance of 1.65 ohms, this motor ensures efficient performance while being easy to integrate into your DIY projects.

What We Like
High torque performance
Precise movement control
Enhanced speed regulation
Easy integration for DIY projects
#TOP 5

Celestron Focus Motor for SCT/EdgeHD

94155
Celestron Focus Motor for SCT/EdgeHD Cover
Celestron Focus Motor for SCT and EdgeHD

The Celestron Focus Motor offers precise control for your telescope's focusing needs. With its built-in microprocessor, it ensures smooth and accurate adjustments, helping you achieve sharp images. You can easily control the focus using your telescope’s hand controller, making it convenient to adjust without touching the lens manually. The motor also provides three different speed settings—low, medium, and high—so you can choose the perfect pace for fine-tuning your focus. This makes focusing easier and more comfortable, especially during long observation sessions. The Celestron Focus Motor is a great tool for anyone looking to enhance their telescope’s performance.

What We Like
Microprocessor control
Precise focusing
Hand controller operation
Multiple focus speeds
#TOP 6

Fexhull Generac G098290 Stepper Motor Assembly

G098290
Fexhull Generac G098290 Stepper Motor Assembly Cover
G098290 Stepper Motor Assembly Fit for Generac G098290

The Fexhull Stepper Motor is designed specifically to fit the Generac G098290 model, ensuring you get the right part for your generator. Before ordering, it's important to check your Vehicle Identification Number or share pictures of your original part to confirm compatibility, helping you avoid mistakes. Made from high-quality materials, this stepper motor offers durability by resisting corrosion and wear, which means it lasts longer and performs reliably. It helps your generator start quickly and efficiently, so you can get power when you need it most without delays. Overall, this product combines quality and quick performance for a smooth operation experience.

What We Like
Model compatibility
Durable materials
Quick startup
Reliable operation
#TOP 7

Tydeux AccuFocus Electronic Focuser

SKU_TD_TGA02
Tydeux AccuFocus Electronic Focuser Cover
Tydeux AccuFocus Electronic Telescope Focuser - -Get Smooth, Precise Focusing, Without Vibration by Using The pushbutton Hand Controller

The Tydeux AccuFocus Focuser makes it easy for you to achieve sharp focus when using your telescope. With its motorized design, you can effortlessly adjust the focus without any vibrations, ensuring a clear view. The adjustable speed control knob allows you to select from coarse to very fine focusing, giving you precise control over your observations. Installation is straightforward, as the DC motor is compatible with many telescopes, making it a versatile addition to your setup. Plus, the included pushbutton hand controller enhances your experience by providing smooth adjustments with just a touch.

What We Like
Smooth focus adjustments
Easy installation
Adjustable speed control
Compatible with many telescopes
#TOP 8

HUABAN 28BYJ-48 5V Stepper Motor 2 Pack

XW-1013
HUABAN 28BYJ-48 5V Stepper Motor 2 Pack Cover
2 Pack Smart Electronics 28BYJ-48 5V 4 Phase DC Gear Stepper Motor

The HUABAN 28BYJ-48 Motor Pack is a reliable choice for your telescope motor drives. Operating at a low 5V DC voltage, it ensures safe and efficient power use. The motor features a precise step angle of about 5.6 degrees divided into 64 smaller steps, which means you get smooth and accurate movements. Its 1/64 reduction ratio helps increase torque while reducing speed, giving you better control over your device. With a compact size of roughly 11 inches in length and just over 1 inch in diameter, this motor fits easily into tight spaces. Overall, this motor pack offers precision and convenience for your projects.

What We Like
Low voltage operation
High precision step angle
Torque-enhancing reduction ratio
Compact size
#TOP 9

HUABAN 28BYJ-48 5V Stepper Motor with ULN2003 Driver

CA-MW-Step-Motor-28BYJ-48-ULN2003-2PCS
HUABAN 28BYJ-48 5V Stepper Motor with ULN2003 Driver Cover
2 Pack DC 5V Stepper Step Motor 28BYJ-48 with ULN2003 Driver Test Module Board

The HUABAN 28BYJ-48 Motor runs on a standard 5V DC power supply, making it easy to power with common electronics. It features a precise step angle of 5.625 degrees divided into 64 microsteps, allowing you to achieve smooth and accurate movements in your projects. The motor includes a built-in 1/64 reduction gear, which increases torque while reducing speed, perfect for applications requiring controlled motion. With a length of about 10.8 inches and a diameter just over an inch, this compact motor fits well into tight spaces, giving you flexibility in design and installation.

What We Like
Low voltage operation
High precision stepping
Torque-enhancing gear reduction
Compact size
#TOP 10

Generic YK86HB118-06A 2 Phase Stepping Motor

Generic
WDBW_KUD_21513
Generic YK86HB118-06A 2 Phase Stepping Motor Cover
2 Phase Stepping Motor YK86HB118-06A

The Generic Stepping Motor YK86HB is designed for precise control in telescope motor drives. As a 2-phase stepping motor, it offers accurate positioning, which is essential for smoothly moving telescope parts. This feature helps you achieve better focus and alignment. Being part of the telescope motor drive category, it ensures compatibility with various telescope setups, making it easier for you to upgrade or maintain your equipment. The motor’s generic brand status means it is a versatile and cost-effective choice for users who need reliable motion control without brand-specific constraints.

What We Like
Precise positioning
Compatibility with telescopes
Cost-effective option
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you add a motor to a telescope?

Yes, it is possible to add a motor drive to a telescope. By adding a motor drive, the telescope can track the motion of the sky, keeping your target centered in the eyepiece or camera's view. However, it is important to note that a motor-driven equatorial mount still requires polar alignment and manual locating and centering of sky objects.

2. What does the Celestron motor drive do?

The Celestron Motor Drive for AstroMaster Telescopes is designed to accurately track celestial objects. It has a variable speed motor and works on equatorial mounts. This motor drive allows you to maintain control over your telescope, whether you choose to operate it automatically or manually.

3. Why do telescopes have motors?

Telescopes have motors to track the motion of the night sky. Motorized telescopes, particularly GoTo telescopes, are able to automatically slew to celestial objects. This feature is especially useful for long exposure astrophotography, as it simplifies the process of tracking and capturing images of celestial objects.

4. How do telescope mounts work?

Telescope mounts allow for slow and precise movement of the telescope in two axes. Most basic mounts have controls, such as large knobs or flexible metal rods, to facilitate movement. These controls can be used to adjust the telescope's position in altitude (vertical) and azimuth (horizontal), allowing for accurate tracking and pointing of celestial objects.

5. How can I increase the power of my telescope?

To increase the power of a telescope, you can increase both the focal length and aperture of the objective. Increasing the focal length and aperture allows the telescope to gather more light and provide higher magnification, resulting in a more powerful viewing experience.

6. What makes a telescope so powerful?

The power of a telescope is determined by the size of its optics, which can be either mirrors or lenses. Powerful telescopes have large optics, allowing them to gather more light. This enables them to see dim objects and distant celestial bodies. The larger the mirrors or lenses, the greater the amount of light the telescope can gather, resulting in more detailed and powerful observations.

7. What are the two types of telescope mounts?

There are two main types of telescope mounts: Altitude/Azimuth (Altaz) and Equatorial (EQ). Altazimuth mounts allow for movement in any direction, while equatorial mounts are aligned with the celestial poles. Both types of mounts have their own advantages and are suited for different purposes and preferences.

8. What are the two most common types of mounts for a telescope?

The two most common types of mounts for astronomical telescopes are Altazimuth (Altaz) and Equatorial (EQ) mounts. Altazimuth mounts have two motions, altitude (vertical) and azimuth (horizontal), making them simpler. Equatorial mounts, on the other hand, align with the celestial poles and are suitable for tracking celestial objects as the Earth rotates.

Editor's Notes

During our telescope motor drive research, we found 16 telescope motor drive products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 7,040 customer reviews through our big data system to write the telescope motor drives list. We found that most customers choose telescope motor drives with an average price of $31.37.

The telescope motor drives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of telescope motor drives, including Celestron, ATNSINC, GeeekPi, STEPPERONLINE, Fexhull. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Alan Eaton Avatar

Alan Eaton is a seasoned writer whose expertise is in anything related to electronics, such as headphones, monitoring equipment, computer, and so on, built over a 15-year career in the technology industry. Working in the trade during his youth, he accumulated a great deal of knowledge about machinery.