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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Explore Scientific ES-ASCOM-Y Dual Plug Cable
Connects DB9 and USB Mini-B devices simultaneously to one computer Enables ASCOM control for Explore Scientific PMC-Eight systems Features an inte...
View full detailsExplore Scientific EXOS-2/EXOS-2GT Counterweight 9.9 Pounds - Black
Official component for Explore Scientific EXOS-2 and EXOS-2GT mounts Essential for balancing telescope optical tubes and imaging payloads Reduces ...
View full detailsExplore Scientific FirstLight EXOS Nano Mount
15 lb Payload Capacity 10 lb Mount Head Weight German Equatorial Design for Easy Tracking Vixen-Style Dovetail Saddle 1.25" Adjustable Steel Tripo...
View full detailsExplore Scientific Galileoscope Tripod
Convertible Tabletop to Full-Height Legs Smooth Panhandle Motion Control Lightweight, Portable Design Secure Mount for the Galileoscope Standard 1...
View full detailsExplore Scientific iEXOS-100 Azimuth Adjuster Adapter
Enables fine azimuth adjustments for the iEXOS-100 mount Essential for achieving precise polar alignment Improves tracking accuracy for long-expos...
View full detailsExplore Scientific iEXOS-100 Polar Finder and Adapter
Enables Precise Polar Alignment for Astrophotography Designed Specifically for the Explore Scientific iEXOS-100 Mount Illuminated Reticle for Easy...
View full detailsExplore Scientific iEXOS-100-02 HD PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System
PMC-Eight™ GoTo System German Equatorial Mount Design Wireless and Wired Control via App or ASCOM Includes Illuminated Polar Finder Scope Includes...
View full detailsExplore Scientific Illuminated Polar Finder
Enables Precise Polar Alignment for Astrophotography Features an Illuminated Reticle with Polar Assist Markings Essential Upgrade for Eliminating ...
View full detailsExplore Scientific Medium-Vixen Style Saddle Plate
Vixen-Style Mounting Profile Solid Extruded Aluminum Construction Black Anodized Finish for Durability Medium Length for Versatile Balancing Light...
View full detailsExplore Scientific Replacement Illuminator for Polar Finder EXOS2/EXOS2GT
Deep Red LED Illumination Variable Brightness Control Fits 50mm Reticle Finder Scopes Compatible with EXOS2 & EXOS2GT Mounts Powered by 2 AA B...
View full detailsExplore Scientific Right Ascension Drive for EQ3 Mounts
Adds automatic Right Ascension tracking to manual mounts Keeps celestial objects centered in the eyepiece Ideal for high-magnification planetary a...
View full detailsExplore Scientific Sidara Pro GoTo Mount with SkyAssist
SkyAssist GoTo System Automated Self-Alignment App-Based Wireless Control Intuitive Alt-Azimuth Design Vixen-Style Dovetail Saddle Dual Power Opti...
View full detailsExplore Scientific Twilight Heavy Duty Tripod (Black)
Tripod Weight: 13.6 lb (6.2 kg) Leg Diameter: 2-inch Stainless Steel Height Range: 26.5" to 42.5" Collapsed Length: 31.5" Compatibility: Twilight ...
View full detailsExplore Scientific Twilight I Adjustable Angle Alt-Azimuth Mount
Light-to-medium-duty alt-azimuth mount Adjustable angle head for zenith clearance Slow-motion controls on both axes Vixen-style universal dovetail...
View full detailsExplore Scientific Twilight Medium Duty Tripod (Black)
Direct Stability Upgrade for the iEXOS-100 Mount Increases Payload Capacity for Heavier Equipment Adjustable Stainless Steel Legs Die-Cast Aluminu...
View full detailsFarpoint 2 lb Add-On Ring Weight for 12" or 16" Weight Set
This add-on weight works in conjunction with the basic weight sets (three 1 pound weights) for the 12" & 16" Meade LightBridge telescopes, Zhum...
View full detailsFarpoint D Series Dovetail Camera Mount
Our 7 inch long D size dovetail bar with a standard camera mount thread (1/4-20). This system lets you mount your DSLR camera and lens directly on...
View full detailsFarpoint D Series Dovetail Camera Mount Quick Release Adapter
Farpoint Dovetail Camera Mount Quick Release Adapter attaches a camera (or another accessory that uses a tripod mount) to a quick release saddle. T...
View full detailsFarpoint D Series Dovetail Plate - Celestron 9.25" SCT
Safely attach telescope optical tubes with Farpoint Dovetail Plate – Celestron 9.25 Inch SCT.Losmandy “D” size 17" dovetail plate, radius blocks, a...
View full detailsFarpoint D Series Dovetail Rings - 125mm
Safely attach telescope optical accessories with Farpoint 125mm D Style Dovetail Rings.Includes two “D” Losmandy style 125mm I.D. Rings with 3 poin...
View full detailsFarpoint D Series Dovetail Rings - 90mm
Safely attach telescope optical accessories with Farpoint 90mm D Style Dovetail Rings.Includes two “D” Losmandy style 90mm I.D. Rings with 3 point ...
View full detailsFarpoint D Series Universal Dovetail Plate - 14"
Safely attach telescope optical tubes and accessories with Farpoint 14 Inch Universal Dovetail Plate. Machined of sturdy aluminum with a black ano...
View full detailsFarpoint D Series Universal Dovetail Plate - 7"
Safely attach telescope optical tubes and accessories with Farpoint 7 Inch Universal Dovetail Plate.Machined of sturdy aluminum with a black anodiz...
View full detailsFarpoint D-Handle (only) for FDA
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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.