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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iOptron Secondary Dovetail Saddle for AZ Mount Pro
Adds a second dovetail saddle to your mount Official accessory for the iOptron AZ Mount Pro Enables dual-telescope setups Ideal for simultaneous v...
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/GEM45/CEM60/CEM70
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 Includes a center post for mounting on an iOptron Pier or Tri-Pier Level adjustment screws for using the AZ...
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 Tri-Pier
Supports a massive 220 lbs (100 kg) payload Weighs 25.8 lbs (11.7 kg) Adjustable height from 31.5" to 42.5" Wide 48.8" leg spread for maximum stab...
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-Cast 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 USB to RS232 converter
Connects iOptron mounts with RS232 ports to modern computers via USB Enables firmware updates for hand controllers and main boards Allows for dire...
View full detailsiOptron Vibration Suppression Pads (Set of 3)
Set of three pads for complete tripod stability Dampens high-frequency vibrations from wind and ground sources Improves image sharpness in astroph...
View full detailsiOptron Vixen/Losmandy Dual Dovetail Saddle
Accepts Vixen-style dovetail bars Accepts Losmandy-style dovetail bars Dual-saddle design for mounting versatility Description FAQ Specificatio...
View full detailsiOptron Z-axis Balancing Kit
Sliding counterweight for front-to-back (Z-axis) balance Mounts directly to the dovetail saddle Attaches with an included M8 threaded screw Anodiz...
View full detailsiOptron ZEQ25/CEM25 Counterweight Shaft Extension Bar
Extends Counterweight Shaft Length Increases Balancing Leverage Allows for Heavier Telescope Payloads Compatible with iOptron ZEQ25 Mounts Compati...
View full detailsLunt Clamshell Mounting Rings - LS60THA or LS80THA
Designed for Lunt LS60THa & LS80THa Telescopes Heavy-Duty Black-Anodized Construction Integrated 1/4-20 Tapped Mounting Hole Accepts Tele Vue ...
View full detailsLunt V-Series Dovetail Bar - 12"
12" Mounting Length Vixen-Style Dovetail Profile Black Anodized Aluminum Construction Four 1/4-20 Mounting Holes, Two Connecting Screws Included ...
View full detailsLunt V-Series Dovetail Bar - 4"
4" Compact Length Vixen-Style Mounting Profile Black Anodized Aluminum Construction Pre-Drilled with 1/4-20 Threaded Holes Compatible with Lunt So...
View full detailsMount 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.