Tripods, Piers & Wedges
Everything above the tripod depends on it. A mount rated for 20 kg will still show vibration and soft stars if its legs flex, sink into soft ground or ring for seconds after every touch. Upgrading the support is often the cheapest way to improve tracking, focusing and planetary detail.
This collection covers field tripods from iOptron, Sky-Watcher, ZWO, Pegasus Astro, Celestron and Explore Scientific, portable and permanent piers from Software Bisque, PrimaLuceLab and iOptron, pier extensions and adapters, and equatorial wedges for fork-mounted SCTs.
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Seestar TH10 Tripod Head for EQ Mode
4.0 / 5.0
2 Reviews
Enables Equatorial (EQ) Mode for Seestar S30 & S50 models 5 kg Load Capacity 411 g Lightweight Aluminum Construction Hydraulic Damping for Smo...
View full detailsZWO TC40 Carbon Fiber Tripod
5.0 / 5.0
1 Review
Supports an exceptional 110.23 lb. payload Weighs only 5.07 lb. for extreme portability Carbon fiber legs with 1.5" max diameter for rigidity Adju...
View full detailsZWO 200mm Pier Extension
5.0 / 5.0
1 Review
Adds 200mm of height to prevent OTA collisions Engineered specifically for the ZWO AM5 Mount Hollow, aircraft-grade aluminum construction Compatib...
View full detailsDavid Astro Leveling Base for Seestar
5.0 / 5.0
1 Review
Introducing the Seestar Tripod Lever, engineered with innovative design featuring 3 thumb screws for effortless leveling control. Designed to meet...
View full detailsZWO 160mm Pier Extension
Adds 160mm (6.30") of height for increased OTA clearance Designed for the ZWO AM5 mount Hollow, aircraft-grade aluminum construction for rigidity ...
View full detailsWilliam Optics High Latitude WO Vixen Style Base Mount
Designed for the iOptron SkyGuider Pro and Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Enables stable, precise polar alignment at high latitudes CNC-machined Vixe...
View full detailsSky-Watcher Star Adventurer Tripod
5.0 / 5.0
1 Review
Lightweight aluminum tripod weighing approx. 5.5 lb (2.5 kg) Adjustable height from 25 to 44.75 inches 1.25-inch (31.75 mm) diameter anodized alum...
View full detailsSeestar TC20 Carbon Fiber Tripod for Seestar Smart Telescopes
Carbon fiber construction 30 kg load capacity 590 g weight 235 mm to 365 mm adjustable height Standard 3/8" mounting screw Description FAQ Spec...
View full detailsSky-Watcher EQ6-R Pier Extension
Adds 8.4 inches (213 mm) of height between the mount and tripod Gives long refractors and camera assemblies more clearance from the tripod legs Co...
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 detailsCelestron VSP (Vibration Suppression Pads)
Dampens vibrations from wind, movement, and unsteady ground Made from genuine Sorbothane® for maximum energy dissipation Prevents image blurring a...
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 detailsWilliam Optics Pier Mount 90
90 kg (198 lbs) Loading Capacity Lightweight 7 kg Aluminum Alloy Construction 100 mm (4") Diameter Pillar for Maximum Rigidity Includes 3/8" Adapt...
View full detailsiOptron 1.25" Tripod for iPANO/SkyGuider Pro/SkyTracker
1.25" Stainless Steel Legs 5 lbs (2.3 kg) Total Weight 24.5" to 42.5" Adjustable Height 3/8"-16 Standard Mounting Thread Folds to 27" for Transpor...
View full detailsStarizona PE200 to EQ6 Tripod Adapter
Adapts ZWO PE200 pier extension to Sky-Watcher EQ6 tripods Supports ZWO AM5 and Sky-Watcher Wave mounts via the PE200 Compatible with standard whi...
View full detailsSky-Watcher Wave Tripod Extension Tube
Adds 7 inches (180 mm) of height to your mount Weighs 2.4 lb (1.1 kg) Compatible with Wave 100i and Wave 150i mount heads Attaches to the Wave car...
View full detailsPegasus Universal Pier Adapter
Mounts the Pegasus NYX-101 to any EQ6-type tripod Enables construction of a half-pier extension Universal fit for a wide range of tripods Desc...
View full detailsSky-Watcher EQ6 Steel Tripod for Wave Mounts
5.0 / 5.0
1 Review
Heavy-duty steel tripod for Sky-Watcher Wave and EQ6-series mounts Provides maximum stability for larger optical tube assemblies Compatible with N...
View full detailsiOptron Carbon Fiber Tripod
Supports a massive 50 kg (110 lbs) payload Weighs only 2.29 kg (5 lbs) for extreme portability Adjustable height from 535 mm to 935 mm (21" to 36....
View full detailsSky-Watcher Star Adventurer Tripod Extension
5.0 / 5.0
1 Review
Adds 8.5 inches (215 mm) of height to your tripod 70 mm (2.8 in) diameter tube Anodized aluminum construction Compatible with Star Adventurer, Min...
View full detailsSky-Watcher Star Adventurer Latitude (EQ) Base
Enables Precise Polar Alignment Fine-Tuning Altitude and Azimuth Adjustments Improves Tracking for Longer Exposures Heavy-Duty, Stable Platform fo...
View full detailsCelestron Wedge for NexStar Evolution and SE 6/8
Enables long-exposure astrophotography with NexStar SE and Evolution mounts Supports a total payload of up to 36 lbs (16.33 kg) Wide 0° to 70° lat...
View full detailsSky-Watcher EQ-AL55i Pier Extension
Adds 8.5" (215mm) of Height Helps Long Tubes Clear the Tripod Legs Designed Exclusively for the EQ-AL55i Mount Description FAQ Specifications I...
View full detailsDavid Astro Vibration Suppression Pads
Vibration Suppression Pads for Telescopes offer a reliable solution to reduce unwanted movement during stargazing. Designed to minimize vibrations ...
View full detailsTripod, Pier or Wedge?
- Field tripods: Steel tripods are heavy and damp vibration well. Carbon fibre and aluminium are lighter for travel. Leg diameter and spreader design count for more than material.
- Portable piers: A single column with three feet, like the Software Bisque Pyramid or iOptron Tri-Pier. More rigid than a tripod and gives better clearance for long tubes.
- Permanent piers: Bolted to a concrete base in an observatory or backyard. PrimaLuceLab C82 and C120 with mount-specific adapters, and Software Bisque permanent piers for Paramount mounts.
- Pier extensions: Raise the mount head so a long refractor or camera clears the tripod legs at the meridian. See pier extensions and adapters.
- Equatorial wedges: Tilt a fork-mounted SCT so its axis points at the pole. Required for long-exposure imaging with a CPC, Evolution or SE.
Tips for a Steadier Setup
- Keep the legs short: Extend the legs only as far as you need. Fully extended legs flex the most.
- Use vibration pads: Rubber pads under each foot shorten the settle time after focusing on decks and hard ground.
- Frost and soft soil: In spring, soil softens as it thaws. A paving stone under each foot keeps polar alignment from drifting.
What We Check With You
- Mount interface: Mount bases vary in diameter and bolt pattern. We confirm the adapter needed for your mount and tripod or pier.
- Height and clearance: We work out the height needed so the camera or diagonal clears the legs at the meridian.
- Latitude range: Wedges and some mount bases have limited latitude range. We check it against your location.
Tripods and Piers: Frequently Asked Questions
Is a pier really better than a tripod?
A pier is usually stiffer and gives better clearance, and a permanent pier removes setup and polar alignment from your evening. For portable use, a good tripod with short legs is often enough.
Do I need a wedge for my SCT?
Only for long-exposure deep-sky imaging. Visual observing and planetary imaging work well in alt-az mode.
Can I put my mount on another brand's tripod?
Often yes, with the right adapter plate. Send us both models and we will confirm.
Need a steadier foundation?
Tell us your mount, telescope and where you set up. We will suggest the tripod, pier or adapter that fits.