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 iCAM178M Mono Camera
6.4 Megapixel Sony IMX178 Mono Sensor 2.4µm Pixel Size for High-Resolution Sampling 60 Frames Per Second at Full Resolution Low Read Noise of 1.3e...
View full detailsiOptron iCAM462C Planetary Camera
Sony IMX462 Color CMOS Sensor 2.1 Megapixel Resolution (1944 x 1096) 2.9µm Pixel Size Up to 136 FPS Frame Rate USB 3.0 and ST-4 Ports Descripti...
View full detailsiOptron iCAM464C Planetary Camera
Sony IMX464 4.2MP Color CMOS Sensor 93 FPS at Full 2712 x 1538 Resolution 2.9 µm Pixel Size for High-Resolution Sampling Ultra-Low Read Noise Down...
View full detailsiOptron iE5100 Planetarium Imager
Description FAQ Specifications In the Box Warranty iOptron iE5100 Planetarium Imager The iOptron iE5100 Planetarium Imager is a digital c...
View full detailsiOptron iEFW-15 5-Position Electronic Filter Wheel for 1.25'' or 31mm Filters
Automates filter changes for astrophotography 5-position carousel Accepts both 1.25" mounted filters Accepts 31mm unmounted filters Enables unatte...
View full detailsiOptron iEFW-18, 8-Filter Electronic Filter Wheel for 1.25'' or 31mm Filters
Holds up to 8 filters Compatible with 1.25" mounted filters Compatible with 31mm unmounted filters Electronic control for automated imaging Des...
View full detailsiOptron iGuiderTM mini Guiding Scope
Compact and Lightweight Design Essential for Long-Exposure Astrophotography Enables High-Precision Autoguiding Ideal for Portable Telescope Setups...
View full detailsiOptron Illuminating LED for CEM26/GEM28 AccuAlign Polar Scope
Official accessory for iOptron CEM26 and GEM28 mounts Illuminates the AccuAlign polar scope reticle Enables fast and accurate polar alignment in t...
View full detailsiOptron iMate Astronomy Control Box
Integrated astronomy device control hub Runs a curated version of Kstars/Ekos and INDI Powers cameras, focusers, and accessories Generates a stron...
View full detailsiOptron iPolar Electronic Polarscope
Achieves polar alignment with 30 arcsecond resolution Wide 13° field of view for robust plate-solving Simple Mini USB 2.0 interface for power and ...
View full detailsiOptron iPolar Electronic Polarscope for HEM15/HEM27/HEM44 Mounts
Achieves polar alignment precision of approximately 30 arcseconds Designed for internal installation on iOptron HEM15, HEM27, and HEM44 mounts Sim...
View full detailsiOptron iPolar Internal Electronic Polar Scope for CEM120 Mounts
Achieves polar alignment with 30 arcsecond resolution 13° wide field of view digital camera Designed for internal installation in iOptron CEM120 m...
View full detailsiOptron iPolar Internal Electronic Polar Scope for CEM26/GEM28/SkyGuider Pro Mounts
Internal design for CEM26, GEM28, and SkyGuider Pro mounts Achieves polar alignment with 30 arcsecond resolution 13° wide field of view camera Sof...
View full detailsiOptron iPolar Internal Electronic Polar Scope for CEM40 Mounts
Achieves polar alignment to a resolution of 30 arcseconds Wide 13° field of view for rapid plate solving Installs internally on iOptron CEM40 and ...
View full detailsiOptron iPolar™ Electronics Polar Scope
Achieves polar alignment precision of approximately 30 arcseconds Wide ~13 degree field of view for easy pole acquisition High-resolution sensor p...
View full detailsiOptron iStarFi Wi-Fi Adapter for CEM40/GEM45
Wireless Mount Control for CEM40/GEM45 Mounts Supports 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi Protocol Access Point (AP) and Station (STA) Modes ASCOM and SkySafari Pr...
View full detailsiOptron LiteRoc Tripod
1.75-inch stainless steel legs for enhanced stability 30-inch to 47-inch adjustable height range Weighs 15 lbs (6.8 kg) for a solid, transportable...
View full detailsiOptron LiteRoc Tripod for CEM26 / GEM28 / HEM27 / HAE29
Designed for iOptron CEM26, GEM28, HEM27, and HAE29 mounts 1.75-inch diameter stainless steel legs for maximum rigidity Adjustable height range fr...
View full detailsiOptron Lithium-Poly Battery for SkyHunter
4600 mAh Capacity 3.7V Nominal Output Voltage Lithium-Polymer Rechargeable Chemistry Compact Dimensions: 12 x 41 x 71 mm Lightweight Design at 72 ...
View full detailsiOptron Lithium-Polymer Battery (3.7V, 2000 mAh)
2000 mAh Capacity 3.7V Nominal Voltage Lithium-Polymer Chemistry Direct Replacement for iOptron SkyGuider Pro & SkyTracker Pro Dimensions: 51 ...
View full detailsiOptron LRGB Imaging Filter Kit - 1.25"
Complete LRGB Filter Set Includes Luminance, Red, Green, and Blue Filters Standard 1.25" Filter Size Threaded for Standard Filter Wheels and Acces...
View full detailsiOptron MAK 150mm Telescope OTA
150mm Rumak-style Maksutov-Cassegrain Optics 1800mm Focal Length f/12 Focal Ratio 0.77 Arc Second Resolving Power 13.4 lbs Tube Weight Dual-Speed ...
View full detailsiOptron MiniPier 6" Pier Extension for CEM40/HAE43/HEM44/GEM45
Adds 6 inches of height to the mount Prevents telescope-tripod collisions near the zenith Enables uninterrupted meridian-crossing astrophotography...
View full detailsiOptron MiniPier 8" Pier Extension
Adds 8" (200 mm) of Height to Your Mount Setup Prevents Long Telescope Tubes from Colliding with Tripod Legs Features a 150mm Top Plate for iOptro...
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.