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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.
iOptron Tri-Pier 360

iOptron Tri-Pier 360

by iOptron
SKU IOP-8037A
$1,199.00 - $1,199.00
$1,199.00
$1,199.00 - $1,199.00
$1,199.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Max Payload: 360 lbs (165 kg)
  • Adjustable Height: 860mm - 1020mm
  • Self Weight: ~31 lbs (13.9 kg)
  • Pier Diameter: 150 mm
  • Folded Dimension: Ø240 x 820 mm
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  • Description
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  • iOptron Tri-Pier 360

    The iOptron Tri-Pier 360 provides an observatory-grade foundation for the heaviest imaging systems, supporting a massive 360 lbs (165 kg) payload while weighing only ~31 lbs (13.9 kg). Its stability comes from a 150 mm diameter pier with 5 mm thick walls, offering an adjustable height range from 860 mm to 1020 mm for optimal eyepiece positioning. With a maximum leg spread of Ø1150 mm and a 51 mm uneven ground adjustment range, you can achieve a perfectly level, vibration-free setup even on challenging terrain.

    Rock-Solid Foundation: 360 lb Capacity on a 150mm Diameter Pier

    The primary function of a pier is to eliminate vibration, and the Tri-Pier 360 is engineered to support the largest commercially available mounts and telescopes without compromise. The core of its strength is the oversized 150 mm diameter aluminum pier, which provides exceptional resistance to torsion and dampens vibrations before they can reach your eyepiece or camera sensor. This rigid central column is supported by a tripod base that extends to a wide Ø1150 mm, creating an incredibly stable footprint for your entire setup.

    • Maximum Payload: A 360 lbs (165 kg) capacity handles heavy-duty mounts, large optical tubes, and extensive imaging trains with ease.
    • Pier Construction: The 150 mm diameter pier tube features a 5 mm wall thickness, ensuring maximum rigidity for critical long-exposure astrophotography.
    • Stable Footprint: The wide Ø1150 mm leg spread creates a low center of gravity, minimizing the risk of tipping and suppressing ground vibrations.

    Portable Heavyweight: ~31 lbs with an 860-1020mm Adjustable Height

    A pier with a 360 lb capacity is often relegated to a permanent observatory, but the Tri-Pier 360 is designed for transport. Weighing only ~31 lbs and folding down to a compact Ø240 x 820 mm cylinder, it delivers immense stability without requiring a dedicated dolly for transport. The height adjusts from 860 mm to 1020 mm, allowing you to set a comfortable eyepiece height whether you're using a long refractor or a short, fork-mounted SCT. This combination of high capacity and manageable weight makes it a practical solution for star parties and remote dark-sky sites.

    Precision Engineering: CNC Aluminum with a 51mm Uneven Ground Range

    Constructed from CNC-machined aluminum alloy with a durable anodized finish, the Tri-Pier 360 is built for years of field use. Every component is designed for precise, secure engagement, eliminating the flex and wobble common in lighter-duty tripods. For real-world field conditions, each leg features a leveling mechanism with a 51 mm adjustment range, enabling you to achieve a perfectly level platform on uneven surfaces like a backyard lawn or rough campsite. The pier is topped with a generous 210mm x 210mm plate, providing a substantial surface for attaching a wide variety of equatorial mounts.

  • What kind of telescope setups is the iOptron Tri-Pier 360 designed for?

    The Tri-Pier 360 is built for serious astrophotography and observation with heavy equipment. Its 360 lb (165 kg) payload capacity is ideal for large equatorial mounts carrying Schmidt-Cassegrains (11" and larger), long focal length refractors, or heavy Newtonian astrographs with full imaging trains.

    How portable is the iOptron Tri-Pier 360 for field use?

    For its immense capacity, the Tri-Pier 360 is exceptionally portable. It weighs approximately 31 lbs (13.9 kg) and collapses to a compact Ø240 x 820 mm, making it transportable in most vehicles. While heavier than a standard tripod, its weight-to-payload ratio makes it a top choice for imagers who need observatory-level stability at remote sites.

    Can the Tri-Pier 360 be leveled on an uneven lawn for imaging?

    Yes, absolutely. The Tri-Pier 360 is specifically designed for real-world conditions. Each leg has a built-in leveler that provides an adjustment range of 51 mm, allowing you to achieve a perfectly level and stable base on sloped or uneven ground without needing shims or pads.

    What is the benefit of the 150mm pier diameter on the Tri-Pier 360?

    The large 150 mm diameter of the central column is critical for stability. It provides superior resistance to torsional (twisting) forces and dampens vibrations far more effectively than the legs of a traditional tripod. This rigidity is essential for preventing image shift during long exposures and maintaining sharp views at high magnification.

    I have a large 14" SCT. Is the Tri-Pier 360's height range of 860-1020mm suitable?

    Yes, the 860 mm to 1020 mm adjustable height range is well-suited for a large SCT. It allows you to raise the mount high enough to prevent the telescope from hitting the pier legs when pointed near the zenith, while also providing enough range to set the eyepiece at a comfortable height for seated or standing observation.

    What do I need to know about mounting my equipment to the Tri-Pier 360's top plate?

    The iOptron Tri-Pier 360 features a large 210mm x 210mm top plate. You will need to ensure your mount's base or an appropriate adapter plate is compatible with this surface and its pre-drilled bolt pattern. Always check your mount's specifications to confirm fitment before purchasing.

  • Maximum Payload 360 lbs (165 kg)
    Self Weight ~31 lbs (13.9 kg)
    Material Aluminum Alloy (CNC), anodized
    Pier Diameter 150 mm
    Pier Wall Thickness 5 mm
    Top Plate Dimensions 210mm X 210mm
    Adjustable Height 860 mm - 1020 mm
    Uneven Ground Adjustment 51 mm
    Maximum Leg Spread Ø1150 mm
    Folded Dimensions Ø240 x 820 mm
    Shipping Weight 40 lbs
    Shipping Dimensions 35.5 x 12.5 x 12.25 in

    • iOptron Tri-Pier 360

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  • iOptron 2-Year Limited Warranty