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Tripods and Piers

Everything a mount does well can be undone by what it stands on. A tripod that flexes converts every gust and every focuser touch into vibration that takes seconds to settle, and at long focal length those seconds are exposures. David Astro carries tripods and piers in Canada — field tripods, heavy-duty steel legs and permanent piers — held in Canadian stock.

Height, rigidity and portability trade against each other, and the right balance depends on your tube length and whether the setup is permanent. Tell us both and we will recommend accordingly.

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iOptron Pier Top Plate
CA$84.00 - CA$84.00
CA$84.00
CA$84.00 - CA$84.00
CA$84.00

iOptron Pier Top Plate

IOP-8032PT

Adapts select iOptron mounts to piers All-metal construction Requires modification for some mount/pier combinations Pre-threaded mounting holes ...

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CA$84.00 - CA$84.00
CA$84.00
CA$84.00 - CA$84.00
CA$84.00
iOptron Pier Top Plate
CA$126.00 - CA$126.00
CA$126.00
CA$126.00 - CA$126.00
CA$126.00

iOptron Pier Top Plate

IOP-8032PT-CEM40

Adapts select iOptron mounts to iOptron piers Designed for C40, HE43, H4, and G45 mount heads Includes mounting post and azimuth peg All-metal con...

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CA$126.00 - CA$126.00
CA$126.00
CA$126.00 - CA$126.00
CA$126.00
iOptron Pier Top Plate for AZMP/MT Mounts
CA$98.00 - CA$98.00
CA$98.00
CA$98.00 - CA$98.00
CA$98.00

iOptron Pier Top Plate for AZMP/MT Mounts

IOP-8032PT-AZ

Adapts iOptron AZMP and MT mounts to compatible piers Solid metal construction for stable, secure mounting Pre-drilled and threaded for AZMP/MT bo...

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CA$98.00 - CA$98.00
CA$98.00
CA$98.00 - CA$98.00
CA$98.00
iOptron Pier Top Plate for CEM60 & CEM70 Mounts
CA$105.00 - CA$105.00
CA$105.00
CA$105.00 - CA$105.00
CA$105.00

iOptron Pier Top Plate for CEM60 & CEM70 Mounts

IOP-8032PT-CEM60

CEM60 & CEM70 Compatibility: Engineered with the correct bolt pattern for a direct fit with iOptron CEM60 and CEM70 equatorial mounts. Pier ...

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CA$105.00 - CA$105.00
CA$105.00
CA$105.00 - CA$105.00
CA$105.00
CA$1,119.00 - CA$1,119.00
CA$1,119.00
CA$1,119.00 - CA$1,119.00
CA$1,119.00

iOptron Tri-Pier

IOP-8034
1 in stock

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...

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CA$1,119.00 - CA$1,119.00
CA$1,119.00
CA$1,119.00 - CA$1,119.00
CA$1,119.00
CA$1,679.00 - CA$1,679.00
CA$1,679.00
CA$1,679.00 - CA$1,679.00
CA$1,679.00

iOptron Tri-Pier 360

IOP-8037A

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 ...

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CA$1,679.00 - CA$1,679.00
CA$1,679.00
CA$1,679.00 - CA$1,679.00
CA$1,679.00
iOptron Tri-Pier Adapter for Astro Physics Mounts
CA$291.00 - CA$291.00
CA$291.00
CA$291.00 - CA$291.00
CA$291.00

iOptron Tri-Pier Adapter for Astro Physics Mounts

IOP-8036-AP

Connects Astro-Physics Mounts to iOptron Tri-Pier Enables a Stable, Portable High-End Setup Engineered for a Secure Mechanical Fit Ideal for Field...

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CA$291.00 - CA$291.00
CA$291.00
CA$291.00 - CA$291.00
CA$291.00
iOptron Tri-Pier Adapter for Takahashi Mounts
CA$193.00 - CA$193.00
CA$193.00
CA$193.00 - CA$193.00
CA$193.00

iOptron Tri-Pier Adapter for Takahashi Mounts

IOP-8036-TK

Connects Takahashi Mounts to the iOptron Tri-Pier Creates a rigid, stable platform for imaging and observation Precision-machined for a secure, no...

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CA$193.00 - CA$193.00
CA$193.00
CA$193.00 - CA$193.00
CA$193.00
iOptron Tripod Metal Spreader Tray
CA$53.00 - CA$53.00
CA$53.00
CA$53.00 - CA$53.00
CA$53.00

iOptron Tripod Metal Spreader Tray

IOP-8431

12-inch Diameter Tray Die-Case Aluminum Construction Adds 2.5 lbs of Stabilizing Weight Centralizes Accessory Storage Description FAQ Specifica...

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CA$53.00 - CA$53.00
CA$53.00
CA$53.00 - CA$53.00
CA$53.00
iOptron Vibration Suppression Pads (Set of 3)
CA$53.00 - CA$53.00
CA$53.00
CA$53.00 - CA$53.00
CA$53.00

iOptron Vibration Suppression Pads (Set of 3)

IOP-8433

Set of three pads for complete tripod stability Dampens high-frequency vibrations from wind and ground sources Improves image sharpness in astroph...

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CA$53.00 - CA$53.00
CA$53.00
CA$53.00 - CA$53.00
CA$53.00
CA$49.00 - CA$49.00
CA$49.00
CA$49.00 - CA$49.00
CA$49.00

Pegasus Aluminum Standoffs for NYX-101 Mount

PEG-ADAPT101-STDOFF

A pier extension (+18 cm / 7” is available). The pier can be easily constructed by purchasing the three (3) following parts: EQ6 / Universal adap...

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CA$49.00 - CA$49.00
CA$49.00
CA$49.00 - CA$49.00
CA$49.00
CA$490.00 - CA$490.00
CA$490.00
CA$490.00 - CA$490.00
CA$490.00

Pegasus Carbon Fiber Tripod

PEG-TRPD101
1 in stock

Engineered specifically for the Pegasus Astro NYX-101 Harmonic Drive Mount Weighs only 2000 gr (2 kg) for exceptional portability Supports a maxim...

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CA$490.00 - CA$490.00
CA$490.00
CA$490.00 - CA$490.00
CA$490.00
CA$70.00 - CA$70.00
CA$70.00
CA$70.00 - CA$70.00
CA$70.00

Pegasus Universal Pier Adapter

PEG-ADAPT101-EQ6

Mounts the Pegasus NYX-101 to any EQ6-type tripod Enables construction of a half-pier extension CNC-machined from solid aluminum Universal fit for...

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CA$70.00 - CA$70.00
CA$70.00
CA$70.00 - CA$70.00
CA$70.00
Player One Adjustable Mini Tripod
CA$55.00 - CA$55.00
CA$55.00
CA$55.00 - CA$55.00
CA$55.00

Player One Adjustable Mini Tripod

POA-MINITPD

Standard 1/4" Mounting Screw Adjustable Legs for Uneven Terrain Compact and Lightweight Design Ideal for DSLRs, Guide Cameras, and All-Sky Cams ...

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CA$55.00 - CA$55.00
CA$55.00
CA$55.00 - CA$55.00
CA$55.00
CA$1,225.00 - CA$1,225.00
CA$1,225.00
CA$1,225.00 - CA$1,225.00
CA$1,225.00

PrimaLuceLab C82 Pier for Concrete Base with Adapter for EQ5 / HEQ5 / AZ-EQ5

PLL-C82-C-EQ5

Permanent pier designed for concrete base installation Includes adapter for Sky-Watcher EQ5, HEQ5, and AZ-EQ5 mounts Provides superior stability a...

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CA$1,225.00 - CA$1,225.00
CA$1,225.00
CA$1,225.00 - CA$1,225.00
CA$1,225.00
CA$1,225.00 - CA$1,225.00
CA$1,225.00
CA$1,225.00 - CA$1,225.00
CA$1,225.00

PrimaLuceLab C82 Pier for Concrete Base with Adapter for EQ6 / AZ-EQ6 / CGEM

PLL-C82-C-EQ6

Permanent pier designed for concrete base installation Includes adapter for Sky-Watcher EQ6, AZ-EQ6, and Celestron CGEM mounts Provides exceptiona...

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CA$1,225.00 - CA$1,225.00
CA$1,225.00
CA$1,225.00 - CA$1,225.00
CA$1,225.00
CA$144.00 - CA$144.00
CA$144.00
CA$144.00 - CA$144.00
CA$144.00

Seestar TC20 Carbon Fiber Tripod for Seestar Smart Telescopes

SS-TC20
5 in stock

Upgrade your Seestar setup with the TC20 Carbon Fiber Tripod, a lightweight, sturdy, and adjustable tripod—perfect for a Seestar S30 or Seestar S30...

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CA$144.00 - CA$144.00
CA$144.00
CA$144.00 - CA$144.00
CA$144.00
CA$14.00 - CA$14.00
CA$14.00
CA$14.00 - CA$14.00
CA$14.00

Seestar TH10 3/8" Screw Quick Release Plate

SS-QRP6038

Designed for Seestar S50 Pro and TH10 Tripod Features a heavy-duty 3/8" mounting screw Improves stability for equatorial mode tracking Includes qu...

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CA$14.00 - CA$14.00
CA$14.00
CA$14.00 - CA$14.00
CA$14.00
CA$330.00 - CA$330.00
CA$330.00
CA$330.00 - CA$330.00
CA$330.00

Sky-Watcher EQ6 Steel Tripod for Wave Mounts

SW-S30918
2 in stock

Heavy-duty steel tripod for Sky-Watcher Wave and EQ6-series mounts Provides maximum stability for larger optical tube assemblies Compatible with N...

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CA$330.00 - CA$330.00
CA$330.00
CA$330.00 - CA$330.00
CA$330.00
CA$60.00 - CA$60.00
CA$60.00
CA$60.00 - CA$60.00
CA$60.00

Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Tripod Extension

SW-S20565

Star Adventurer Mini and Star Adventurer accessory.Adds 8.5" extension • Also compatible with AZ-GT series and AZ5.

CA$60.00 - CA$60.00
CA$60.00
CA$60.00 - CA$60.00
CA$60.00
CA$590.00 - CA$590.00
CA$590.00
CA$590.00 - CA$590.00
CA$590.00

Sky-Watcher Wave Carbon Fiber Tripod

SW-S30910

High-strength carbon fiber construction 44-pound payload capacity Designed for Sky-Watcher Wave series mounts Excellent vibration damping for stab...

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CA$590.00 - CA$590.00
CA$590.00
CA$590.00 - CA$590.00
CA$590.00
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CA$3,871.00 - CA$3,871.00
CA$3,871.00
CA$3,871.00 - CA$3,871.00
CA$3,871.00

Software Bisque Paramount ME/MEII/MX/MX+ Pyramid Portable Pier

SB10244

The Paramount Pyramid Portable Pier makes an exceptional foundation for your portable setups.The Pyramid Portable Pier provides unmatched stability...

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CA$3,871.00 - CA$3,871.00
CA$3,871.00
CA$3,871.00 - CA$3,871.00
CA$3,871.00
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CA$1,008.00 - CA$4,424.00
CA$1,008.00 - CA$4,424.00
CA$1,008.00 - CA$4,424.00
CA$1,008.00

Software Bisque Paramount ME/MEII/MX/MX+/MYT Permanent Pier

SB10110

Rock-solid stability for your Paramount mount. The top plate is pre-drilled and tapped to accept the following models: Paramount ME (original) Par...

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CA$1,008.00 - CA$4,424.00
CA$1,008.00 - CA$4,424.00
CA$1,008.00 - CA$4,424.00
CA$1,008.00
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CA$3,353.00 - CA$3,353.00
CA$3,353.00
CA$3,353.00 - CA$3,353.00
CA$3,353.00

Software Bisque Paramount MX/MX+ Pyramid Portable Pier

SB10205

Great for portable setups!The Pyramid Portable Pier provides unmatched stability with features to help you get observing quickly. The Paramount MX...

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CA$3,353.00 - CA$3,353.00
CA$3,353.00
CA$3,353.00 - CA$3,353.00
CA$3,353.00
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Choosing a Base for Your Mount

Two numbers matter: how much the base deflects under load, and how quickly vibration damps out after a disturbance.

  • Field tripods: Adjustable-height aluminium or steel legs for portable use. Adequate for most mounts, with rigidity improving substantially with leg diameter and shorter extension.
  • Heavy-duty tripods: Larger-section legs for mounts above roughly 15 kg capacity, where a standard tripod becomes the limiting element in the system.
  • Portable piers: A single rigid column instead of three legs, giving better stiffness and eliminating the tube-strikes-leg problem, at the cost of a heavier single item to carry.
  • Permanent piers: Bolted or concreted installations for observatories, offering the best rigidity and a polar alignment that does not need repeating.
  • Pier extensions: Raise the mount head to clear a long tube at the meridian, which is the standard fix for tripod leg collisions.
  • Vibration suppression pads: Isolate legs from a deck or hard surface, cutting settle time noticeably on wooden platforms.

Why Choose David Astro for Tripods and Piers

The base is where people economize and then spend the season wondering why their stars are soft.

  • Height calculated for meridian clearance: Give us your tube length and mount and we will work out whether your telescope will strike a leg crossing south.
  • Rigidity matched to focal length: Settle time matters much more at 2000 mm than at 400 mm, and we size the base accordingly rather than to the mount's weight alone.
  • Surface advice: We discuss what you are setting up on — deck, grass, concrete — because the ideal base differs, and a wooden deck often needs suppression pads regardless of tripod quality.
  • Authorized dealer: Genuine products with manufacturer warranty, in Canadian stock.
  • Domestic freight: Heavy items ship from Canada with no duties or brokerage fees for Canadian buyers.

Tripods and Piers in Canada — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know my tripod is too light?
Tap the tube at high magnification and count how long the image takes to settle. More than two or three seconds indicates the base is the weak point, especially at long focal length.
Is a pier worth it for a backyard setup?
If you observe from the same spot regularly, very much so. Beyond rigidity, a permanent pier preserves polar alignment between sessions, which removes the longest step in setup.
Should tripod legs be extended fully?
No, if you can avoid it. Rigidity drops sharply with extension. Use the shortest height that still gives meridian clearance and comfortable eyepiece position.
Can I set up on a wooden deck?
You can, but decks flex and transmit footfall. Vibration suppression pads help substantially, and observing from ground level or a concrete pad is better where possible.

Steadying your setup?

Tell us your mount, tube length and observing surface and we will specify the base. In Canadian stock, shipped worldwide.