iOptron 11 lb. (5 kg) Counterweight for iEQ45, GEM45, CEM60, and CEM70 Mounts
Part Number: 8027
The standard for serious payload balancing on mid-to-large iOptron mounts.
As your telescope rig grows—adding longer focal lengths, larger OTAs, heavier imaging accessories, or a dual-scope setup—you’ll eventually need more than the standard set of counterweights to maintain proper balance. The iOptron #8027 11 lb. (5 kg) counterweight is the dependable workhorse for that job, designed specifically for mid-to-large capacity iOptron mounts using a 28mm diameter shaft.
This weight is ideal for use with the iEQ45, GEM45, CEM60, and CEM70 mounts—models known for their solid load ratings and popularity among astrophotographers. While some of these mounts come standard with one or two 11 lb. counterweights (enough to balance a modest 25 lb. load), adding one or more #8027 counterweights allows you to confidently step up to the mount’s full 45 lb or higher capacity—especially if your gear includes guide scopes, filter wheels, cameras, and mounting rails.
The #8027 weight features a secure compression ring clamping system with a hand-tighten knob. This design not only provides a firm grip on the shaft without tools, but also protects the finish of the stainless steel counterweight bar from damage—important for long-term use and easy repositioning. The compact design, just over 5 inches in diameter and just over 2 inches tall, provides dense balance without adding unnecessary length.
If you find yourself running out of shaft space, this weight pairs perfectly with the optional #8026 shaft extension, which threads onto the end of the standard counterweight shaft to add an extra 9.5 inches of usable length.
Technical Specifications
-
Weight: 11 lbs. (5 kg)
-
Diameter: 5.05"
-
Height: 2.07"
-
Shaft Compatibility: 28mm (1.1") counterweight shaft
-
Attachment Method: Hand-tighten knob with compression ring clamp (non-marring)
-
Material: Solid metal construction with durable finish
Compatible iOptron Mounts
This 11 lb. counterweight is designed to work with the following iOptron mounts that use a 28mm diameter counterweight shaft:
If your CEM40 uses a 20mm counterweight shaft, use the #3006 or #3006-05 counterweights instead.
Observing Tip
A properly balanced equatorial mount performs better—plain and simple. But how you add counterweight matters. Instead of stacking multiple small weights high up the shaft (which increases the moment arm and potential flex), adding a single 11 lb. counterweight lower on the shaft or farther out on a shaft extension creates a smoother, more efficient balance. This can reduce gear wear and even improve your tracking performance during long exposures.
Final Thoughts
If you’re upgrading to a larger OTA, adding heavy imaging gear, or simply pushing your iOptron mount closer to its full rated capacity, the #8027 counterweight is an essential tool. Engineered to match the performance and durability of iOptron's professional-grade mounts, it offers a safe, secure, and well-balanced solution for heavier payloads. It’s the standard weight used across the iOptron mid-to-high capacity lineup—and for good reason.
