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ZWO 200mm Pier Extension

ZWO 200mm Pier Extension

by ZWO
SKU ZWO-PE200
$199.00 - $199.00
$199.00
$199.00 - $199.00
$199.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Adds 200mm of height to prevent OTA collisions
  • Engineered specifically for the ZWO AM5 Mount
  • Hollow, aircraft-grade aluminum construction
  • Compatible with ZWO, Sky-Watcher, iOptron, and Celestron tripods
  • Includes Sky-Watcher adapter plate and M6 screws
24 in stock
Qualifies for FREE Shipping in CONUS on orders over $350.
  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Warranty

  • ZWO 200 mm Pier Extension for AM5 Mount

    The ZWO PE200 Pier Extension provides exactly 200 mm of additional clearance for the AM5 mount, eliminating the risk of a long optical tube assembly striking the tripod legs near the meridian. Its aircraft-grade aluminum construction and included adapter plate with two M6x25 screws allow for a rigid, secure connection to a wide range of popular tripods.

    200mm of Safe Clearance for Meridian Flips

    For automated astrophotography, a meridian flip is a point of high risk. The ZWO PE200 adds 200 mm of height, giving long refractors and their imaging trains the space needed to slew past the meridian without colliding with a tripod leg. This simple addition is critical for unattended imaging sequences that run through the night.

    While any extension raises a setup's center of gravity, the PE200's hollow, aircraft-grade aluminum body is engineered to provide this clearance without introducing flexure. It maintains the stability of your imaging platform, ensuring sharp stars from one side of the sky to the other.

    Native Fit for ZWO, Sky-Watcher, iOptron & 1.75"/2" Tripods

    The PE200 is designed for broad compatibility beyond ZWO's own ecosystem. It connects directly to the ZWO TC40 tripod for a seamless fit, but also adapts easily to other common mounts, ensuring you can add clearance regardless of your existing support system.

    • ZWO TC40 Tripod: Attaches directly with large, tool-free locking knobs for quick, secure installation in the field.
    • Sky-Watcher & iOptron 1.75" Tripods: Use the included Sky-Watcher adapter plate or the two M6x25 screws for a secure, factory-grade fit on these popular tripod models.
    • Celestron 2" Tripods: The pier is also compatible with the 2" tripods used for mounts like the Celestron AVX, making it a versatile upgrade for many common setups.

  • Will the ZWO PE200 Pier Extension fit my non-ZWO tripod?

    Yes, it is designed for wide compatibility. The ZWO PE200 includes hardware to directly connect to the ZWO TC40, 1.75” iOptron tripods (using the included M6x25 screws), and 1.75” Sky-Watcher tripods (using the included adapter plate). It is also compatible with 2” Celestron AVX tripods.

    How much height does the ZWO PE200 add to the AM5 mount?

    The PE200 adds exactly 200 mm (approximately 7.87 inches) of vertical clearance between the top of the tripod and the base of the ZWO AM5 mount.

    Do I need the ZWO PE200 for my 80mm refractor on the AM5 mount?

    For a short optical tube like an 80mm refractor, you may not need an extension if your tripod legs are splayed wide and your imaging train is short. However, for longer refractors (100mm and up) or any telescope with a long imaging train (filter wheel, OAG, large camera), the 200 mm of clearance becomes essential to prevent a collision during an automated meridian flip.

    Is the ZWO PE200 difficult to install in the field?

    No, installation is designed to be simple. With a ZWO TC40 tripod, it is a tool-free process using large hand knobs. For compatible Sky-Watcher or iOptron tripods, it requires attaching the correct adapter plate or screws, which is a straightforward, one-time setup.

    What material is the ZWO PE200 made from?

    The ZWO PE200 is machined from aircraft-grade aluminum. This material was chosen to provide maximum rigidity and resistance to temperature changes without adding significant weight to the portable AM5 system.

    Can I use the ZWO PE200 to image the zenith with my Celestron 8" EdgeHD?

    Yes, this is an ideal use case. An 8" SCT with a reducer, off-axis guider, and camera can be quite long. The 200 mm height from the PE200 ensures your imaging equipment has ample room to clear the mount base and tripod legs when your telescope is pointed straight up at the zenith.

  • SKU ZWO-PE200
    MPN ZWO PE200
    Height Extension 200 mm
    Material Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
    Primary Compatibility ZWO AM5 Harmonic Drive Mount
    Tripod Compatibility ZWO TC40, 1.75” iOptron & Sky-Watcher, 2” Celestron AVX
    Warranty 2 Years

    • ZWO PE200 Pier Extension

      × 1

    • Sky-Watcher Adapter Plate

      × 1

    • M6x25 Screws

      × 2

  • ZWO 2-Year Warranty