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 Polar Scope Kit for CEM26
Designed specifically for the iOptron CEM26 mount Provides a direct, through-the-axis optical view of the celestial pole Enables fast and intuitiv...
View full detailsiOptron Polar Scope Kit for GEM28
Optical Polar Alignment Accessory for iOptron GEM28 Mounts Enables Fast, Computer-Free Setup Illuminated Reticle for Easy Sighting of Polaris Idea...
View full detailsiOptron Polar Scope Mounting Bracket for PST Micro Tracker
Enables Precise Polar Alignment Designed for the iOptron PST Micro Tracker (#3680) Compatible with AccuAlign (#3330-HST) Polar Scopes Compatible w...
View full detailsiOptron Precision AZ/EQ Base
Full 0º to 90º latitude adjustment range Fine ±5º azimuth adjustment for precise polar alignment Standard Vixen-type dovetail saddle Universal 3/8...
View full detailsiOptron PST Micro Tracker
Payload Capacity: 3 kg (6.6 lbs) Mount Weight: 390 gm (0.86 lbs) with battery Tracking Speeds: Solar, Lunar, 1X Celestial, 1/2X Celestial Battery ...
View full detailsiOptron RS232-RJ9 Serial Cable
Connects PC RS232 Serial Port to an iOptron Mount Enables Direct Mount Control via ASCOM Required for Mount and Hand Controller Firmware Updates S...
View full detailsiOptron Secondary Dovetail Saddle for AZMP/MT Mounts
Adds a second dovetail saddle to your mount Official accessory for iOptron AZ Mount Pro and MiniTower mounts Enables dual-telescope setups Ideal f...
View full detailsiOptron SkyGuider Pro Star Tracker
Supports a maximum payload of 11 lbs (5kg), balanced, on a 2.2 lb (1kg) mount head Φ88mm, 144-tooth aluminum alloy worm wheel with DC servo motor ...
View full detailsiOptron SkyHunter EQ/AZ Mount
Supports a 7 lb (3.2 kg) balanced payload on a 2.9 lb (1.3 kg) mount head Dual-axis DC servo motors with optical encoders and Φ77 mm, 144-tooth wo...
View full detailsiOptron SkyTracker Ball Head
Designed for iOptron SkyTracker and SkyGuider Pro Mounts Provides Full Azimuth and Altitude Pointing Freedom Enables Framing of Any Celestial Obje...
View full detailsiOptron SkyTracker Pro Camera Mount
Supports camera and lens combinations up to 6.6 lbs (3kg) Ultra-portable body weighs only 2.53 lbs (1150 gm) with base and battery Internal 2000mA...
View full detailsiOptron SkyTracker Pro Counterweight Package (3324)
Enables balancing of heavier camera and lens combinations Improves tracking accuracy by reducing motor strain Attaches directly to the iOptron Sky...
View full detailsiOptron Stainless Steel Extension Bar for CEM40/50/60/70/etc.
Extends counterweight shaft length Increases counterweight leverage Allows for balancing heavier payloads with fewer weights Stainless steel const...
View full detailsiOptron Star Knobs
Ergonomic Star-Shaped Grip Enables Tool-Free Adjustments Improves Ease of Use in the Field Ideal for Use with Gloves Description FAQ Specificat...
View full detailsiOptron Star Knobs with Center Post
Ergonomic star shape for enhanced grip Integrated center post protects equipment surfaces Ideal replacement for standard bolts on mounts and acces...
View full detailsiOptron StarFi TM Wi-Fi Telescope Adapter
Adds 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi control to compatible iOptron mounts Enables wireless GoTo from smartphones, tablets, and computers Supports Sky Safari Pro...
View full detailsiOptron Super View 68° 30mm Eyepiece (2")
30mm Focal Length 68° Apparent Field of View 2-inch Barrel Diameter Low-Power, Wide-Field Design Ideal for Locating and Framing Large Objects D...
View full detailsiOptron Tri-Pier
Supports a massive 220 lbs (100 kg) payload Lightweight 25.8 lbs (11.7 kg) aluminum and steel construction Adjustable height from 31.5" to 42.5" W...
View full detailsiOptron Tri-Pier 360
Max Payload: 360 lbs (165 kg) Adjustable Height: 860mm - 1020mm Self Weight: ~31 lbs (13.9 kg) Pier Diameter: 150 mm Folded Dimension: Ø240 x 820 ...
View full detailsiOptron Tri-Pier Adapter for Astro Physics Mounts
Connects Astro-Physics Mounts to iOptron Tri-Pier Enables a Stable, Portable High-End Setup Engineered for a Secure Mechanical Fit Ideal for Field...
View full detailsiOptron Tri-Pier Adapter for Takahashi Mounts
Connects Takahashi Mounts to the iOptron Tri-Pier Creates a rigid, stable platform for imaging and observation Precision-machined for a secure, no...
View full detailsiOptron Tripod Metal Spreader Tray
12-inch Diameter Tray Die-Case Aluminum Construction Adds 2.5 lbs of Stabilizing Weight Centralizes Accessory Storage Description FAQ Specifica...
View full detailsiOptron Universal Side-by-Side Saddles System
Mounts Two Telescopes on a Single Mount Head Ideal for Imaging and Autoguiding Setups Enables Parallel Observation with Different Instruments Impr...
View full detailsiOptron Universal Smartphone Eyepiece Adapter - Red
Universal smartphone clamp for afocal astrophotography Attaches your phone camera to a telescope eyepiece Lightweight design minimizes focuser str...
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.