

Dovetail Saddles & Mounting Plates
Secure your telescope with iOptron's selection of Vixen-style, Losmandy-style, and dual-format dovetail saddles. Universal Vixen-style mounting plates are available in multiple lengths, including 115 mm, 126 mm, 166 mm, and 178 mm, giving you flexible mounting options for compatible telescopes and accessories.
iOptron Mounts: Precision for Every Astronomer


iOptron has been a trusted name in amateur astronomy since 2007, and for good reason! Known for innovative designs, lightweight construction, and reliable performance, iOptron offers everything from compact star trackers to heavy-duty equatorial mounts. Their popular center-balanced equatorial (CEM) and strain wave mounts deliver impressive payload capacities while keeping setups portable and easy to manage. Whether you're a backyard observer or a dedicated astrophotographer, iOptron has a mount to fit your needs. iOptron's extensive lineup includes:
- Center-Balanced Equatorial (CEM) mounts
- German Equatorial (GEM) mounts
- Strain wave harmonic mounts
- Alt-Azimuth (AZ) mounts
- Star trackers
- Observatory-class mounts


Center Balanced Equatorial Mounts
iOptron's Center-Balanced Equatorial (CEM) mounts are designed for better balance, stability, and precision tracking. Unlike traditional equatorial mounts, the CEM design positions the system's center of gravity nearly directly over the tripod, reducing uneven loading and providing a steadier foundation for visual observing and astrophotography.
With four models to choose from, there's a CEM mount for nearly every setup! The compact CEM26 supports up to 26 lbs (11.8 kg), while the CEM40 handles 40 lbs (18.1 kg) for more demanding imaging setups. For larger telescopes, the CEM70 offers a 70 lb (31.8 kg) capacity, while the observatory-class CEM120 supports up to 115 lbs (52.2 kg). Available configurations vary by model and may include a mount head, protective hard case, or tripod package.


German Equatorial Mounts
iOptron's German Equatorial Mounts (GEM) combine a traditional equatorial design with modern tracking technology for reliable visual observing and astrophotography. With the telescope positioned on one side and counterweights on the other, these mounts provide a familiar, proven setup for accurate tracking.
The compact GEM28 supports up to 28 lbs (12.7 kg), making it a great choice for portable imaging setups. For larger telescopes and heavier imaging equipment, the GEM45 increases payload capacity to 45 lbs (20.4 kg). Both models are available in multiple configurations, including mount heads with protective hard cases and complete packages with 1.75" tripods. Select versions also feature high-precision encoders or integrated guiding technology for enhanced tracking performance.


Strain Wave Mounts
making them a great choice for portable astrophotography and visual observing! Unlike traditional worm gear mounts, strain wave technology uses compact harmonic gearing to support heavier telescopes without requiring counterweights for lighter setups.
With options ranging from 18 lbs (8.2 kg) to 79 lbs (36 kg), iOptron offers strain wave mounts for nearly every observing style. The HAE Series features lightweight alt-azimuth/equatorial hybrid mounts, while the HEM Series combines strain wave and traditional gearing for equatorial tracking. The HAZ Series provides dedicated alt-azimuth operation for visual observers. For larger observatory setups, iOptron's dual strain wave fork mount supports an impressive 132 lbs (60 kg) in alt-azimuth mode, making it the company's highest-capacity mount.


Portable Mounts and Camera Trackers
iOptron's Star Trackers and Portable Mounts make it easy to capture the night sky without hauling around a full-size telescope setup! Designed for travelers, wide-field astrophotographers, and beginners, these compact mounts deliver accurate tracking in lightweight, portable packages. The SkyTracker Pro and SkyGuider Pro are ideal for Milky Way photography, nightscapes, and wide-field imaging, with rechargeable battery power for convenient use in the field.
For those looking for more versatility, the SkyHunter offers computerized GoTo functionality in both equatorial (EQ) and alt-azimuth (AZ) modes. Available in several configurations, from a mount head to complete tripod packages, the SkyHunter is a great step up from a traditional star tracker. Optional accessories, including equatorial bases, extension piers, and adjustable mounting adapters, make it easy to customize your portable setup.
Telescopes and Optical Tubes


iOptron's Optical Tube Assemblies (OTAs) deliver precision optics for everything from detailed planetary observing to advanced deep-sky astrophotography! Best known for their Ritchey-Chrétien (RC) astrographs, these telescopes feature dual hyperbolic mirrors that minimize coma and spherical aberration, delivering sharp, detailed images. Available in compact 6" and 8" steel tube designs or larger 12", 14", and 16" truss tube configurations, there's an option for nearly every imaging setup. The lightweight truss designs also promote faster cooling for improved performance.
For visual observers, iOptron also offers Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes with long focal lengths, making them excellent for high-magnification views of the Moon, planets, and double stars. iOptron's optical tube lineup includes:
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Ritchey-Chrétien Astrographs: 6" and 8" steel tube models
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Truss Tube RC Astrographs: 12", 14", and 16" models
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Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescopes: Long-focal-length optics for planetary and lunar observing


Complete your astronomy setup with iOptron's extensive selection of tripods, piers, and mounting accessories! From lightweight carbon fiber tripods for portable imaging to heavy-duty piers for permanent observatories, iOptron offers reliable support solutions for nearly every setup. Their accessory lineup also includes counterweights, dovetail saddles, mounting plates, and extension bars to help you balance, customize, and upgrade your equipment. iOptron's support and accessory lineup includes:
- Aluminum and carbon fiber tripods
- Portable, adjustable, and permanent piers
- Pier extensions and mounting adapters
- Counterweights and counterweight shafts
- Dovetail saddles and mounting plates
- Vibration suppression pads


A Stable Foundation for Every Setup
Keep your telescope steady with iOptron's selection of aluminum and carbon fiber tripods! Choose from heavy-duty aluminum models for larger equatorial mounts, lightweight 40 mm carbon fiber tripods for portable imaging, or compact tripods for travel-friendly setups. Optional vibration suppression pads help minimize unwanted movement for steadier observing and imaging.


Take Your Setup to New Heights
iOptron's versatile pier lineup provides a sturdy foundation for everything from backyard observing to permanent observatories. Choose from portable column piers with folding legs, compact 5.5" and 8" mini piers, taller pier extensions, and permanent or adjustable leveling piers. Select mounting adapters also expand compatibility with mounts from other manufacturers.


Counterweights & Balance Accessories
Achieve proper balance with iOptron's selection of counterweights, shafts, and extension bars! Counterweights ranging from 1 kg (2.2 lbs) to 10 kg (22 lbs) accommodate various telescope setups, while optional shaft extensions and low-latitude adapters provide additional flexibility for compatible mounts.


Dovetail Saddles & Mounting Plates
Secure your telescope with iOptron's selection of Vixen-style, Losmandy-style, and dual-format dovetail saddles. Universal Vixen-style mounting plates are available in multiple lengths, including 115 mm, 126 mm, 166 mm, and 178 mm, giving you flexible mounting options for compatible telescopes and accessories.
Telescope Accessories


Take your astronomy setup to the next level with iOptron's extensive selection of imaging, guiding, and telescope accessories! From autoguiding systems and electronic focusers to precision polar alignment tools and wireless mount control, iOptron offers everything you need for a smoother observing or imaging experience. Whether you're building an automated astrophotography rig or upgrading your visual telescope, iOptron has accessories to fit your needs. Their lineup includes:
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Autoguiding systems, and guide scopes
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Electronic focusers and telescope adapters
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Electronic and optical polar alignment tools
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Hand controllers, wireless adapters, and GPS accessories
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Electronic filter wheels, narrowband, and LRGB filters
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Star diagonals, finderscopes, and visual accessories


Keep Your Targets on Track
Improve tracking accuracy with iOptron's selection of autoguiding systems and compact guide scopes, like the iOptron iGuider 30mm f/4 Mini Guiding Scope! These accessories help correct small tracking errors during long exposures, keeping stars sharp and your deep-sky images detailed.


Precision at Your Fingertips
Take the guesswork out of focusing with iOptron's electronic focusers, like the iOptron iAFS2 Auto Focuser! Designed for precise, repeatable adjustments, these accessories help maintain sharp focus throughout your imaging sessions and support automated focusing with compatible equipment.


Get Aligned and Connected
Simplify telescope setup with iOptron's electronic and optical polar alignment tools, like the iOptron iPolar Electronic Polar Alignment Scope! Compatible hand controllers, wireless adapters, GPS accessories, and standalone control systems make it easier to align, navigate, and operate your equipment, with select systems supporting imaging control without a computer at the telescope.


Complete Your Astrophotography Setup
Build a more versatile imaging system with iOptron's electronic filter wheels, narrowband filters, and LRGB filter sets! These accessories make it easier to capture specific wavelengths, improve contrast, and automate filter changes when paired with compatible astronomy cameras.


Enhance Every Observation
Get more out of your telescope with iOptron's selection of star diagonals, finderscopes, and telescope adapters! From more comfortable viewing angles to easier target locating and secure equipment connections, these accessories help make every observing session more convenient.
Mounting, Power, and General Accessories


A large supporting catalog covers many of the smaller parts needed to install, balance, power, and connect an astronomy setup. This includes dovetail plates and saddles, counterweights and shafts, mounting adapters, extension hardware, brackets, knobs, replacement components, and other mechanical parts made for specific iOptron mounts and telescopes.
Power supplies, battery accessories, charging cables, data cables, and connection hardware support both permanent and portable setups. iOptron carries less typical equipment such as microscopes and related accessories, along with replacement parts and small hardware that can keep older equipment in service or adapt an existing setup as its configuration changes.
Understanding Model Names and Suffixes
iOptron's mount names use numbers and letters to identify payload capacity and special features, making it easier to compare models and find the right fit for your setup!
The Numbers: Payload Capacity
The number generally indicates the mount's approximate payload capacity in pounds. For example, a CEM40 supports around 40 lbs, while a CEM70 handles approximately 70 lbs.
The Letters: Features & Configurations
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EC (Encoder): High-precision encoders monitor mount position to improve tracking accuracy.
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G (Guiding): Includes an integrated guiding system for improved tracking during imaging.
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NUC: Features mounting holes for attaching a compact Intel NUC computer directly to the mount.
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B (Strain Wave): HAE configuration with an external control box.
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C (Strain Wave): HAE configuration without the external control box.
These naming conventions make it easier to identify the mount's capabilities, compare configurations, and choose the right equipment for your observing or imaging needs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where is iOptron based and where are its products made?
iOptron is headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, with company-operated engineering and manufacturing facilities in China. This allows iOptron to oversee its own design and production processes.
Will iOptron mounts work with ASCOM, INDI, and planetarium software?
Yes! iOptron provides ASCOM drivers and Windows control software for compatibility with many popular planetarium and imaging programs. Third-party INDI drivers are also available for supported Linux and macOS setups.
What power supply does an iOptron mount need?
Most iOptron mounts require 12V DC power. Agena offers compatible AC adapters in 1.5A and 5A configurations, along with 12V car chargers for field use. Smaller portable trackers typically feature rechargeable batteries. Always verify your mount's specific power requirements.
Can an electronic polar scope be used on another brand of mount?
Yes, in some cases! iOptron offers electronic polar alignment scopes and adapters for select mounts from other manufacturers. Be sure to confirm compatibility with your specific mount before purchasing.
Are firmware updates and manuals available for older iOptron products?
Yes! iOptron maintains a support library with user manuals, quick-start guides, and firmware downloads organized by model, including many discontinued products.
Does iOptron offer repair or tune-up services?
iOptron offers replacement parts, mount tune-up services, and select telescope maintenance services. Contact iOptron support to confirm availability and arrange service before shipping equipment.
