{"product_id":"sky-watcher-eq-al-55i-pier-extension","title":"Sky-Watcher EQ-AL55i Pier Extension","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdds 8.5 inches (215mm) of height to the EQ-AL55i mount\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrevents long optical tubes from colliding with tripod legs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncreases clearance for counterweights at high latitudes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeighs only 2.5 lbs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDownloads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSky-Watcher EQ-AL55i Pier Extension\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGain 8.5 Inches of Critical Clearance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImprove High-Latitude and Low-Angle Performance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEngineered for the EQ-AL55i Mount at only 2.5 lbs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWill the EQ-AL55i Pier Extension prevent my long refractor from hitting the tripod?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the Sky-Watcher EQ-AL55i Pier Extension difficult to install?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow much weight does the EQ-AL55i Pier Extension add to the setup?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDo I need the EQ-AL55i Pier Extension for visual observing with a small telescope?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eI live at a high latitude. How does the EQ-AL55i Pier Extension help me image objects like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWill adding the Sky-Watcher EQ-AL55i Pier Extension affect my mount's stability?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSKU\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSW-S30501\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEQ-AL 55i Pier Extension\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExtender Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.5\" (215mm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.5 lbs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSky-Watcher EQ-AL55i Mount\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eEQ-AL55i Pier Extension\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Sky-Watcher_EQ-AL55i_Mount_Manual.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"DAV-img-box\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M0 64C0 28.7 28.7 0 64 0L224 0l0 128c0 17.7 14.3 32 32 32l128 0 0 144-208 0c-35.3 0-64 28.7-64 64l0 144-48 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 64zm384 64l-128 0L256 0 384 128zM176 352l32 0c30.9 0 56 25.1 56 56s-25.1 56-56 56l-16 0 0 32c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-48 0-80c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 80c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-16 0 0 48 16 0zm96-80l32 0c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48l0 64c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48l-32 0c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16l0-128c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 128c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-64c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-16 0 0 96 16 0zm80-112c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16l48 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 32 32 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 48c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-64 0-64z\" fill=\"#0047a7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDownload Sky-Watcher AL-EQ55i Mount Manual\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.skywatcherusa.com\/pages\/apps\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 640 512\" class=\"DAV-img-box\"\u003e\u003cpath fill=\"#0047a7\" d=\"M128 32C92.7 32 64 60.7 64 96l0 256 64 0 0-256 384 0 0 256 64 0 0-256c0-35.3-28.7-64-64-64L128 32zM19.2 384C8.6 384 0 392.6 0 403.2C0 445.6 34.4 480 76.8 480l486.4 0c42.4 0 76.8-34.4 76.8-76.8c0-10.6-8.6-19.2-19.2-19.2L19.2 384z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDownload SynScan Pro App\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.skywatcherusa.com\/pages\/firmware-and-software\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 640 512\" class=\"DAV-img-box\"\u003e\u003cpath fill=\"#0047a7\" d=\"M128 32C92.7 32 64 60.7 64 96l0 256 64 0 0-256 384 0 0 256 64 0 0-256c0-35.3-28.7-64-64-64L128 32zM19.2 384C8.6 384 0 392.6 0 403.2C0 445.6 34.4 480 76.8 480l486.4 0c42.4 0 76.8-34.4 76.8-76.8c0-10.6-8.6-19.2-19.2-19.2L19.2 384z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDownload Sky-Watcher Software\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/sky-watcher-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSky-Watcher 2-Year Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Sky-Watcher","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51225288114461,"sku":"SW-S30501","price":101.19,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/S30501_EQ-AL55iPierExtension_1800x1800_38f9c176-15bb-4229-af0b-5bebd7e74f09.jpg?v=1777563858","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/fr-us\/products\/sky-watcher-eq-al-55i-pier-extension","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}