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July 1st: Store will be closed for Canada Day. Orders placed that day will ship on July 2nd.
Sky-Watcher EQ-AL55i Pier Extension

Sky-Watcher EQ-AL55i Pier Extension

by Sky-Watcher
SKU SW-S30501
$98.73 - $98.73
$98.73
$98.73 - $98.73
$98.73
Price Match Policy!
  • Adds 8.5 inches (215mm) of height to the EQ-AL55i mount
  • Prevents long optical tubes from colliding with tripod legs
  • Increases clearance for counterweights at high latitudes
  • Weighs only 2.5 lbs
2 in stock
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
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  • Sky-Watcher EQ-AL55i Pier Extension

    The Sky-Watcher EQ-AL55i Pier Extension raises your mount head by a critical 8.5 inches (215mm) to solve key clearance issues during imaging. This accessory weighs just 2.5 lbs and is purpose-built for the Sky-Watcher EQ-AL55i Mount, ensuring a stable, seamless fit.

    Gain 8.5 Inches of Critical Clearance

    The primary function of this 8.5-inch (215mm) extension is to prevent the objective or camera end of a long optical tube from striking the tripod legs when pointed near the zenith. This is a common and session-ending problem when imaging with longer refractors or Newtonians, and this pier extension provides the necessary space to track objects through the meridian without collision.

    Improve High-Latitude and Low-Angle Performance

    For observers at high latitudes, the counterweight shaft on an equatorial mount often sits at a steep angle, limiting its range of motion and potentially interfering with the tripod. By adding 215mm of height, the EQ-AL55i Pier Extension lifts the entire mount assembly, allowing the counterweight bar to swing freely below the tripod hub for unobstructed balancing and tracking.

    Engineered for the EQ-AL55i Mount at only 2.5 lbs

    This isn't a generic adapter; it's designed specifically for the Sky-Watcher EQ-AL55i Mount, guaranteeing correct threading and a rigid connection. Despite its solid build, the pier extension adds only 2.5 lbs to your setup, minimizing its impact on your mount's payload capacity and overall portability. The trade-off for increased clearance is a slightly higher center of gravity, which requires careful balancing but is essential for using longer instruments.

  • Will the EQ-AL55i Pier Extension prevent my long refractor from hitting the tripod?

    Yes, this is its primary purpose. The added 8.5 inches (215mm) of height provides the necessary clearance for longer optical tubes, allowing you to image objects passing through the meridian and near the zenith without fear of the telescope colliding with the tripod legs.

    Is the Sky-Watcher EQ-AL55i Pier Extension difficult to install?

    No, installation is straightforward. The extension is designed to fit directly between the EQ-AL55i mount head and its tripod, using the existing hardware. You simply unbolt the mount head, place the pier extension on the tripod, and then bolt the mount head on top of the extension.

    How much weight does the EQ-AL55i Pier Extension add to the setup?

    The pier extension weighs only 2.5 lbs. This minimal weight addition ensures it doesn't significantly reduce the effective payload capacity of your EQ-AL55i mount, maintaining portability while providing crucial clearance.

    Do I need the EQ-AL55i Pier Extension for visual observing with a small telescope?

    For smaller instruments like short-tube refractors or small Maksutov-Cassegrains, you may not need the extension for clearance. However, it can still improve comfort by raising the eyepiece to a more convenient height, reducing the need to bend down during observation.

    I live at a high latitude. How does the EQ-AL55i Pier Extension help me image objects like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31)?

    At high latitudes, your mount is tilted at a steep angle. This can cause the counterweight bar to interfere with the tripod when pointing at high-altitude objects like M31. The 8.5-inch extension lifts the entire mount, providing the necessary room for the counterweights to move freely without obstruction.

    Will adding the Sky-Watcher EQ-AL55i Pier Extension affect my mount's stability?

    The extension creates a rigid, stable connection. However, by raising the center of gravity, any vibrations can be slightly more pronounced. It is critical to ensure your tripod is on solid ground and that the entire imaging system is well-balanced to maintain optimal stability for astrophotography.

  • SKU SW-S30501
    Product Name EQ-AL 55i Pier Extension
    Extender Height 8.5" (215mm)
    Weight 2.5 lbs
    Compatibility Sky-Watcher EQ-AL55i Mount

    • EQ-AL55i Pier Extension

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  • Sky-Watcher 2-Year Warranty