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iOptron 1.35kg Counterweight

iOptron 1.35kg Counterweight

by iOptron
SKU IOP-8605
CA$59.00 - CA$59.00
CA$59.00
CA$59.00 - CA$59.00
CA$59.00
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  • 1.35 kg (3 lb.) Weight
  • For 20mm Diameter Counterweight Shafts
  • 20.5 mm Inner Diameter Bore
  • Compact 79 mm Outer Diameter
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Warranty

  • iOptron 1.35kg Counterweight

    The iOptron 1.35 kg (~3 lb.) Counterweight provides precise balance for mounts using a 20mm counterweight shaft, fitting securely with its 20.5 mm inner diameter. Its compact 79 mm outer diameter and 39 mm height ensure ample clearance and allow for fine-tuning adjustments, making it an essential accessory for lightweight astrophotography rigs.

    Precision Balancing for Lightweight Setups with a 20mm Shaft

    This 1.35 kg counterweight is the ideal solution for achieving perfect balance when using smaller, lighter payloads. It's specifically designed for iOptron mounts that utilize a 20mm diameter counterweight shaft, such as the SkyGuider Pro, SkyHunter, and GEM28. The 20.5 mm inner bore provides a secure fit while allowing for smooth adjustments along the shaft.

    Using the correct weight is critical for the tracking accuracy of any equatorial mount. This smaller weight prevents the "overkill" of a standard 5 kg weight, which can make fine balancing of a light setup difficult and add unnecessary stress to the mount's motors.

    The Right Fit: When to Choose the 1.35 kg Counterweight

    While larger counterweights are necessary for heavy optical tubes, the 1.35 kg weight excels in specific scenarios where minimal mass is required. It's the perfect choice for balancing a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens, a small 60-80mm refractor, or when you've added a small guide scope that slightly throws off an already balanced system.

    • DSLR & Lens Astrophotography: Perfectly balances most camera and lens combinations on a star tracker without adding excessive weight to your portable setup.
    • Small Guide Scope Addition: If adding an autoguiding package makes your main scope slightly tail-heavy, this weight provides the small increment needed to restore equilibrium.
    • Ultra-Portable Visual Setups: When using a small Maksutov or refractor for visual observation, this single 1.35 kg weight is often all you need for stable, accurate tracking.

  • Which iOptron mounts use the 1.35 kg counterweight with a 20mm shaft?

    This counterweight is designed for iOptron mounts that feature a 20mm diameter counterweight shaft. This includes popular portable and lightweight mounts such as the iOptron SkyGuider Pro, SkyHunter, and the GEM28. Always check your mount's specifications to confirm the shaft diameter before purchasing.

    Do I need the iOptron 1.35 kg counterweight for my SkyGuider Pro with a DSLR and 200mm lens?

    Yes, this is the exact scenario where the 1.35 kg counterweight is essential. A typical DSLR and 200mm lens combination requires a counterweight to balance properly on the declination axis. This weight provides the necessary mass to achieve equilibrium, ensuring the SkyGuider Pro's motor tracks smoothly without strain, resulting in sharper stars in your images.

    My GEM28 mount is slightly out of balance after adding a guide scope. Is the 1.35 kg counterweight a good solution?

    Absolutely. The iOptron 1.35 kg weight is an excellent tool for making fine balance adjustments. If a larger weight gets you close but the addition of a guide camera, filter wheel, or heavy eyepiece tips the balance, sliding this smaller weight onto the shaft often provides the perfect amount of mass to achieve perfect balance without having to make large, imprecise adjustments with a heavier weight.

    What are the dimensions of the iOptron 1.35 kg counterweight?

    The iOptron 1.35 kg counterweight has the following dimensions:

    • Weight: 1.35 kg (~3 lb.)
    • Outer Diameter: 79 mm (~3 in.)
    • Inner Diameter (Bore): 20.5 mm (~0.8 in.), for 20mm shafts
    • Height: 39 mm (~1.54 in.)

    Why is my mount struggling to track accurately with a light telescope?

    Poor tracking with a light setup is often a symptom of improper balance. If you have no counterweight, or a counterweight that is too heavy, the mount's gears can experience backlash or uneven strain, leading to tracking errors. Using the appropriate counterweight, like this 1.35 kg model for lighter loads, ensures the motors work smoothly and efficiently, which is critical for long-exposure astrophotography.

    When should I use this 1.35 kg iOptron weight instead of a larger 5 kg counterweight?

    Use the 1.35 kg counterweight for payloads under approximately 3 lbs, such as a camera and lens or a very small refractor. A large 5 kg weight is overkill for such a light load and can make precise balancing difficult. The goal is to use the least amount of counterweight necessary, placed as far down the shaft as needed, to achieve balance. This minimizes the total mass the mount has to move.

  • Weight 1.35 kg (~3 lb.)
    Outer Diameter 79 mm (~3 in.)
    Inner Diameter (Bore) 20.5 mm (~0.8 in.)
    Compatible Shaft Diameter 20 mm
    Height 39 mm (~1.54 in.)

    • iOptron 1.35kg Counterweight

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  • iOptron 2-Year Limited Warranty