iOptron 4.5 lb. (2 kg) Counterweight for Select iOptron Mounts
Part Number: 3006-05
Lightweight flexibility for balancing smaller rigs—or fine-tuning heavier ones.
Sometimes, balancing your telescope setup isn’t just about raw weight—it’s about precision. That’s where the iOptron 4.5 lb. (2 kg) counterweight comes in. Whether you’re looking to fine-tune balance with an existing setup or avoid over-counterweighting a smaller payload, this compact, easy-to-use weight gives you just the right touch of adjustment without excess mass.
This smaller counterweight is designed to fit iOptron mounts that use a 20mm (0.78") diameter counterweight shaft. It’s a perfect match for lighter optical tube assemblies and visual configurations, or for imaging rigs where you’ve already maxed out with a 9.8 lb. counterweight and just need a little extra push to bring the system into perfect equilibrium. The solid metal body is machined for snug, secure mounting, and the hand-tighten knob lets you attach or reposition the weight with no tools needed.
The counterweight measures approximately 4.6" in diameter and just 1" in height—dense enough to do its job, but compact enough to keep your shaft length clear of interference. It’s an excellent choice for observers who are regularly swapping configurations or running lightweight setups.
Ideal for These Mounts:
The 4.5 lb. counterweight is compatible with any iOptron mount that uses a 20mm counterweight shaft, including:
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CEM26 / CEM26EC
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GEM28 / GEM28EC
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HEM27 / HEM27EC
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HEM44 / HEM44EC
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AZ Mount Pro
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iEQ30 / iEQ30 Pro
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CEM25 / CEM25P / CEM25EC
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ZEQ25
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MiniTower, MiniTower II, MiniTower Pro
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CEM40 / CEM40EC (early versions only—check your shaft diameter before ordering)
Note: Some newer CEM40 and CEM40EC mounts use a larger shaft. Be sure to verify your counterweight shaft diameter before purchase.
This counterweight can also be used with other mounts outside the iOptron lineup—as long as the shaft is 20mm (0.78") in diameter.
Observing Tip
Proper balance helps reduce wear on your mount’s motors, improves tracking accuracy, and prevents unnecessary strain during slews and GoTo operations. But using a counterweight that’s too heavy can actually create its own problems—especially if you’re forced to slide the weight higher on the shaft to achieve balance, increasing the chance of slippage or limited movement near the RA axis. This 4.5 lb. option gives you more granular control, especially valuable when dialing in multiple OTA configurations or fine-tuning an astrophoto setup.
Final Thoughts
Not every telescope configuration demands a massive counterweight. Sometimes what you need is a simple, lightweight, precision option—and the iOptron 4.5 lb. counterweight delivers just that. It’s well made, easy to install, and fits a wide array of mounts with the standard 20mm shaft. Whether you're observing, imaging, or just tweaking your system for better performance, this modest addition can make a big difference.
