iOptron 9.8 lb. (4.5 kg) Counterweight for Select iOptron Mounts
Part Number: 3006
A perfect fit for balancing heavier payloads across a wide range of iOptron GoTo mounts.
As your imaging or observing rig grows—adding a larger optical tube, guide scope, cameras, filter wheels, or even a piggybacked second scope—you’ll likely find yourself needing more than the single factory-supplied counterweight. That’s where the iOptron 4.5 kg (9.8 lb) counterweight comes in.
Designed to work with a wide variety of iOptron computerized GoTo equatorial and hybrid mounts, this counterweight helps you safely and accurately balance heavier payloads while staying within your mount’s mechanical limits. Most iOptron mounts ship with one roughly 10 lb. counterweight, which is usually sufficient for payloads in the 15–18 lb. range. But when your load starts approaching the mount’s rated capacity, adding this second 4.5 kg weight ensures proper counterbalance and helps protect your gears and motors during tracking and slewing.
A large hand-tighten knob makes it easy to secure the weight to your counterweight shaft without tools, and the machined bore fits snugly on all iOptron 20mm (0.78") diameter counterweight shafts. The weight itself is compact and dense, measuring approximately 4.6" in diameter and 2.2" thick—large enough to do the job, but small enough to avoid interference with pier legs or low-slung accessories.
Compatibility
This 9.8 lb counterweight is compatible with the following iOptron mounts that use a 20mm counterweight shaft:
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CEM26 / CEM26EC
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GEM28 / GEM28EC
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HEM27 / HEM27EC
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HAE29 / HAE29EC
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HAE43 / HAE43EC
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HAE69 / HAE69EC
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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—verify your shaft diameter before ordering)
Note: iOptron CEM40 and CEM40EC mounts were originally shipped with 20mm counterweight shafts. Please confirm your shaft diameter before purchase.
Observing Tip
If you’re adding a heavy camera, filter wheel, or piggybacked gear to your rig, balancing your system isn’t just about avoiding motor strain—it’s also about improving tracking performance. Even a slightly unbalanced load can result in increased periodic error, especially at higher magnifications. When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly over-counterweighted and adjust the position of the weights along the shaft for proper balance. This 4.5 kg weight gives you that extra flexibility without excessive bulk.
Final Thoughts
Balancing your telescope properly is one of the simplest ways to get more out of your mount. Whether you’re optimizing for tracking precision, reducing motor wear, or just preparing for a heavier payload down the road, this iOptron 9.8 lb counterweight is a practical, durable upgrade. Easy to install, perfectly matched to a wide range of mounts, and built to last—it’s one of those accessories that pays off every night you use it.
