Do I need the 1kg counterweight for my William Optics RedCat 51 on a SmartEQ-Pro mount?
Yes, this is an ideal use case. A lightweight, wide-field telescope like the RedCat 51 is often too light to balance properly with standard, heavier counterweights. This 1 kg weight allows you to achieve perfect balance without having the weight pushed all the way to the top of the counterweight shaft.
I'm using a DSLR with a 200mm lens on my SmartEQ. Is this 1kg weight the right choice?
Absolutely. A DSLR and lens combination typically weighs only a few pounds, making the standard counterweight too heavy. The 1 kg (~2 lbs) counterweight is designed specifically for these types of lightweight imaging rigs, preventing motor strain and improving tracking accuracy.
Will this 1kg counterweight fit other iOptron mounts like the SkyGuider Pro or GEM28?
No. This counterweight is specifically designed for the iOptron SmartEQ and SmartEQ-Pro mounts. Its 16.1 mm inner diameter matches the counterweight shaft on those models. Other mounts, like the SkyGuider Pro or GEM28, use different shaft diameters.
What is the inner diameter of the SmartEQ 1kg counterweight?
The inner diameter (bore) is 16.1 mm (0.63 inches). This is the critical dimension that ensures it fits securely on the counterweight shaft of your SmartEQ or SmartEQ-Pro mount.
Why not just use a heavier weight slid further up the counterweight shaft for my SmartEQ?
While possible in some cases, it provides poor balance. A heavier weight positioned very close to the mount's axis has less rotational inertia and provides less effective, coarser balancing adjustments. A lighter weight placed further down the shaft offers finer control and a more stable equilibrium, which is critical for accurate GOTO slews and tracking.
Is this an official iOptron counterweight for the SmartEQ?
Yes, this is the official 1 kg counterweight manufactured by iOptron for its SmartEQ and SmartEQ-Pro series mounts, ensuring a perfect fit and finish.
