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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.
Explore Scientific FirstLight EXOS Nano Mount

Explore Scientific FirstLight EXOS Nano Mount

by Explore Scientific
SKU ES-FL-EXOSNANOT1-00
$149.99 - $149.99
$149.99
$149.99 - $149.99
$149.99
Price Match Policy!
  • 15 lb Payload Capacity
  • 10 lb Mount Head Weight
  • German Equatorial Design for Easy Tracking
  • Vixen-Style Dovetail Saddle
  • 1.25" Adjustable Steel Tripod
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Warranty

  • Explore Scientific FirstLight EXOS Nano Mount

    The Explore Scientific FirstLight EXOS Nano Mount is a lightweight German Equatorial platform designed for grab-and-go astronomy, supporting telescopes up to 15 pounds on a head that weighs just 10 pounds itself. It includes a sturdy ST1 steel tripod with 1.25" diameter legs that adjust from a low-profile 25.5" to a comfortable standing height of 45", providing a stable foundation for high-magnification viewing.

    A 15 lb Capacity German Equatorial Head

    The core of the EXOS Nano is its 10 lb German Equatorial head. This design is engineered to carry up to 15 pounds of equipment, making it a perfect match for a wide range of portable telescopes. Once polar aligned, the equatorial design allows you to track celestial objects as they move across the sky by turning a single slow-motion control knob, a significant advantage over alt-azimuth mounts at high power.

    The 1.25" Steel ST1 Tripod Base

    A mount is only as good as its foundation, and the EXOS Nano rests on a robust ST1 steel tripod. The 1.25" diameter legs provide greater rigidity than the aluminum tripods common at this price point, effectively damping vibrations for a steadier view. With a versatile height range from 25.5" to 45", you can comfortably observe whether you are seated or standing.

    Ideal for Small Refractors and Maks up to 15 lbs

    This mount is designed for portability and ease of use with smaller optical tubes. It's an excellent platform for 80mm refractors, small Maksutov-Cassegrains, dedicated solar scopes, or short, fast Newtonians. As long as your telescope has a standard Vixen-style dovetail bar and weighs under 15 pounds with accessories, the EXOS Nano provides a solid, trackable solution for visual observation.

    EXOS Nano vs. Alt-Az Mounts: The 15 lb Grab-and-Go Tracking Advantage

    While many grab-and-go mounts in the 15 lb class use a simple alt-azimuth design, the EXOS Nano offers the distinct advantage of equatorial tracking. Alt-az mounts require constant adjustment on two axes to keep an object centered. The EXOS Nano, once aligned, follows the arc of the sky with one simple motion, keeping planets and double stars effortlessly centered in the eyepiece for you and for anyone you're sharing the view with.

  • What is the maximum payload of the FirstLight EXOS Nano Mount?

    The Explore Scientific FirstLight EXOS Nano Mount has a payload capacity of 15 pounds. This is suitable for small refractors, Maksutov-Cassegrains, and other lightweight optical tubes.

    What kind of telescopes work best with the EXOS Nano mount?

    The EXOS Nano is ideal for telescopes with a Vixen-style dovetail bar weighing under 15 lbs. Excellent matches include:

    • Small Refractors (like an ED80mm)
    • Small Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes
    • Dedicated small solar scopes
    • Short, fast Newtonian reflectors

    Is the EXOS Nano mount suitable for astrophotography?

    The EXOS Nano is designed primarily for visual astronomy. While its equatorial design allows for manual tracking, it lacks the precision motor drives, autoguiding port, and polar alignment scope required for long-exposure astrophotography. It is excellent for keeping planets centered for visual observation or basic webcam imaging.

    How would the EXOS Nano handle an ED80mm refractor for viewing Jupiter?

    It's an excellent combination. An ED80mm refractor is well within the 15 lb capacity of the EXOS Nano. The German Equatorial design is a major benefit for planetary viewing, allowing you to use the slow-motion control to easily track Jupiter's movement, keeping details like its cloud bands and moons centered at high magnification.

    Can I use the EXOS Nano mount with a small 4-inch Maksutov-Cassegrain for lunar observing?

    Absolutely. A 4-inch (102mm) Maksutov-Cassegrain is lightweight and a perfect match for the EXOS Nano. The 1.25" steel tripod provides a stable, vibration-free platform, and the manual slow-motion controls make it easy to smoothly follow features along the Moon's terminator.

    Does the EXOS Nano mount require batteries or external power?

    No, the EXOS Nano is a fully manual mount. It does not have any electronics and requires no power to operate. All adjustments and tracking are performed by hand with the included slow-motion control knobs, making it an ideal, reliable mount for use anywhere.

  • Mount Type German Equatorial
    Payload Capacity 15 lbs
    Mount Head Weight 10 lbs (without counterweight)
    Telescope Mounting Vixen-Style Universal Dovetail
    Tripod ST1 Steel Tripod
    Tripod Leg Diameter 1.25"
    Tripod Height Range 25.5" to 45"
    GTIN 812257018291
  • Explore Scientific Warranty