iOptron 4.5 lb Counterweight for EQ2 Mount (13mm Shaft Diameter)
Part Number: 8446
Keep It Balanced. Keep It Smooth.
If you're using the iOptron EQ2 equatorial mount, maintaining proper balance is essential for smooth tracking, accurate GoTo slewing, and reducing long-term wear on the motors. Whether you’re offsetting a slightly heavier optical tube or compensating for a larger finder, camera, or diagonal, this 4.5 lb (2 kg) counterweight helps keep your setup centered and stable.
Specifically designed for use with the EQ2 mount, this weight features a 13mm bore diameter and fits any counterweight shaft that shares that standard. Its locking hand knob allows you to position and secure the weight without tools—ideal for field adjustments under changing loads or configurations.
Designed for the EQ2—But Fits Any 13mm Shaft
While intended for iOptron’s EQ2 mount, this counterweight is also compatible with other lightweight mounts that use a 13mm diameter counterweight shaft. The hand knob is built into the body of the weight, so there’s no need for set screws or external tools—it’s simple, fast, and secure.
Its compact profile—approximately 3.5 inches in diameter and 2 inches tall—makes it easy to store in your accessory case or pack along for travel setups.
Technical Specifications
| Feature |
Specification |
| Weight |
4.5 lbs (2.0 kg) |
| Fits Shaft Diameter |
13mm |
| Material |
Cast metal with black powder coat |
| Finish |
Matte black |
| Diameter |
Approx. 3.5" |
| Height |
Approx. 2" |
| Attachment |
Built-in hand-tightening knob |
| Compatibility |
iOptron EQ2, other 13mm-shaft mounts |
Observing Tip
Even small changes to your setup—like switching eyepieces or attaching a DSLR—can unbalance an equatorial mount and degrade tracking performance. Having a 4.5 lb weight on hand gives you an easy way to restore equilibrium on lighter mounts. If you're doing any astrophotography on an EQ2, balance becomes even more critical. A small shift in weight can mean the difference between crisp stars and streaked subs.
Final Thoughts
The iOptron 4.5 lb Counterweight (#8446) is a practical, no-fuss solution for balancing lightweight equatorial mounts like the EQ2. It’s compact, easy to install, and designed to keep your system running smoothly under variable payloads. If you own an EQ2—or any mount with a 13mm shaft—this is the counterweight you want in your kit.
