Skip to content
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.
iOptron Counterweight Shaft Extension Bar for CEM26 & GEM28

iOptron Counterweight Shaft Extension Bar for CEM26 & GEM28

by iOptron
SKU IOP-8457
$32.00 - $32.00
$32.00
$32.00 - $32.00
$32.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Extends Counterweight Shaft Length
  • Designed for iOptron CEM26 and GEM28 Mounts
  • Enables Balancing of Heavier or Longer Telescopes
  • Reduces the Need for Additional Heavy Counterweights
  • Lowers Total System Weight for Increased Portability
  • Official iOptron Accessory for Guaranteed Fit
1 in stock
Qualifies for FREE Shipping in CONUS on orders over $350.
  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • iOptron Counterweight Shaft Extension Bar for CEM26 & GEM28

    The iOptron Counterweight Shaft Extension Bar is the official accessory for achieving optimal balance on your CEM26 or GEM28 mount when using larger or heavier optical tubes. By increasing the lever arm for your counterweights, this extension allows you to balance demanding payloads with fewer, lighter weights, preserving the portability of your CEM26 or GEM28 setup.

    Increase Balancing Efficiency for iOptron CEM26 & GEM28 Mounts

    This counterweight shaft extension addresses a common challenge in astrophotography: balancing a heavy imaging rig on a portable mount. Instead of adding more counterweights—and thus more total mass for the mount to carry—this bar uses the principle of leverage to make your existing weights more effective.

    • Balance Heavier Telescopes: Securely balance longer refractors or Schmidt-Cassegrains equipped with heavy cameras and guide scopes, which would otherwise be impossible to balance on the standard shaft.
    • Reduce Total System Weight: By moving your counterweights further from the mount's axis, you can achieve equilibrium with less mass. This keeps your field setup lighter and easier to transport and assemble.
    • Official iOptron Design: As a genuine iOptron part, this extension bar guarantees perfect threading, a secure fit, and seamless integration with your CEM26 or GEM28 mount's counterweight shaft and safety stop.

  • When do I need the iOptron Counterweight Shaft Extension for my CEM26 or GEM28 mount?

    You need the extension bar when your telescope is too heavy to balance with your existing counterweights positioned at the very end of the standard shaft. This is a common issue when using physically long refractors or heavier telescopes like SCTs, especially with a full imaging train attached.

    Will the CEM26/GEM28 Extension Bar let me use fewer counterweights?

    Yes, in many cases. By increasing the distance of the counterweight from the mount's axis of rotation, it multiplies the balancing force (torque). This allows you to balance the same telescope with less counterweight mass, reducing the overall weight your mount has to carry and slew.

    I'm trying to balance an 8" SCT on my GEM28 mount for imaging. Is this extension bar the right solution?

    Yes, this is a perfect use case for the extension bar. An 8" SCT with a camera, guide scope, and other accessories often requires more balancing torque than standard counterweights can provide on the default shaft. The CEM26/GEM28 extension bar provides the extra leverage needed for a precise and secure balance.

    Can I use the CEM26/GEM28 Extension Bar to balance a long 102mm refractor on my CEM26?

    Absolutely. Long refractors create a significant moment arm that can be difficult to counteract. The extension bar is designed specifically for this situation, allowing you to properly balance the telescope's length and weight without having to purchase and transport extra-heavy counterweights.

    Is this an official iOptron accessory for the CEM26 and GEM28?

    Yes, this is the official iOptron counterweight shaft extension manufactured specifically for the CEM26 and GEM28 series mounts. This ensures a perfect fit, correct threading, and safe, reliable operation.

    What is the advantage of using the CEM26/GEM28 Extension Bar versus just buying a heavier counterweight?

    The primary advantage is reducing the total weight you need to transport and load onto your mount. While a heavier weight also achieves balance, the extension bar lets you do so with lighter weights you may already own. This makes your entire setup more portable and puts less total stress on the mount's motors and bearings.

  • iOptron 2-Year Limited Warranty