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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.

Filters

$1,298.00 - $3,169.00
$1,298.00 - $3,169.00
$1,298.00 - $3,169.00
$1,298.00

iOptron CEM26 Mount

Options available
1 variants in stock

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...

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$1,298.00 - $3,169.00
$1,298.00 - $3,169.00
$1,298.00 - $3,169.00
$1,298.00
$118.00 - $118.00
$118.00
$118.00 - $118.00
$118.00

iOptron CEM26/HEM27/GEM28/HAE29 MiniPier 8-inches

IOP-8040-8

Adds a full 8 inches of height to compatible iOptron mounts Improves viewing comfort, especially for taller observers or when viewing near zenith ...

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$118.00 - $118.00
$118.00
$118.00 - $118.00
$118.00
iOptron CEM40 CW Shaft Mounting House (Low Latitude)
$99.00 - $99.00
$99.00
$99.00 - $99.00
$99.00

iOptron CEM40 CW Shaft Mounting House (Low Latitude)

IOP-C40-CWSML

Designed for the iOptron CEM40 Mount Solves Counterweight Shaft Collision at Low Latitudes Enables Unobstructed Meridian Crossing Essential for Eq...

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$99.00 - $99.00
$99.00
$99.00 - $99.00
$99.00
iOptron CEM40 Mount - CEM40 Head Only w/ iPolar & Case
$2,589.00 - $4,399.00
$2,589.00 - $4,399.00
$2,589.00 - $4,399.00
$2,589.00

iOptron CEM40 Mount

Options available

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...

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$2,589.00 - $4,399.00
$2,589.00 - $4,399.00
$2,589.00 - $4,399.00
$2,589.00
iOptron CEM70 Mount - CEM70EC w/ iPolar, WiFi & USB3
$3,358.00 - $7,139.00
$3,358.00 - $7,139.00
$3,358.00 - $7,139.00
$3,358.00

iOptron CEM70 Mount

Options available
1 variants in stock

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 ...

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$3,358.00 - $7,139.00
$3,358.00 - $7,139.00
$3,358.00 - $7,139.00
$3,358.00
iOptron Controller Cable - 6P4C
$18.00 - $18.00
$18.00
$18.00 - $18.00
$18.00

iOptron Controller Cable - 6P4C

IOP-8415

6P4C (6 Position, 4 Conductor) Connector Standard Replacement for Telescope Hand Controllers Flexible Coiled or Straight Cable Design Durable Lock...

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$18.00 - $18.00
$18.00
$18.00 - $18.00
$18.00
iOptron Controller Cable - 6P6C
$20.00 - $20.00
$20.00
$20.00 - $20.00
$20.00

iOptron Controller Cable - 6P6C

IOP-8415-6P6C
1 in stock

6-Position, 6-Conductor (6P6C) Connector Connects Hand Controller to Mount Ensures Reliable GoTo Communication Standard Replacement for Many Mount...

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$20.00 - $20.00
$20.00
$20.00 - $20.00
$20.00
iOptron Counterweight Shaft Extension Bar for CEM26 & GEM28
$32.00 - $32.00
$32.00
$32.00 - $32.00
$32.00

iOptron Counterweight Shaft Extension Bar for CEM26 & GEM28

IOP-8457
1 in stock

Extends Counterweight Shaft Length Designed for iOptron CEM26 and GEM28 Mounts Enables Balancing of Heavier or Longer Telescopes Reduces the Need ...

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$32.00 - $32.00
$32.00
$32.00 - $32.00
$32.00
iOptron Counterweight Shaft for iOptron SGP and HAE Mounts
$35.00 - $35.00
$35.00
$35.00 - $35.00
$35.00

iOptron Counterweight Shaft for iOptron SGP and HAE Mounts

IOP-P-SGP-CWS

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...

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$35.00 - $35.00
$35.00
$35.00 - $35.00
$35.00
iOptron Cube Counterweight shaft
$28.00 - $28.00
$28.00
$28.00 - $28.00
$28.00

iOptron Cube Counterweight shaft

IOP-8607

150mm (5.9 in.) Length 19mm (0.74 in.) Diameter M14 Female Thread Weight: 11 oz Description FAQ Specifications In the Box Warranty Cube C...

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$28.00 - $28.00
$28.00
$28.00 - $28.00
$28.00
iOptron Cube Secondary Dovetail Saddle Kit
$108.00 - $108.00
$108.00
$108.00 - $108.00
$108.00

iOptron Cube Secondary Dovetail Saddle Kit

IOP-8253

Mount a Second Telescope Side-by-Side Designed for iOptron Cube Series Mounts Ideal for Outreach and Educational Viewing Enables Simultaneous Wide...

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$108.00 - $108.00
$108.00
$108.00 - $108.00
$108.00
iOptron Dovetail Plate - 115mm universal
$39.00 - $39.00
$39.00
$39.00 - $39.00
$39.00

iOptron Dovetail Plate - 115mm universal

IOP-8422-115

115mm Overall Length Universal Vixen-Style Profile Ideal for Guide Scopes and Finders Provides a Secure Mounting Platform Description FAQ Speci...

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$39.00 - $39.00
$39.00
$39.00 - $39.00
$39.00
iOptron Dovetail Plate - 178mm universal
$47.00 - $47.00
$47.00
$47.00 - $47.00
$47.00

iOptron Dovetail Plate - 178mm universal

IOP-8422-178

178mm (7-inch) Length Universal Mounting Design Provides Secure OTA-to-Mount Connection Aids in Balancing Telescope Assemblies Description FAQ ...

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$47.00 - $47.00
$47.00
$47.00 - $47.00
$47.00
iOptron Dovetail Plate for iEQ45 dual saddle
$42.00 - $42.00
$42.00
$42.00 - $42.00
$42.00

iOptron Dovetail Plate for iEQ45 dual saddle

IOP-8422-126

126mm Vixen-Style Dovetail Plate Designed for the iOptron iEQ45 Dual Saddle Provides Secure Mounting for Small Telescopes Compact and Lightweight ...

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$42.00 - $42.00
$42.00
$42.00 - $42.00
$42.00
iOptron Dovetail Plate for iOptron SkyTracker Mount
$42.00 - $42.00
$42.00
$42.00 - $42.00
$42.00

iOptron Dovetail Plate for iOptron SkyTracker Mount

IOP-8422-166

Designed for iOptron SkyTracker Mounts Provides a Stable Camera Mounting Platform Improves Balance with Telephoto Lenses Reduces Flexure for Sharp...

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$42.00 - $42.00
$42.00
$42.00 - $42.00
$42.00
iOptron EQ Base for SkyHunter
$78.00 - $78.00
$78.00
$78.00 - $78.00
$78.00

iOptron EQ Base for SkyHunter

IOP-3327-EQ

Enables equatorial tracking for the iOptron SkyHunter mount Latitude adjustment range of 0º to 80º for use at any location Precise ±5º fine adjust...

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$78.00 - $78.00
$78.00
$78.00 - $78.00
$78.00
$1,348.00 - $3,229.00
$1,348.00 - $3,229.00
$1,348.00 - $3,229.00
$1,348.00

iOptron GEM28 Mount

Options available
1 variants in stock

28 lbs (12.7 kg) instrument payload capacity 10 lbs (4.5 kg) mount head weight Payload-to-weight ratio of 2.80 Go2Nova® 8409 controller with ~212,...

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$1,348.00 - $3,229.00
$1,348.00 - $3,229.00
$1,348.00 - $3,229.00
$1,348.00
iOptron GEM45 Mount - GEM45 Head Only w/ iPolar & Case
$2,639.00 - $4,449.00
$2,639.00 - $4,449.00
$2,639.00 - $4,449.00
$2,639.00

iOptron GEM45 Mount

Options available
1 variants in stock

45 lb (20 kg) payload on a 17.5 lb (7.9 kg) mount head <±7.5 arcsec PE with PPEC; <0.3 arcsec RMS on encoder-equipped EC versions Φ110mm, 21...

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$2,639.00 - $4,449.00
$2,639.00 - $4,449.00
$2,639.00 - $4,449.00
$2,639.00
iOptron Go2Nova® 8407+ Hand Controller
$329.00 - $329.00
$329.00
$329.00 - $329.00
$329.00

iOptron Go2Nova® 8407+ Hand Controller

IOP-8407+

~212,000 Object GoTo Database Large 8-line, 21-character backlit LCD screen 9 slew speeds for precise centering Internal heater for operation down...

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$329.00 - $329.00
$329.00
$329.00 - $329.00
$329.00
iOptron Go2Nova® 8408 Hand Controller
$218.00 - $218.00
$218.00
$218.00 - $218.00
$218.00

iOptron Go2Nova® 8408 Hand Controller

IOP-8408

Backlit 4-line, 21-character LCD display 50,000+ or 150,000+ object database depending on mount 9 distinct slew speeds for precise control ...

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$218.00 - $218.00
$218.00
$218.00 - $218.00
$218.00
iOptron Go2Nova® 8411 Handset
$289.00 - $289.00
$289.00
$289.00 - $289.00
$289.00

iOptron Go2Nova® 8411 Handset

IOP-8411

8-line, 21-character high-contrast OLED display Internal database with approximately 212,000 objects Responsive 32-bit ARM processor 9-speed slew ...

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$289.00 - $289.00
$289.00
$289.00 - $289.00
$289.00
iOptron Go2Nova® Handset 8401
$329.00 - $329.00
$329.00
$329.00 - $329.00
$329.00

iOptron Go2Nova® Handset 8401

IOP-8401

GoToNova® database with over 120,000 celestial objects Large 8-line backlit LCD for clear menu navigation 9 slew speeds for precise centering and ...

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$329.00 - $329.00
$329.00
$329.00 - $329.00
$329.00
iOptron Go2Nova® Handset 8405
$175.00 - $175.00
$175.00
$175.00 - $175.00
$175.00

iOptron Go2Nova® Handset 8405

IOP-8405

GOTONOVA® database with over 14,000 objects Backlit 4-line, 21-character LCD display 5 slewing speeds for precise control Powered by a 32-bit ARM ...

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$175.00 - $175.00
$175.00
$175.00 - $175.00
$175.00
iOptron Go2Nova® Handset 8409
$249.00 - $249.00
$249.00
$249.00 - $249.00
$249.00

iOptron Go2Nova® Handset 8409

IOP-8409

~212,000 object GoTo database Integrated Wi-Fi for wireless control Backlit 4-line, 21-character LCD 9-speed motor control ASCOM compatible for PC...

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$249.00 - $249.00
$249.00
$249.00 - $249.00
$249.00

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.