iOptron
iOptron's centre-balanced equatorial design moves the payload over the mount's centre of mass rather than hanging it off one side, which cuts counterweight requirements and makes a capable imaging mount genuinely portable. Combined with the iPolar electronic alignment camera, it produces some of the fastest setups in astrophotography. David Astro carries iOptron products in Canada, shipping from Canadian stock.
The range now spans trackers, centre-balanced equatorials and harmonic drive mounts, and choosing between them depends on your payload and how far you carry it. Tell us both and we will narrow it.
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iOptron GPS Module for CEM26/GEM28/CEM40/GEM45 Mounts
Automatically inputs time, date, and location Eliminates manual coordinate entry for faster setup Increases the accuracy of initial GoTo alignment...
View full detailsiOptron Green Moon Filter
Enhances contrast on lunar and planetary features Reduces glare for more comfortable viewing Improves detail in Martian polar caps and dust storms...
View full detailsiOptron HAE16C AZ/EQ Dual SWG
Hybrid EQ/Alt-Az Mount Design 18 lbs (8.2 kg) Payload without Counterweight 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg) Mount Head Weight StrainWave RA Gear & Worm/Belt ...
View full detailsiOptron HAE18C AZ/EQ Dual Strain Wave GoTo Mount
Payload (without counterweight): 18.7 lbs (8.5 kg) Mount Head Weight: 6.2 lbs (2.82 kg) Payload-to-Weight Ratio: 3.01 Drive System: Dual Strain Wa...
View full detailsiOptron HAE29 Dual AZ/EQ SWG Mount
Zero-backlash strain wave gears in RA (480:1) and DEC (360:1) 29.7 lbs (13.5 kg) payload without counterweights (29 lbs / 13 kg on HAE29B versions...
View full detailsiOptron HAE43 Dual AZ/EQ SWG Mount
44 lbs (20 kg) payload without counterweights, 55 lbs (25 kg) with optional counterweight Strain wave gears on RA and DEC (640:1 / 480:1) with ele...
View full detailsiOptron HAE69 Dual AZ/EQ SWG Mount
69 lbs (31 kg) payload without counterweights; 79 lbs (36 kg) with optional counterweight Mount head under 20 lbs: 19.8 lbs (9 kg) HAE69C/HAE69B, ...
View full detailsiOptron Hard Case for CEM26
Designed specifically for the iOptron CEM26 mount head External Dimensions: 14" x 14" x 8" Weight: 8.5 lbs Provides robust protection during trans...
View full detailsiOptron Hard Case for CEM40 NUC version
Designed specifically for the iOptron CEM40 mount with NUC Hard-shell exterior for impact and moisture protection Ensures safe transport to and fr...
View full detailsiOptron Hard Case for CEM70 NUC version
Custom-fit for the iOptron CEM70 NUC Mount Provides protection during transport and storage Robust hard-shell construction Weight: 20.0 lb Desc...
View full detailsiOptron Hard Case for GEM45 NUC version
Custom-designed for the iOptron GEM45 NUC mount version Die-cut foam interior for a precise, secure fit Durable hard-shell exterior protects again...
View full detailsiOptron HAZ130 Dual SWG Altazimuth Mount
132 lbs (60 kg) payload capacity Dual Strain Wave Gear (SWG) system for zero backlash 70 lbs (32 kg) mount head weight Go2Nova® 8411 controller wi...
View full detailsiOptron HAZ31 Strain Wave Alt-Az
31 lb (14 kg) instrument payload capacity 8.2 lb (3.7 kg) mount head weight Dual-axis strain wave gear system with 480:1 reduction ratio Go2Nova c...
View full detailsiOptron HAZ46 Alt-Az Strain Wave Mount
Supports a 44 lbs (20 kg) payload without counterweights Lightweight mount head weighs only 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) Strain wave gear system with 640:1 r...
View full detailsiOptron HAZ46 Counterweight Shaft & Adapter
Enables counterweight use on the iOptron HAZ46 mount Improves balance for heavy or long optical tubes Reduces strain on the strain wave drive syst...
View full detailsiOptron HAZ71 Alt-Azimuth Strain Wave GoTo Mount
68 lbs (31 kg) payload capacity 18.3 lbs (8.3 kg) mount head weight 3.73 payload-to-weight ratio Strain Wave Gear system with 800:1 reduction Buil...
View full detailsiOptron HEM27 Mount
Hybrid drive: StrainWave 17 RA gear (480:1) with backlash-free worm/belt DEC 29.74 lbs (13.5 kg) payload without counterweights, 44 lbs (20 kg) wi...
View full detailsiOptron HEM27/HEM44 Counterweight Bar
Official iOptron accessory for HEM series mounts Enables balancing of heavier telescope payloads Compatible with iOptron HEM27 and HEM44 mounts Fe...
View full detailsiOptron HEM44 Mount
44 lbs (20 kg) payload without counterweights, 55 lbs (25 kg) with optional counterweight 13.65 lbs (6.2 kg) mount head for a 3.23 payload-to-weig...
View full detailsiOptron HST MiniTracker
Payload Capacity: 4kg (8.8 lbs) without counterweights Mount Weight: 790 gm (1.75 lbs) with battery Gear System: Strain Wave Gear (SWG) Tracking S...
View full detailsiOptron iAFS2 - iOptron 2'' Inline Automatic Focuser
Supports a maximum payload of 5kg without slippage Delivers 0.6µm focusing resolution for critical imaging Features a 51mm clear aperture for full...
View full detailsiOptron iAFS2 2'' Camera Adapter
Connects Cameras to 2" Telescope Focusers Provides a Secure, Rigid Mounting Platform Standard T-Thread (M42x0.75) Camera Interface Matte Black Int...
View full detailsiOptron iAFS3 - 3-inch Inline Automatic Focuser
3-inch inline auto focuser with iLock™ technology Supports heavy imaging payloads up to 6kg 68mm clear aperture minimizes vignetting Precise 0.4um...
View full detailsiOptron iAFS3 3'' Camera Adapter
3-inch Barrel Diameter Provides Secure Connection for Imaging Cameras Minimizes Flexure in the Optical Train Designed for Large Format Focusers ...
View full detailsThe iOptron Range and What Distinguishes It
Portability is the organizing idea across the line, with each family solving it a different way.
- CEM centre-balanced equatorials: The payload sits over the mount's centre of gravity, reducing counterweight mass and improving stability for a given head weight.
- GEM series: Conventional German equatorial layout for those who prefer it, with the same control electronics and alignment tools.
- Harmonic drive mounts: Strain-wave gearing carrying substantial payloads with little or no counterweight, ideal for travel and for quick setups.
- Star trackers: Compact tracking heads for camera and lens astrophotography, with sufficient capacity for small telescopes.
- iPolar electronic polar alignment: A built-in camera that achieves accurate polar alignment in minutes without needing to see Polaris through a scope.
- Tri-piers and tripods: Rigid bases designed for the mounts, which matters because a portable mount on a flexible tripod loses most of its advantage.
Why Choose David Astro for iOptron
These mounts reward correct setup, and most of the questions we field are about the first night rather than the purchase.
- Balance guidance for centre-balanced design: The CEM layout balances differently from a conventional German equatorial, and getting it right meaningfully improves guiding.
- iPolar setup support: We help with camera installation, driver setup and alignment routine so it works on the first attempt.
- Payload sized with imaging margin: We size at 50 to 60% of rated capacity for imaging use, including cables and dovetail in the total.
- Authorized dealer: Full manufacturer warranty and verified authenticity, with service handled in Canada.
- Ships from Canada: Domestic delivery with no duties or brokerage fees for Canadian orders.
iOptron in Canada — Frequently Asked Questions
- What does centre-balanced actually change?
- Placing the payload over the mount's centre of mass reduces the counterweight needed and lowers the load on the bearings, so a lighter head carries more. Balancing procedure differs slightly from a standard GEM.
- CEM or harmonic drive?
- Harmonic if portability is paramount and you are willing to guide; the near-elimination of counterweights is a large practical advantage. CEM if you want smoother native tracking and are prepared to carry some counterweight.
- Is iPolar better than a polar scope?
- It is faster and more accurate, and it works from locations where Polaris is obscured. It also removes the awkward physical position a polar scope requires when the mount is low.
- How do these mounts behave in Canadian cold?
- Generally well, with the usual caveat that current draw rises and voltage sag becomes the main cause of faults. Use an adequately sized supply and a short, thick power cable.
Choosing an iOptron mount?
Tell us your payload and how far you carry it and we will recommend the right head. Held in Canada, shipped fast.