What mounts is the iOptron 200mm counterweight shaft compatible with?
This counterweight shaft is designed specifically for iOptron's SkyGuider Pro (SGP) and HAE series equatorial mounts, featuring a standard 20mm diameter.
Why would I need this 200mm shaft for my SkyGuider Pro?
You need the extended 200mm shaft when your imaging payload becomes too heavy or long to balance with the stock shaft. This typically occurs when using larger telephoto lenses or adding a secondary guidescope and camera, where the extra leverage from the longer shaft is required for proper balance and tracking accuracy.
Can I use this iOptron shaft with non-iOptron counterweights?
Yes, you can use any counterweight with this shaft, provided the counterweight has a central bore hole with a diameter of 20mm to match the shaft.
What is the thread size on the iOptron SGP/HAE shaft?
The shaft features a standard 3/8"-16 thread on both ends. This allows the included safety screw to be attached and also enables the possibility of screwing two shafts together for even greater length.
I'm using a small refractor on my SkyGuider Pro. Is this 200mm shaft necessary?
For a small, heavy refractor like a William Optics RedCat 51, especially with a guide scope attached, the standard counterweight shaft may not provide enough leverage. The 200mm shaft allows you to position the counterweight further out, achieving a perfect balance which is critical for the long-exposure astrophotography these setups are used for.
Can I connect two of these iOptron 200mm shafts together for a heavy setup on my HAE mount?
Yes. Because the shaft has a 3/8"-16 thread on both ends, you can directly connect a second shaft to the first for a combined 400mm of length. This provides extreme leverage for balancing heavy or physically long optical tubes, but you must always ensure your total payload remains under the specified weight capacity of your HAE mount.
