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Mounts and Tripods

The mount is the part of a telescope system that decides what is possible. It sets how long you can expose before stars trail, how much optic you can carry, and how much of a night you spend imaging rather than troubleshooting. David Astro stocks mounts and tripods in Canada — equatorial, alt-azimuth, harmonic drive and star tracker — with piers, wedges and counterweights to match, shipped domestically.

We help customers size mounts to real payloads rather than optimistic ones, and we are candid about where a mount's rated capacity stops being realistic for imaging. If you tell us your optic and your intended use, we will tell you what it actually needs.

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CA$46.00 - CA$46.00
CA$46.00
CA$46.00 - CA$46.00
CA$46.00

APM Illuminator for Crosshair Eyepieces

APM-FIND-ILL
Only 1 left!

Illuminator for reticle eyepiecesModelilluminated for Reticle Eyepieces

CA$46.00 - CA$46.00
CA$46.00
CA$46.00 - CA$46.00
CA$46.00
CA$101.00 - CA$101.00
CA$101.00
CA$101.00 - CA$101.00
CA$101.00

Askar D-Series Universal Dovetail Plate - 200mm

ASK-ASLDP200R
3 in stock

Losmandy D-Series Profile Universal Hole and Slot Mounting Pattern Flexible Accessory Integration Solid, Flex-Free Connection Description FAQ S...

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CA$101.00 - CA$101.00
CA$101.00
CA$101.00 - CA$101.00
CA$101.00
CA$134.00 - CA$134.00
CA$134.00
CA$134.00 - CA$134.00
CA$134.00

Askar D-Series Universal Dovetail Plate - 300mm

ASK-ASLDP300R
2 in stock

300mm Overall Length Universal D-Series (Losmandy-style) Profile Slotted and Tapped Mounting Holes Designed for Tube Rings and Guide Scopes Provid...

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CA$134.00 - CA$134.00
CA$134.00
CA$134.00 - CA$134.00
CA$134.00
CA$178.00 - CA$178.00
CA$178.00
CA$178.00 - CA$178.00
CA$178.00

Askar D-Series Universal Dovetail Plate - 400mm

ASK-ASLDP400R
1 in stock

400mm Length D-Series (Losmandy-style) Profile Universal Hole and Slot Pattern Connects Tube Rings and Accessories Solid, Flex-Free Mounting Platf...

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CA$178.00 - CA$178.00
CA$178.00
CA$178.00 - CA$178.00
CA$178.00
CA$83.00 - CA$83.00
CA$83.00
CA$83.00 - CA$83.00
CA$83.00

Askar SQA55 Quick-Release Handle Bar

ASK-ASKSHAN55

Designed specifically for the Askar SQA55 Astrograph Tool-free quick-release installation and removal Integrated multi-functional finder base slot...

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CA$83.00 - CA$83.00
CA$83.00
CA$83.00 - CA$83.00
CA$83.00
CA$57.00 - CA$57.00
CA$57.00
CA$57.00 - CA$57.00
CA$57.00

Askar V-Series Universal Dovetail Plate - 150mm

ASK-ASVDP150R
1 in stock

150mm Length V-Series (Vixen-Style) Profile Universal Mounting Slots and Holes Connects Tube Rings, Guide Scopes, or Cameras Description FAQ Sp...

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CA$57.00 - CA$57.00
CA$57.00
CA$57.00 - CA$57.00
CA$57.00
CA$66.00 - CA$66.00
CA$66.00
CA$66.00 - CA$66.00
CA$66.00

Askar V-Series Universal Dovetail Plate - 200mm

ASK-ASVDP200R
3 in stock

200mm Length V-Series (Vixen-style) Profile Universal Hole and Slot Pattern Mounts Tube Rings, Guide Rings, and Cameras Tripod Compatible Descr...

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CA$66.00 - CA$66.00
CA$66.00
CA$66.00 - CA$66.00
CA$66.00
CA$83.00 - CA$83.00
CA$83.00
CA$83.00 - CA$83.00
CA$83.00

Askar V-Series Universal Dovetail Plate - 300mm

ASK-ASVDP300R
1 in stock

300mm Vixen-Style Dovetail Plate Universal Mounting Slots and Holes Ideal for Telescope Tube Rings and Guide Scopes Lightweight and Rigid Construc...

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CA$83.00 - CA$83.00
CA$83.00
CA$83.00 - CA$83.00
CA$83.00
CA$47.00 - CA$47.00
CA$47.00
CA$47.00 - CA$47.00
CA$47.00

Baader 3" 60mm Losmandy Rider Clamp

BAA-2451575

Fits standard 3-inch Losmandy D-style dovetail bars Provides a 60mm wide mounting platform Securely holds heavy accessories like guide scopes and ...

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CA$47.00 - CA$47.00
CA$47.00
CA$47.00 - CA$47.00
CA$47.00
CA$503.00 - CA$503.00
CA$503.00
CA$503.00 - CA$503.00
CA$503.00

Baader Stronghold Tangent Mount Assembly - Black

BAA-2450310S

Precision tangent arm assembly for fine pointing adjustments Designed for securely mounting finders, guidescopes, and telephoto lenses Engineered ...

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CA$503.00 - CA$503.00
CA$503.00
CA$503.00 - CA$503.00
CA$503.00
CA$117.00 - CA$117.00
CA$117.00
CA$117.00 - CA$117.00
CA$117.00

Baader D-Series 1kg Leveling Counterweight & 3" Riderclamp

BAA-2451576

1 kg sliding counterweight for fine balance adjustments Integrated 3" D-Series (Losmandy-style) dovetail clamp Ideal for correcting imbalance from...

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CA$117.00 - CA$117.00
CA$117.00
CA$117.00 - CA$117.00
CA$117.00
CA$178.00 - CA$178.00
CA$178.00
CA$178.00 - CA$178.00
CA$178.00

Baader D-Series Double Dovetail Mounting Plate - 300mm

BAA-1500330

300mm Mounting Plate Length Dual-Sided 3-Inch D-Style Dovetail Predrilled for 10Micron and Astro-Physics Mounts Compatible with Baader Guidescope ...

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CA$178.00 - CA$178.00
CA$178.00
CA$178.00 - CA$178.00
CA$178.00
CA$379.00 - CA$379.00
CA$379.00
CA$379.00 - CA$379.00
CA$379.00

Baader DV-Series PAN/EQ Dual Doverail Saddle - 230mm

BAA-2451566

Accepts both 3" Losmandy and Vixen/EQ style dovetails 230mm overall length for enhanced stability Dual two-stage brass clamping blocks prevent mar...

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CA$379.00 - CA$379.00
CA$379.00
CA$379.00 - CA$379.00
CA$379.00
CA$459.00 - CA$459.00
CA$459.00
CA$459.00 - CA$459.00
CA$459.00

Baader DV-Series PAN/EQ Dual Doverail Saddle - 370mm

BAA-2451565

Accommodates both 3" Losmandy D-style and Vixen V-style dovetail bars Extended length improves balance and acts as a functional counterweight Feat...

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CA$459.00 - CA$459.00
CA$459.00
CA$459.00 - CA$459.00
CA$459.00
CA$209.00 - CA$209.00
CA$209.00
CA$209.00 - CA$209.00
CA$209.00

Baader Guide Scope Rings BP I - 60-120mm

BAA-1500201

Accommodates Tube Diameters: 60mm to 120mm Ring Width: 28mm Adjustment Screws: Three M10 with Non-Rotating Ball-Bearing Tips Material: Solid Turne...

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CA$209.00 - CA$209.00
CA$209.00
CA$209.00 - CA$209.00
CA$209.00
CA$271.00 - CA$271.00
CA$271.00
CA$271.00 - CA$271.00
CA$271.00

Baader Guide Scope Rings BP II - 110-160mm

BAA-1500202

Accommodates Tube Diameters from 110mm to 160mm Massive 28mm Ring Width for High Rigidity Three M10 Adjustment Screws Per Ring 10mm Non-Rotating, ...

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CA$271.00 - CA$271.00
CA$271.00
CA$271.00 - CA$271.00
CA$271.00
CA$1,063.00 - CA$1,063.00
CA$1,063.00
CA$1,063.00 - CA$1,063.00
CA$1,063.00

Baader Heavy-Duty 8" Planewave Double Mounting Plate - for up to 100kg

BAA-2451559

Designed for parallel mounting of two large telescopes Enables precise balancing of off-center loads Pre-drilled for versatile clamp and accessory...

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CA$1,063.00 - CA$1,063.00
CA$1,063.00
CA$1,063.00 - CA$1,063.00
CA$1,063.00
CA$140.00 - CA$140.00
CA$140.00
CA$140.00 - CA$140.00
CA$140.00

Baader Multipurpose Finder Bracket MQR III 7x50 (max 62mm)

BAA-2457020

CNC Milled Construction for Rigidity Quick-Release Dovetail for Repeatable Alignment Modular Design Adapts to Finderscopes or Red-Dot Sights Fits ...

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CA$140.00 - CA$140.00
CA$140.00
CA$140.00 - CA$140.00
CA$140.00
CA$149.00 - CA$149.00
CA$149.00
CA$149.00 - CA$149.00
CA$149.00

Baader Multipurpose Finder Bracket MQR IV 7x50 (max 72mm)

BAA-2457030

Accommodates finder scopes up to 72mm in diameter CNC-milled quick-release dovetail for precise return-to-zero alignment Modular design allows for...

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CA$149.00 - CA$149.00
CA$149.00
CA$149.00 - CA$149.00
CA$149.00
CA$89.00 - CA$139.00
CA$89.00 - CA$139.00
CA$89.00 - CA$139.00
CA$89.00

Baader Network Cable (red) w/ ColdTemp-specified CAT-7 Wire (CAT6a plug) - 3m to 30m

Options available

ColdTemp-specified CAT-7 Wire Durable CAT6a RJ45 Plug High-visibility Red Jacket Available in 3m, 5m, 15m, and 30m lengths Description FAQ Spec...

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CA$89.00 - CA$139.00
CA$89.00 - CA$139.00
CA$89.00 - CA$139.00
CA$89.00
Baader Planetarium Baader 3" Losmandy Dovetail Bar - 250mm (10")
CA$114.00 - CA$114.00
CA$114.00
CA$114.00 - CA$114.00
CA$114.00

Baader Planetarium 3" Losmandy Dovetail Bar - 250mm (10")

BAA-1501605

3" Losmandy D-Style Profile 250mm (10") Length Ideal for Custom Telescope Builds Black Anodized Finish Description FAQ Specifications In the Bo...

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CA$114.00 - CA$114.00
CA$114.00
CA$114.00 - CA$114.00
CA$114.00
Baader Planetarium Balancing Weight 1kg, with ¼" photo thread (male/female)
CA$83.00 - CA$83.00
CA$83.00
CA$83.00 - CA$83.00
CA$83.00

Baader Planetarium Balancing Weight 1kg, with 1/4" photo thread (male/female)

BAA-2951401

1kg Counterweight Stainless Steel Construction Universal ¼" Photo Thread Male and Female Threads for Stacking Description FAQ Specifications In...

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CA$83.00 - CA$83.00
CA$83.00
CA$83.00 - CA$83.00
CA$83.00
Baader Planetarium Balancing Weight 1kg, Ø75 x 30mm – for Ø16mm Balancing Shaft
CA$148.00 - CA$148.00
CA$148.00
CA$148.00 - CA$148.00
CA$148.00

Baader Planetarium Balancing Weight 1kg, Ø75 x 30mm – for Ø16mm Balancing Shaft

BAA-2951390

Weight: 1kg Shaft Diameter Compatibility: 16mm Outer Diameter: 75mm Thickness: 30mm Description FAQ Specifications In the Box Warranty ...

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CA$148.00 - CA$148.00
CA$148.00
CA$148.00 - CA$148.00
CA$148.00
Baader Planetarium Balancing Weight Set for Planewave OTA
CA$456.00 - CA$456.00
CA$456.00
CA$456.00 - CA$456.00
CA$456.00

Baader Planetarium Balancing Weight Set for Planewave OTA

BAA-2951450

Precision balancing for Direct Drive mounts Rear-mounted design avoids optical path obstruction Protects OTA stability and collimation Mounts dire...

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CA$456.00 - CA$456.00
CA$456.00
CA$456.00 - CA$456.00
CA$456.00

Mount Types and What Each One Is For

Choose by what you do, not by capacity alone. A mount that is excellent for visual observing can be poor for long-exposure imaging, and vice versa.

  • German equatorial mounts: The standard for deep-sky imaging. One motor tracks the sky once polar aligned, and periodic error correction plus autoguiding delivers minutes-long sub-exposures.
  • Harmonic drive mounts: Strain-wave gearing carries heavy payloads with little or no counterweight, making a capable imaging mount portable enough to carry in one hand.
  • Alt-azimuth mounts: Intuitive up-down, left-right motion, ideal for visual observing and grab-and-go use; field rotation limits unguided imaging without a wedge.
  • Star trackers: Compact tracking platforms for a camera and lens, the lightest practical route into wide-field astrophotography.
  • Tripods and piers: Rigidity below the mount matters as much as the mount head; a pier removes tripod flex and settles vibration faster.
  • Counterweights and shafts: Correct balance reduces motor load and improves guiding, and extension bars help balance short, heavy optics.

Why Choose David Astro for Mounts and Tripods

Mounts are heavy, expensive and awkward to return. Getting the specification right the first time is worth more than a discount.

  • Realistic payload sizing: We recommend loading an imaging mount to roughly 50 to 60% of its visual rating, and we will say so even when it points you to a larger mount.
  • Pier and tripod height planning: We calculate the height you need to clear your tube at the meridian without striking the tripod legs, which is a common and frustrating surprise.
  • Authorized dealer: Full manufacturer warranty, handled domestically in Canada rather than through international shipping.
  • Canadian inventory: Heavy items shipped from within Canada, avoiding duties, brokerage fees and cross-border freight damage risk.
  • In-house service: Diagnostics and repair for mount electronics and drives, so downtime is measured in days rather than months.

Mounts and Tripods in Canada — Frequently Asked Questions

How much payload capacity do I really need?
For imaging, plan on using no more than 50 to 60% of the manufacturer's visual rating. A 20 kg mount is comfortable with a 10 to 12 kg imaging payload including camera, guider, cables and dovetail.
Are harmonic drive mounts good for long exposures?
Yes, with guiding. They have higher periodic error than a well-made worm-gear mount but it is smooth and correctable, and their portability and payload-to-weight ratio are unmatched.
Do I need a pier instead of a tripod?
Only if you have a permanent site or you are seeing vibration settle slowly. A pier improves rigidity and repeatability of polar alignment but sacrifices portability entirely.
How is a heavy mount shipped?
From our Canadian warehouse, with no customs handling for domestic orders. We advise on freight for the largest mounts and piers before you place the order.

Sizing a mount for your optic?

Send us your telescope, camera and site. We will recommend the right mount and tripod combination. In stock and shipping from Canada.