iOptron
iOptron's centre-balanced equatorial design moves the payload over the mount's centre of mass rather than hanging it off one side, which cuts counterweight requirements and makes a capable imaging mount genuinely portable. Combined with the iPolar electronic alignment camera, it produces some of the fastest setups in astrophotography. David Astro carries iOptron products in Canada, shipping from Canadian stock.
The range now spans trackers, centre-balanced equatorials and harmonic drive mounts, and choosing between them depends on your payload and how far you carry it. Tell us both and we will narrow it.
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iOptron Arca-Swiss quick release plate for PST
Connects Coronado PST to Arca-Swiss compatible heads Enables rapid mounting and dismounting of the telescope Provides a secure, non-rotating conne...
View full detailsiOptron AZ Mount Pro
33 lb (15 kg) primary and 10 lb secondary payload capacity 13 lb (5.9 kg) mount head, including CW shaft and battery "Level and Go" alignment with...
View full detailsiOptron AZ Mount Pro Altitude Lock Lever
Official iOptron Replacement Part Designed for the AZ Mount Pro Secures the Altitude Axis Restores Original Locking Function Description FAQ Sp...
View full detailsiOptron AZ Mount Pro Binocular Adapter
Mounts binoculars to the iOptron AZ Mount Pro Provides a stable, hands-free viewing platform Eliminates arm fatigue during long observing sessions...
View full detailsiOptron AZ Mount Pro Li-Ion Battery Charger -12.6V 2A
Output Voltage: 12.6V Output Current: 2A Compatibility: iOptron AZ Mount Pro Mounts Function: Li-Ion Battery Charger Description FAQ Specificat...
View full detailsiOptron AZMP LiteRoc 1.75-inch Tripod
1.75-inch Stainless Steel Legs 30-inch to 48-inch Adjustable Height Range 15 lbs (6.8 kg) Total Weight 6-inch (Ø150 mm) Die-Cast Aluminum Top Plat...
View full detailsiOptron Ball Head Top Plate
Adapts Vixen-Style Dovetail Bars to Photographic Ball Heads Enables Mounting of Small Telescopes or Lenses on Camera Tripods Creates a Lightweight...
View full detailsiOptron Battery for iOptron AZ Mount Pro and HAZ46/71 Mounts
4400 mAh Lithium-Ion Capacity 11.1V Nominal Output Voltage (12.6V Peak) Engineered for iOptron AZ Mount Pro, HAZ46, and HAZ71 Lightweight 10.2 oz ...
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 detailsiOptron Carry Bag for 1.5-inch Tripod
Designed for iOptron 1.5-inch Tripods Protects from Scratches and Dust Durable Construction Convenient Carry Handles Simplifies Transport to and f...
View full detailsiOptron CEM120 Mount
Payload Capacity: 115 lbs (52 kg) Mount Head Weight: 57 lbs (26 kg) Payload to Weight Ratio: 2:1 Drive System: Precision Stepper Motor Tracking Re...
View full detailsiOptron CEM120 Pier Top Adapter
CEM120 Mount Compatibility: Designed specifically to adapt the iOptron CEM120 mount head. Flexible Pier Options: Enables mounting on an iOptron ...
View full detailsiOptron CEM26 CW Shaft Mounting House (Low Latitude)
Enables low-latitude operation of the iOptron CEM26 mount Prevents counterweight shaft collision with tripod or pier Replaces the standard counter...
View full detailsiOptron CEM26 Mount
26 lbs (12 kg) payload capacity 10 lbs (4.5 kg) mount head weight Center-Balanced Equatorial Mount (CEM) design Go2Nova controller with ~212,000 o...
View full detailsiOptron CEM26/HEM27/GEM28/HAE29 MiniPier 8-inches
Adds a full 8 inches of height to compatible iOptron mounts Improves viewing comfort, especially for taller observers or when viewing near zenith ...
View full detailsiOptron CEM40 CW Shaft Mounting House (Low Latitude)
Designed for the iOptron CEM40 Mount Solves Counterweight Shaft Collision at Low Latitudes Enables Unobstructed Meridian Crossing Essential for Eq...
View full detailsiOptron CEM40 Hard Case
Custom-fitted for the iOptron CEM40 mount head Hard-shell exterior for impact and dust protection External Dimensions: 18.5" x 16" x 9.5" Weight: ...
View full detailsiOptron CEM40 Mount
40 lb (18 kg) payload on a 17.4 lb (7.9 kg) mount head, 2.28 payload-to-weight ratio Integrated iPolar electronic polar scope and built-in 32-chan...
View full detailsiOptron CEM70 Hard Case
Designed specifically for the iOptron CEM70 mount head Robust hard-shell exterior for maximum protection External Dimensions: 21.5" x 18.5" x 10.5...
View full detailsiOptron CEM70 Mount
70 lbs (31.8 kg) payload on a 30 lbs (13.6 kg) mount head, 2.33 payload-to-weight ratio Center-balanced equatorial mount (CEM) design with Φ151mm ...
View full detailsiOptron Controller Cable - 6P4C
6P4C (6 Position, 4 Conductor) Connector Standard Replacement for Telescope Hand Controllers Flexible Coiled or Straight Cable Design Durable Lock...
View full detailsiOptron Controller Cable - 6P6C
6-Position, 6-Conductor (6P6C) Connector Connects Hand Controller to Mount Ensures Reliable GoTo Communication Standard Replacement for Many Mount...
View full detailsiOptron Counterweight Shaft Extension Bar for CEM26 & GEM28
Extends Counterweight Shaft Length Designed for iOptron CEM26 and GEM28 Mounts Enables Balancing of Heavier or Longer Telescopes Reduces the Need ...
View full detailsiOptron Counterweight Shaft for iOptron SGP and HAE Mounts
200mm (7.875 in.) extended length Standard 20mm (0.79 in.) diameter Fits iOptron SkyGuider Pro and HAE mounts Dual 3/8"-16 threads for extension I...
View full detailsThe iOptron Range and What Distinguishes It
Portability is the organizing idea across the line, with each family solving it a different way.
- CEM centre-balanced equatorials: The payload sits over the mount's centre of gravity, reducing counterweight mass and improving stability for a given head weight.
- GEM series: Conventional German equatorial layout for those who prefer it, with the same control electronics and alignment tools.
- Harmonic drive mounts: Strain-wave gearing carrying substantial payloads with little or no counterweight, ideal for travel and for quick setups.
- Star trackers: Compact tracking heads for camera and lens astrophotography, with sufficient capacity for small telescopes.
- iPolar electronic polar alignment: A built-in camera that achieves accurate polar alignment in minutes without needing to see Polaris through a scope.
- Tri-piers and tripods: Rigid bases designed for the mounts, which matters because a portable mount on a flexible tripod loses most of its advantage.
Why Choose David Astro for iOptron
These mounts reward correct setup, and most of the questions we field are about the first night rather than the purchase.
- Balance guidance for centre-balanced design: The CEM layout balances differently from a conventional German equatorial, and getting it right meaningfully improves guiding.
- iPolar setup support: We help with camera installation, driver setup and alignment routine so it works on the first attempt.
- Payload sized with imaging margin: We size at 50 to 60% of rated capacity for imaging use, including cables and dovetail in the total.
- Authorized dealer: Full manufacturer warranty and verified authenticity, with service handled in Canada.
- Ships from Canada: Domestic delivery with no duties or brokerage fees for Canadian orders.
iOptron in Canada — Frequently Asked Questions
- What does centre-balanced actually change?
- Placing the payload over the mount's centre of mass reduces the counterweight needed and lowers the load on the bearings, so a lighter head carries more. Balancing procedure differs slightly from a standard GEM.
- CEM or harmonic drive?
- Harmonic if portability is paramount and you are willing to guide; the near-elimination of counterweights is a large practical advantage. CEM if you want smoother native tracking and are prepared to carry some counterweight.
- Is iPolar better than a polar scope?
- It is faster and more accurate, and it works from locations where Polaris is obscured. It also removes the awkward physical position a polar scope requires when the mount is low.
- How do these mounts behave in Canadian cold?
- Generally well, with the usual caveat that current draw rises and voltage sag becomes the main cause of faults. Use an adequately sized supply and a short, thick power cable.
Choosing an iOptron mount?
Tell us your payload and how far you carry it and we will recommend the right head. Held in Canada, shipped fast.