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Celestron Counterweight - 12 lbs for 19mm Shaft

SKU CEL-94286
Original price $61.95 - Original price $61.95
Original price
$61.95
$61.95 - $61.95
Current price $61.95
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  • Adds 12 lbs (5.44 kg) of balance capacity to your mount
  • Designed for Celestron mounts with a 19mm (0.74") counterweight shaft
  • Compatible with Advanced VX, CG-5, CGEM, CGEM II, and CGX mounts
  • Large, knurled locking knob ensures a secure, no-slip fit
4 in stock
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Warranty
  • Celestron Counterweight, 12 lbs for 19mm Shaft

    This Celestron 12 lb (5.44 kg) counterweight is engineered to perfectly balance your optical tube and accessories on Celestron mounts using a 19mm (0.74") counterweight shaft. It is the factory-specified counterweight for a range of popular mounts, including the Advanced VX, CGEM, and CGX series.

    Precision 12 lb Balance for 19mm Shafts

    Achieving proper balance is critical for the health of your mount and the accuracy of your tracking. By adding this 12 lb counterweight, you offset the load of your telescope and imaging equipment, preventing excessive strain on the mount's motor gears. This ensures smoother tracking for long-exposure astrophotography and protects your investment from premature wear.

    This counterweight slides easily onto any 19mm diameter shaft and is secured by a large, easy-to-grip knurled locking knob. This design ensures the weight cannot slip during a session, maintaining perfect balance from dusk until dawn. It is an essential component for any astronomer adding a camera, guidescope, or heavy eyepieces to their setup.

  • Will this 12 lb Celestron counterweight fit my Advanced VX mount?

    Yes. This counterweight is designed specifically for mounts with a 19mm (0.74") counterweight shaft, which includes the Celestron Advanced VX, CG-5, CGEM, CGEM II, and CGX mounts.

    How do I know if I need this 12 lb counterweight for my setup?

    If you cannot achieve balance with your existing counterweights after adding new equipment (like a camera, filter wheel, or guidescope), you need to add more weight. A properly balanced mount should stay in position with the clutches unlocked, without drifting in either direction.

    Can I add this 12 lb counterweight if my Celestron CGEM already has one?

    Yes, you can add multiple counterweights to the shaft. For optimal performance and to reduce inertia, it's better to place two counterweights closer to the mount rather than one very far down the shaft. Just ensure your total payload remains within the mount's recommended capacity.

    Why is balancing my telescope on my CGX mount so important?

    An imbalanced telescope puts significant stress on the mount's internal gears and motors. This can lead to poor tracking accuracy, visible as trailed stars in images, and can cause permanent damage to the drive system over time. Proper balance with the correct counterweight ensures the mount operates smoothly and accurately.

    What's the difference between this 12 lb counterweight and other Celestron models?

    The primary differences are weight and shaft diameter. This 12 lb model is for the 19mm shafts found on mid-range mounts like the Advanced VX and CGEM. Heavier mounts like the CGX-L and CGE Pro use larger diameter shafts and require different counterweights (e.g., the 22 lb model).

    I added a new camera to my 8" EdgeHD on a CGEM II mount. Is this 12 lb weight the right choice?

    It depends on the weight of your camera and any other accessories. An 8" EdgeHD OTA is around 14 lbs, and the mount comes with a 17 lb counterweight. If your camera and guidescope add several pounds, you will likely need an additional counterweight. This 12 lb weight is a common and effective choice for balancing such a setup without adding excessive mass.

  • Weight 12 lbs (5.44 kg)
    Counterweight Shaft Diameter 19mm (0.74")
    Mount Compatibility Advanced VX, CG-5, CGEM, CGEM II, CGX
    • 12 lb Counterweight for 19mm Shaft

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  • Celestron 2-Year Warranty