Sky-Watcher EQ-AL55i Pier Extension
- Adds 8.5 inches (215mm) of height to the EQ-AL55i mount
- Prevents long optical tubes from colliding with tripod legs
- Increases clearance for counterweights at high latitudes
- Weighs only 2.5 lbs
The Sky-Watcher EQ-AL55i Pier Extension raises your mount head by a critical 8.5 inches (215mm) to solve key clearance issues during imaging. This accessory weighs just 2.5 lbs and is purpose-built for the Sky-Watcher EQ-AL55i Mount, ensuring a stable, seamless fit.
The primary function of this 8.5-inch (215mm) extension is to prevent the objective or camera end of a long optical tube from striking the tripod legs when pointed near the zenith. This is a common and session-ending problem when imaging with longer refractors or Newtonians, and this pier extension provides the necessary space to track objects through the meridian without collision.
For observers at high latitudes, the counterweight shaft on an equatorial mount often sits at a steep angle, limiting its range of motion and potentially interfering with the tripod. By adding 215mm of height, the EQ-AL55i Pier Extension lifts the entire mount assembly, allowing the counterweight bar to swing freely below the tripod hub for unobstructed balancing and tracking.
This isn't a generic adapter; it's designed specifically for the Sky-Watcher EQ-AL55i Mount, guaranteeing correct threading and a rigid connection. Despite its solid build, the pier extension adds only 2.5 lbs to your setup, minimizing its impact on your mount's payload capacity and overall portability. The trade-off for increased clearance is a slightly higher center of gravity, which requires careful balancing but is essential for using longer instruments.
Yes, this is its primary purpose. The added 8.5 inches (215mm) of height provides the necessary clearance for longer optical tubes, allowing you to image objects passing through the meridian and near the zenith without fear of the telescope colliding with the tripod legs.
No, installation is straightforward. The extension is designed to fit directly between the EQ-AL55i mount head and its tripod, using the existing hardware. You simply unbolt the mount head, place the pier extension on the tripod, and then bolt the mount head on top of the extension.
The pier extension weighs only 2.5 lbs. This minimal weight addition ensures it doesn't significantly reduce the effective payload capacity of your EQ-AL55i mount, maintaining portability while providing crucial clearance.
For smaller instruments like short-tube refractors or small Maksutov-Cassegrains, you may not need the extension for clearance. However, it can still improve comfort by raising the eyepiece to a more convenient height, reducing the need to bend down during observation.
At high latitudes, your mount is tilted at a steep angle. This can cause the counterweight bar to interfere with the tripod when pointing at high-altitude objects like M31. The 8.5-inch extension lifts the entire mount, providing the necessary room for the counterweights to move freely without obstruction.
The extension creates a rigid, stable connection. However, by raising the center of gravity, any vibrations can be slightly more pronounced. It is critical to ensure your tripod is on solid ground and that the entire imaging system is well-balanced to maintain optimal stability for astrophotography.
| SKU | SW-S30501 |
| Product Name | EQ-AL 55i Pier Extension |
| Extender Height | 8.5" (215mm) |
| Weight | 2.5 lbs |
| Compatibility | Sky-Watcher EQ-AL55i Mount |
EQ-AL55i Pier Extension
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