iOptron CEM40 Center Balanced GoTo Equatorial Mount with 1.5" Tripod
Part Number: C401A1
All the Power of the CEM40—In Its Lightest, Most Travel-Friendly Form
The iOptron CEM40 is one of the most versatile and efficient equatorial mounts in its class, and this configuration—with a 1.5" tripod and no included hard case—offers the lightest and most affordable way to harness its center-balanced power. Weighing only 15.8 lbs, the CEM40 mount head can support telescopes and imaging gear up to 40 lbs, thanks to its unique and highly stable design.
Whether you’re looking for a mount to support a mid-sized refractor for outreach nights, or you’re an astrophotographer seeking a portable but robust platform for a field rig, this version of the CEM40 gives you everything that matters: smooth tracking, fast alignment, intelligent GoTo control—and no unnecessary extras to weigh you down.
Center-Balanced Engineering for Serious Stability
Unlike traditional German equatorial mounts, iOptron’s patented Center-Balanced Equatorial Mount (CEM) architecture places the payload directly over the tripod or pier. This configuration improves balance, reduces gear strain, and allows the mount to carry a larger payload more confidently—without the long counterweight shafts or imbalance issues that plague other EQ mounts.
Internally, the mount features zero-backlash 216-tooth worm wheels, hardened 45mm steel axles, and 68mm ball bearings on both axes. These precision-machined components are paired with 1.8° stepper motors capable of microstepping at 0.08 arcsecond resolution. Combined with Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC), the result is smoother slewing and better long-exposure tracking—especially for lightweight imaging setups.
Alignment Is Effortless with iPolar™
Built into the RA axis of every CEM40 is the iPolar electronic polar scope—a factory-aligned CMOS camera and plate-solving system that allows for fast and accurate polar alignment, even when Polaris is obscured. Just connect to your PC, launch the software, and follow the intuitive on-screen guide. No need to strain your neck, squint through a reticle, or align with a visible star.
For imagers, this saves valuable setup time and ensures optimal tracking performance. For visual observers, it means faster GoTo alignments and more time spent actually enjoying the sky.
Robust GoTo Control with a Massive Object Database
The CEM40 is controlled by iOptron’s Go2Nova® 8407+ hand controller, which features an 8-line backlit LCD and an internal database of over 359,000 celestial objects. Navigate easily between the Messier, NGC, IC, UGC, and Caldwell catalogs—or use the custom user object feature to build your own list of favorite targets.
The controller includes a built-in heater to prevent fogging on cold nights, and the mount’s slew speed tops out at 4.5°/sec, making object acquisition fast and smooth. Firmware is field-upgradable, and USB connectivity is provided for integration with planetarium software or imaging platforms.
Slimmed Down for Portability, But Still Feature-Rich
This CEM40 configuration includes a 1.5" stainless steel tripod, a lighter and more compact support system ideal for visual use or lightweight imaging payloads. While not as vibration-resistant as the 1.75" LiteRoc or 2" heavy-duty tripods, it remains a solid performer when paired with a well-balanced load under 25–30 lbs.
The hard case is not included in this configuration, but one is available separately if you decide to upgrade later for protection during transport or storage. The included counterweight shaft and 10 lb counterweight give you enough range to balance most moderate OTAs without needing extras.
And just like all CEM40 variants, this version includes:
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Integrated 32-channel GPS for automatic location, date, and time input
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ST-4 autoguider port for compatibility with nearly all guide cameras
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Internal cable management with DC, ST-4, and USB ports
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iOptron Universal Self-Centering Saddle (USCS)—accepts Vixen or Losmandy dovetails without tools
Optional Wi-Fi control is available via an external adapter, allowing you to control the mount wirelessly using apps like SkySafari or iOptron Commander.
Observing Tip
This version of the CEM40 is an ideal match for observers who primarily view or image with small to mid-sized telescopes, such as 4" refractors, 6" SCTs, or camera-based rigs. The 1.5" tripod saves weight and bulk, but we recommend using it on solid ground and avoiding fully extended legs when using heavier scopes. If you want to build a truly nimble, grab-and-go imaging setup with guiding-capable tracking, this configuration gets you there with no wasted weight.
Final Thoughts
The CEM40 with 1.5" tripod (C401A1) is a clean, minimalist take on one of the most capable mounts in the iOptron lineup. It delivers all the performance, intelligence, and mechanical polish of the full CEM40 package—just in a leaner format for those who prefer to travel light. Whether you’re heading to your first star party or upgrading from a smaller equatorial mount, this configuration keeps the focus where it should be: on the sky.
