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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.

Equatorial Mounts

An equatorial mount aligns one axis with the Earth's rotation, so a single motor at sidereal rate holds a target still indefinitely and the field does not rotate. That single geometric fact is why every long-exposure deep-sky image is made on one. David Astro stocks equatorial mounts in Canada, from portable German equatorials to observatory-class heads, shipped domestically.

Polar alignment accuracy, payload margin and periodic error are the three variables that decide your results. Tell us your optic and focal length and we will size the mount against all three.

Filters

$1,099.00 - $1,099.00
$1,099.00
$1,099.00 - $1,099.00
$1,099.00

Celestron Advanced VX Mount and Tripod

CEL-91519
2 in stock

30 lb (13.6 kg) instrument load capacity Computerized GoTo German Equatorial Mount DC servo motors with 9 slew speeds up to 4°/second Dual CG-5/CG...

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$1,099.00 - $1,099.00
$1,099.00
$1,099.00 - $1,099.00
$1,099.00
$1,899.00 - $1,899.00
$1,899.00
$1,899.00 - $1,899.00
$1,899.00

Celestron CGEM II EQ Mount and Tripod

CEL-91523
1 in stock

40 lb (18 kg) instrument load capacity Dual CG-5 and CGE dovetail saddle plates 2" diameter steel tripod legs for stability NexStar+ hand control ...

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$1,899.00 - $1,899.00
$1,899.00
$1,899.00 - $1,899.00
$1,899.00
$2,699.00 - $2,699.00
$2,699.00
$2,699.00 - $2,699.00
$2,699.00

Celestron CGX Equatorial Mount and Tripod

CEL-91530
1 in stock

Supports imaging payloads up to 55 lbs (25 kg) Low-profile equatorial head for increased stability and rigidity Dual CG-5 and CGE dovetail saddle ...

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$2,699.00 - $2,699.00
$2,699.00
$2,699.00 - $2,699.00
$2,699.00
$4,299.00 - $4,299.00
$4,299.00
$4,299.00 - $4,299.00
$4,299.00

Celestron CGX-L Equatorial Mount and Tripod

CEL-91531

Supports a 75 lb (34 kg) instrument payload Massive 144mm diameter worm wheels for smooth, precise tracking Heavy-duty 2.75" steel tripod legs pro...

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$4,299.00 - $4,299.00
$4,299.00
$4,299.00 - $4,299.00
$4,299.00
$3,499.00 - $3,499.00
$3,499.00
$3,499.00 - $3,499.00
$3,499.00

Celestron CGX-L Equatorial Mount Without Tripod

CEL-91532

Supports imaging payloads up to 75 lbs (34 kg) Dual CG-5 and CGE dovetail saddle for broad telescope compatibility Maximum slew speed of 3° per se...

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$3,499.00 - $3,499.00
$3,499.00
$3,499.00 - $3,499.00
$3,499.00
$419.95 - $419.95
$419.95
$419.95 - $419.95
$419.95

Celestron Omni CG-4 Telescope Mount and Tripod

CEL-91509

German Equatorial mount enables easy tracking of celestial objects Includes both a 7 lb and a 4 lb counterweight for balancing a variety of optica...

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$419.95 - $419.95
$419.95
$419.95 - $419.95
$419.95
$149.99 - $149.99
$149.99
$149.99 - $149.99
$149.99

Explore Scientific FirstLight EXOS Nano Mount

ES-FL-EXOSNANOT1-00

15 lb Payload Capacity 10 lb Mount Head Weight German Equatorial Design for Easy Tracking Vixen-Style Dovetail Saddle 1.25" Adjustable Steel Tripo...

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$149.99 - $149.99
$149.99
$149.99 - $149.99
$149.99
Explore Scientific iEXOS-100-02 HD PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System
$699.99 - $699.99
$699.99
$699.99 - $699.99
$699.99

Explore Scientific iEXOS-100-02 HD PMC-Eight Equatorial Tracker System

ES-iEXOS100-ET

PMC-Eight™ GoTo System German Equatorial Mount Design Wireless and Wired Control via App or ASCOM Includes Illuminated Polar Finder Scope Includes...

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$699.99 - $699.99
$699.99
$699.99 - $699.99
$699.99
$5,649.00 - $9,569.00
$5,649.00 - $9,569.00
$5,649.00 - $9,569.00
$5,649.00

iOptron CEM120 Mount

Options available

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...

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$5,649.00 - $9,569.00
$5,649.00 - $9,569.00
$5,649.00 - $9,569.00
$5,649.00
$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
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
$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
$1,398.00 - $1,398.00
$1,398.00
$1,398.00 - $1,398.00
$1,398.00

iOptron HAE16C AZ/EQ Dual SWG

IOP-HE162C

Hybrid EQ/Alt-Az Mount Design 18 lbs (8.2 kg) Payload without Counterweight 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg) Mount Head Weight StrainWave RA Gear & Worm/Belt ...

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$1,398.00 - $1,398.00
$1,398.00
$1,398.00 - $1,398.00
$1,398.00
iOptron HAE18C AZ/EQ Dual Strain Wave GoTo Mount
$1,649.00 - $1,649.00
$1,649.00
$1,649.00 - $1,649.00
$1,649.00

iOptron HAE18C AZ/EQ Dual Strain Wave GoTo Mount

IOP-HE182C

Payload (without counterweight): 18.7 lbs (8.5 kg) Mount Head Weight: 6.2 lbs (2.82 kg) Payload-to-Weight Ratio: 3.01 Drive System: Dual Strain Wa...

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$1,649.00 - $1,649.00
$1,649.00
$1,649.00 - $1,649.00
$1,649.00
iOptron HAE29 Dual AZ/EQ SWG Mount - HAE29C
$1,998.00 - $3,899.00
$1,998.00 - $3,899.00
$1,998.00 - $3,899.00
$1,998.00

iOptron HAE29 Dual AZ/EQ SWG Mount

Options available

Zero-backlash strain wave gears in RA (480:1) and DEC (360:1) 29.7 lbs (13.5 kg) payload without counterweights (29 lbs / 13 kg on HAE29B versions...

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$1,998.00 - $3,899.00
$1,998.00 - $3,899.00
$1,998.00 - $3,899.00
$1,998.00
iOptron HAE43 Dual AZ/EQ SWG Mount - HAE43C
$2,798.00 - $4,889.00
$2,798.00 - $4,889.00
$2,798.00 - $4,889.00
$2,798.00

iOptron HAE43 Dual AZ/EQ SWG Mount

Options available

44 lbs (20 kg) payload without counterweights, 55 lbs (25 kg) with optional counterweight Strain wave gears on RA and DEC (640:1 / 480:1) with ele...

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$2,798.00 - $4,889.00
$2,798.00 - $4,889.00
$2,798.00 - $4,889.00
$2,798.00
iOptron HAE69 Dual AZ/EQ SWG Mount - HAE69C
$3,848.00 - $6,089.00
$3,848.00 - $6,089.00
$3,848.00 - $6,089.00
$3,848.00

iOptron HAE69 Dual AZ/EQ SWG Mount

Options available

69 lbs (31 kg) payload without counterweights; 79 lbs (36 kg) with optional counterweight Mount head under 20 lbs: 19.8 lbs (9 kg) HAE69C/HAE69B, ...

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$3,848.00 - $6,089.00
$3,848.00 - $6,089.00
$3,848.00 - $6,089.00
$3,848.00
$2,098.00 - $2,098.00
$2,098.00
$2,098.00 - $2,098.00
$2,098.00

iOptron HAZ31 Strain Wave Alt-Az

HZ312

31 lb (14 kg) instrument payload capacity 8.2 lb (3.7 kg) mount head weight Dual-axis strain wave gear system with 480:1 reduction ratio Go2Nova c...

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$2,098.00 - $2,098.00
$2,098.00
$2,098.00 - $2,098.00
$2,098.00
$2,849.00 - $2,849.00
$2,849.00
$2,849.00 - $2,849.00
$2,849.00

iOptron HAZ46 Alt-Az Strain Wave Mount

IOP-HZ462

Supports a 44 lbs (20 kg) payload without counterweights Lightweight mount head weighs only 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) Strain wave gear system with 640:1 r...

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$2,849.00 - $2,849.00
$2,849.00
$2,849.00 - $2,849.00
$2,849.00
iOptron HEM27 Mount - HEM27EC Mount
$1,998.00 - $3,559.00
$1,998.00 - $3,559.00
$1,998.00 - $3,559.00
$1,998.00

iOptron HEM27 Mount

Options available

Hybrid drive: StrainWave 17 RA gear (480:1) with backlash-free worm/belt DEC 29.74 lbs (13.5 kg) payload without counterweights, 44 lbs (20 kg) wi...

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$1,998.00 - $3,559.00
$1,998.00 - $3,559.00
$1,998.00 - $3,559.00
$1,998.00
$2,919.00 - $4,559.00
$2,919.00 - $4,559.00
$2,919.00 - $4,559.00
$2,919.00

iOptron HEM44 Mount

Options available

44 lbs (20 kg) payload without counterweights, 55 lbs (25 kg) with optional counterweight 13.65 lbs (6.2 kg) mount head for a 3.23 payload-to-weig...

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$2,919.00 - $4,559.00
$2,919.00 - $4,559.00
$2,919.00 - $4,559.00
$2,919.00
$444.88 - $444.88
$444.88
$444.88 - $444.88
$444.88

iOptron HST MiniTracker

IOP-3650
2 in stock

Payload Capacity: 4kg (8.8 lbs) without counterweights Mount Weight: 790 gm (1.75 lbs) with battery Gear System: Strain Wave Gear (SWG) Tracking S...

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$444.88 - $444.88
$444.88
$444.88 - $444.88
$444.88

Equatorial Mount Design and Performance

Every equatorial mount does the same job. What varies is how precisely it does it under load, and how much of the remaining error can be corrected.

  • German equatorial layout: Counterweighted design that balances any tube on the same head, requiring a meridian flip as targets cross south — which automation software handles routinely.
  • Polar alignment: Determines residual field rotation and drift. For long exposures, alignment accuracy matters more than mount cost above a certain point.
  • Periodic error: Cyclical tracking error from the worm gear, measured in arcseconds. Its smoothness matters as much as its amplitude, since smooth error guides out cleanly.
  • Belt drives: Replace gear meshing with toothed belts, reducing backlash and high-frequency error — a common upgrade path and a standard feature on newer mounts.
  • Encoders and PEC: Periodic error correction replays a learned curve; encoders measure and correct actual shaft position in real time, which is considerably more effective.
  • Balance and counterweights: Correct balance in both axes reduces motor load and is one of the cheapest ways to improve guiding.

Why Choose David Astro for Equatorial Mounts

The specification that matters is not on the box, so ask someone who has used the mount.

  • Guiding-realistic payload sizing: We recommend loading to 50 to 60% of the visual rating for imaging, and we will explain why a mount that carries your tube may still not guide it well.
  • Polar alignment planning: We advise on alignment method for your site, including electronic alignment when Polaris is blocked, which is common in urban backyards.
  • Meridian clearance checked: We calculate whether your tube will strike the tripod at the meridian and specify a pier extension if it will.
  • Authorized dealer: Full manufacturer warranty with diagnostics and service handled in Canada.
  • Domestic freight: Heavy mounts ship from Canadian stock with no duties or brokerage fees for Canadian buyers.

Equatorial Mounts in Canada — Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate does polar alignment need to be?
For guided imaging, within a few arcminutes is generally sufficient — guiding handles the rest. For unguided or very long focal length work, aim for under one arcminute, which electronic alignment achieves quickly.
What is a meridian flip and does it matter?
A German equatorial must swap sides as a target crosses south, which rotates your framing 180 degrees and interrupts guiding. Automation software handles it, but you must plan for the pause and re-centring.
Is periodic error correction enough without guiding?
Rarely, for long exposures. PEC reduces the repeatable component but not drift, flexure or seeing. Guiding or encoders remain necessary for consistent sub-exposures beyond a couple of minutes.
Can I upgrade an existing mount to belt drive?
For several common mounts, yes, and it is a worthwhile improvement to backlash and high-frequency error. Tell us the model and we will confirm whether a kit exists.

Sizing an equatorial mount?

Tell us your tube, camera and focal length and we will recommend with guiding margin. Full warranty, shipped from Canada.