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Prevent Collisions, Not Possibilities — The ZWO 200mm Pier Extension
The ZWO 200mm Pier Extension for the ZWO AM Series mounts exists to solve a critical problem for imagers using long refractors: the collision between the telescope's objective or camera and the tripod legs when observing near the zenith. This simple, rigid extension provides the necessary clearance to let your mount track high-declination objects through the meridian, unlocking parts of the sky that were previously a source of mechanical anxiety.
Engineered as a native component of the AM3/AM5/AM7 ecosystem, this pier extension is not a generic adapter. It is a purpose-built structural element that integrates perfectly between the AM3/AM5/AM7 mount head and the ZWO TC40 carbon fiber tripod. The result is a taller, more accommodating platform that preserves the stability and portability of the original system, allowing you to image more of the sky without compromise.
The 200mm Height Advantage
The core function of the pier is to elevate the mount head by a full 200mm (7.87 inches). For astronomers using refractors, especially those with longer focal lengths, this added height is essential. It creates the physical space needed for the optical tube to swing freely overhead, preventing a costly and session-ending impact with a tripod leg as your target crosses its highest point in the sky.
Hollow-Carved for Maximum Rigidity, Minimum Weight
ZWO machined the pier extension from a solid piece of aluminum, incorporating a hollow-carved design to strategically remove mass without sacrificing strength. This approach results in an extension weighing just 1.15 kg (2.5 lbs), adding minimal weight to your grab-and-go setup. The benefit is clear: you gain significant operational clearance without paying a penalty in portability or stability, keeping your entire imaging rig light and manageable.
Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Construction
The pier is constructed from the same aircraft-grade aluminum alloy used in the AM5 mount itself. This material choice ensures a consistent thermal expansion coefficient with the rest of your mount, which helps maintain focus and polar alignment stability during temperature changes. More importantly, its high stiffness-to-weight ratio means it resists flexion under load, preventing vibrations that can ruin long exposures.
Seamless AM3/AM5/AM7 Mount Integration
The top of the pier extension features a precisely machined interface that mates directly with the base of the ZWO AM3/AM5/AM7 mount. This is not a friction-fit or a single-bolt connection. It uses the AM3/AM5/AM7's native bolt pattern to create a secure, rigid joint that acts as a single structural unit, ensuring that tracking commands from the mount are transferred to the telescope without any intermediate mechanical slop or flex.
A Solid Foundation on the TC40 Tripod
Just as the top is designed for the AM3/AM5/AM7, the base of the pier is engineered specifically for the ZWO TC40 carbon fiber tripod. The connection is designed for maximum surface contact and rigidity, ensuring the pier becomes a stable extension of the tripod itself. This system-level integration is the key trade-off; while it limits compatibility with third-party tripods, it guarantees optimal stability within the ZWO ecosystem.
Unlock Your Zenith Imaging
With the 200mm Pier Extension installed, an imager with a mid-sized refractor like a 102mm f/7 can finally capture objects passing directly overhead. Imagine tracking the Cygnus Loop or the core of the Andromeda Galaxy for hours, right through the meridian, without ever worrying about the camera train hitting a tripod leg. This accessory transforms the AM5 from a great portable mount into a truly capable long-focal-length imaging platform.
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Do I need the ZWO pier extension for my AM3/AM5/AM7?
If you use a long telescope, like a refractor or a Newtonian, you likely need this extension to prevent the telescope or camera from colliding with the tripod legs when pointing near the zenith. For short, compact telescopes like a RedCat 51, it is generally not necessary.
Will the ZWO 200mm pier extension work with other tripods?
Yes, it will fit on Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Tripod, iOptron 1.75" Literoc Tripod for CEM40/GEM45
Does adding the pier extension reduce the AM5's payload capacity?
While the pier itself is very rigid, raising the center of gravity will make the entire system more susceptible to vibrations from wind. It does not reduce the mount's rated payload, but it does require a more stable, vibration-free surface for optimal performance.
How much height does the pier extension add?
The pier adds exactly 200mm, or about 7.87 inches, of height between the top of the tripod and the base of the AM5 mount head.
Is the pier extension difficult to install in the field?
Installation is straightforward. The pier attaches to the TC40 tripod with a main center bolt, and the AM5 mount then attaches to the top of the pier using the four included hex screws. It adds only a minute or two to your setup time.
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| Product |
ZWO 200mm Pier Extension |
| Model |
PE200 |
| Height |
200 mm (7.87 in) |
| Diameter |
124 mm (4.88 in) |
| Weight |
1.15 kg (2.5 lbs) |
| Material |
Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Alloy |
| Mount Compatibility |
ZWO AM3/AM5/AM7 Harmonic Equatorial Mount |
| Tripod Compatibility |
TC40 Carbon Fiber Tripod, Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Tripod, iOptron 1.75" Literoc Tripod for CEM40/GEM45 |
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ZWO 200mm Pier Extension Mechanical Diagram
The ZWO 200mm Pier Extension features a highly adaptable, modular engineering design built to fit seamlessly into your astrophotography ecosystem while providing vital clearance near the zenith.
Connection to ZWO AM5
This structural arrangement mounts directly and natively between your ZWO AM Series mount head and the TC40 tripod, using a secure multi-bolt configuration to avoid any mechanical flexure during long tracking sessions.
Connection to the Sky-Watcher Tripod
By attaching the specialized tripod adapter plate to the bottom of the assembly, you can quickly adapt the pier extension to mount securely onto a standard Sky-Watcher HEQ5 or EQ5 class tripod profile.
Connection to the iOptron Tripod
This layout outlines how to mate the base plate safely with the wider top platform profile of the iOptron 1.75" LiteRoc Tripod.
How to Replace the Tube with 3 Pillars
For an ultra-lightweight grab-and-go setup, the central cylindrical body can be uninstalled completely. You can swap the outer wall for a three-pillar arrangement using optional stand-off bars to maximize portability without losing core rigidity.
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Sky-Watcher Adapter Plate
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ZWO 2-Year Warranty
