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Mounts and Tripods

The mount is the part of a telescope system that decides what is possible. It sets how long you can expose before stars trail, how much optic you can carry, and how much of a night you spend imaging rather than troubleshooting. David Astro stocks mounts and tripods in Canada — equatorial, alt-azimuth, harmonic drive and star tracker — with piers, wedges and counterweights to match, shipped domestically.

We help customers size mounts to real payloads rather than optimistic ones, and we are candid about where a mount's rated capacity stops being realistic for imaging. If you tell us your optic and your intended use, we will tell you what it actually needs.

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$185.00 - $185.00
$185.00
$185.00 - $185.00
$185.00

Sky-Watcher Wave Tripod Extension Tube

SW-S30912
1 in stock

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...

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$185.00 - $185.00
$185.00
$185.00 - $185.00
$185.00
$68.00 - $68.00
$68.00
$68.00 - $68.00
$68.00

SkyHunter Extention Pier

IOP-8041

Increases mount head height for improved clearance Prevents longer telescopes from striking tripod legs Raises eyepiece to a more comfortable view...

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$68.00 - $68.00
$68.00
$68.00 - $68.00
$68.00
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$285.00 - $285.00
$285.00
$285.00 - $285.00
$285.00

Software Bisque 1.5" Paramount ME/ME II Counterweight Shaft

SB10235

The Standard Counterweight Shaft that is included with all original Paramount ME mounts.Specifications Length: 46 cm (18 in.) Diameter: 3.8 cm (1.5...

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$285.00 - $285.00
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$160.00 - $160.00
$160.00
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$160.00

Software Bisque 1.5" Paramount ME/ME II/MX/MX+/MYT Counterweight Shaft Extension

SB10102

Extends counterweight shaft by 12 inches Adds capacity for up to 2 additional counterweights Designed for 1.5" diameter Paramount shafts Compatibl...

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$160.00 - $160.00
$160.00
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$250.00 - $250.00
$250.00
$250.00 - $250.00
$250.00

Software Bisque 1.5" Paramount MX/MX+ Counterweight Shaft

SB10270

Official Replacement for Paramount MX and MX+ Mounts 1.5-inch Standard Diameter Weighs 9 lbs Ensures Secure Balancing of Heavy Payloads Descrip...

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$250.00 - $250.00
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$260.00 - $260.00
$260.00
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$260.00

Software Bisque 1.875" Paramount ME II Counterweight Shaft Extension

SB10256

Extends the Paramount ME II's 1.875" counterweight shaft Adds 12 inches of usable length for additional counterweights Weighs 7 lbs, contributing ...

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$260.00 - $260.00
$260.00
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$1,695.00 - $1,695.00
$1,695.00
$1,695.00 - $1,695.00
$1,695.00

Software Bisque C11 OTA Mounting Rings

SB10327

Engineered for Celestron C11 and RASA 11-inch optical tubes Pre-drilled for direct attachment to Paramount ME II, MX/MX+, and MYT Versa-Plates Tot...

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$1,695.00 - $1,695.00
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$1,695.00 - $1,695.00
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Software Bisque C14 OTA Mounting Rings

SB10324

Designed for Celestron C14 and RASA 14-inch OTAs Direct-fit for Paramount ME II, MX/MX+, and Taurus 400 mounts Total Weight: 15 lbs Supports top-m...

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$1,695.00 - $1,695.00
$1,695.00
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$1,695.00 - $1,695.00
$1,695.00
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Software Bisque MEADE 14" OTA Mounting Rings

SB10333

Engineered specifically for Meade 14-inch optical tube assemblies Provides a direct, secure fit to Paramount mounting systems Total set weight of ...

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$1,695.00 - $1,695.00
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$1,845.00 - $1,845.00
$1,845.00
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$1,845.00

Software Bisque MEADE 16" OTA Mounting Rings

SB10323

Designed specifically for Meade 16" Optical Tubes Total Weight: 16 lbs Direct fit for Paramount ME II Versa-Plate Direct fit for Paramount Taurus ...

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$1,845.00 - $1,845.00
$1,845.00
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$550.00 - $550.00
$550.00
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$550.00

Software Bisque Mounting Ring Dovetail Accessory Plate

SB10328

Interfaces Truss-Tube Telescopes to Paramount Taurus Fork Arms Functions as a Dovetail Saddle for a Secure Connection Designed Specifically for So...

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$550.00 - $550.00
$550.00
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$550.00
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$534.00 - $534.00
$534.00
$534.00 - $534.00
$534.00

Software Bisque Paramount and MKS 5000 Hand Paddle/Joystick

SB10228

Replacement joystick for Paramount mounts Native compatibility with MKS 5000 and MKS 6000 controllers Backward compatible with MKS 4000 systems wi...

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$534.00 - $534.00
$534.00
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$534.00
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$90.00 - $90.00
$90.00
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$90.00

Software Bisque Paramount ME Base Mounting Knob

SB10231

Direct OEM replacement for the Paramount ME mount Secures the mount head to a pier or tripod Replaces a lost or damaged original knob Weight: 1 lb...

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$90.00 - $90.00
$90.00
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$90.00
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$160.00 - $160.00
$160.00
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$160.00

Software Bisque Paramount ME Homing Sensor Cable - 24"

SB10191

Direct replacement for the Paramount ME homing sensor Compatible with both MKS 4000 and MKS 5000 control systems Complete assembly includes integr...

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$160.00 - $160.00
$160.00
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$160.00
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$550.00 - $550.00
$550.00
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$550.00

Software Bisque Paramount ME II 1.875" Bore 30 lb Counterweight

SB10255

Nominal Weight: 30 lbs Bore Diameter: 1.875 inches Compatibility: Paramount ME II Counterweight Shaft Material: Solid Stainless Steel Descripti...

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$550.00 - $550.00
$550.00
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$550.00
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$680.00 - $680.00
$680.00
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$680.00

Software Bisque Paramount ME II 1.875" Bore 40 lb Counterweight

SB10293

43 lbs Counterweight 12 × 12 × 6 inch Dimensions Optimized for Paramount ME II Mounts Minimizes Number of Required Weights Description FAQ Spec...

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$680.00 - $680.00
$680.00
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$920.00 - $920.00
$920.00
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$920.00

Software Bisque Paramount ME II Large Dovetail

SB10258

Adapts Paramount ME II Versa-Plate for Planewave-style dovetails Compatible with PlaneWave Instruments and Officina Stellare telescopes Solid, sin...

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$920.00 - $920.00
$920.00
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$2,300.00 - $2,300.00
$2,300.00
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$2,300.00

Software Bisque Paramount ME II Side by Side Ring Plate Large Dovetail

SB10334

Mount multiple telescopes side-by-side Designed for Software Bisque Paramount ME and ME II mounts Substantial 30 lb weight for maximum stability L...

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$2,300.00 - $2,300.00
$2,300.00
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$2,300.00
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$132.00 - $132.00
$132.00
$132.00 - $132.00
$132.00

Software Bisque Paramount ME II Versa-Plate Brass Plunger

SB10284

OEM Replacement Part For Paramount ME II Versa-Plate Single Unit (Quantity 1) Brass Construction Description FAQ Specifications In the Box Warr...

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$132.00 - $132.00
$132.00
$132.00 - $132.00
$132.00
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$100.00 - $100.00
$100.00
$100.00 - $100.00
$100.00

Software Bisque Paramount ME II/ME Base Mounting Knob

SB10291

Direct OEM replacement for Paramount ME and ME II mounts Ensures secure, factory-spec attachment of the mount head Large, ergonomic design for too...

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$100.00 - $100.00
$100.00
$100.00 - $100.00
$100.00
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$95.00 - $95.00
$95.00
$95.00 - $95.00
$95.00

Software Bisque Paramount ME II/MX/MX+/MYT Homing Sensor Cable

SB10297

Official Software Bisque replacement part Compatible with Paramount ME II, MX, MX+, and MYT mounts Restores mount homing sensor functionality Weig...

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$95.00 - $95.00
$95.00
$95.00 - $95.00
$95.00
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$280.00 - $280.00
$280.00
$280.00 - $280.00
$280.00

Software Bisque Paramount ME Pier to Paramount MX/MX+/MYT Base Adaptor Plate

SB10279

Adapts Paramount ME piers for use with MX, MX+, or MYT mounts Weight: 10 lbs Dimensions: 12 × 12 × 6 in Preserves investment in existing pier infr...

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$280.00 - $280.00
$280.00
$280.00 - $280.00
$280.00
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$154.00 - $154.00
$154.00
$154.00 - $154.00
$154.00

Software Bisque Paramount ME Precision Bubble Level

SB10107

Precision bubble level for Paramount ME Designed for portable field setups Accuracy to approximately one arcminute Ensures optimal GoTo and tracki...

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$154.00 - $154.00
$154.00
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$154.00
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$19,295.00 - $25,295.00
$19,295.00 - $25,295.00
$19,295.00 - $25,295.00
$19,295.00

Software Bisque Paramount ME Robotic Telescope System

Options available

Observatory-Grade German Equatorial Mount Belt-driven gears for virtually zero backlash Includes two 14 kg (30 lb.) counterweights MKS 6000 contro...

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$19,295.00 - $25,295.00
$19,295.00 - $25,295.00
$19,295.00 - $25,295.00
$19,295.00

Mount Types and What Each One Is For

Choose by what you do, not by capacity alone. A mount that is excellent for visual observing can be poor for long-exposure imaging, and vice versa.

  • German equatorial mounts: The standard for deep-sky imaging. One motor tracks the sky once polar aligned, and periodic error correction plus autoguiding delivers minutes-long sub-exposures.
  • Harmonic drive mounts: Strain-wave gearing carries heavy payloads with little or no counterweight, making a capable imaging mount portable enough to carry in one hand.
  • Alt-azimuth mounts: Intuitive up-down, left-right motion, ideal for visual observing and grab-and-go use; field rotation limits unguided imaging without a wedge.
  • Star trackers: Compact tracking platforms for a camera and lens, the lightest practical route into wide-field astrophotography.
  • Tripods and piers: Rigidity below the mount matters as much as the mount head; a pier removes tripod flex and settles vibration faster.
  • Counterweights and shafts: Correct balance reduces motor load and improves guiding, and extension bars help balance short, heavy optics.

Why Choose David Astro for Mounts and Tripods

Mounts are heavy, expensive and awkward to return. Getting the specification right the first time is worth more than a discount.

  • Realistic payload sizing: We recommend loading an imaging mount to roughly 50 to 60% of its visual rating, and we will say so even when it points you to a larger mount.
  • Pier and tripod height planning: We calculate the height you need to clear your tube at the meridian without striking the tripod legs, which is a common and frustrating surprise.
  • Authorized dealer: Full manufacturer warranty, handled domestically in Canada rather than through international shipping.
  • Canadian inventory: Heavy items shipped from within Canada, avoiding duties, brokerage fees and cross-border freight damage risk.
  • In-house service: Diagnostics and repair for mount electronics and drives, so downtime is measured in days rather than months.

Mounts and Tripods in Canada — Frequently Asked Questions

How much payload capacity do I really need?
For imaging, plan on using no more than 50 to 60% of the manufacturer's visual rating. A 20 kg mount is comfortable with a 10 to 12 kg imaging payload including camera, guider, cables and dovetail.
Are harmonic drive mounts good for long exposures?
Yes, with guiding. They have higher periodic error than a well-made worm-gear mount but it is smooth and correctable, and their portability and payload-to-weight ratio are unmatched.
Do I need a pier instead of a tripod?
Only if you have a permanent site or you are seeing vibration settle slowly. A pier improves rigidity and repeatability of polar alignment but sacrifices portability entirely.
How is a heavy mount shipped?
From our Canadian warehouse, with no customs handling for domestic orders. We advise on freight for the largest mounts and piers before you place the order.

Sizing a mount for your optic?

Send us your telescope, camera and site. We will recommend the right mount and tripod combination. In stock and shipping from Canada.