iOptron 8042 Leveling MiniPier for HAZ Mounts – Add Height and Precision to Your Carbon Fiber Tripod
iOptron Part Number: 8042
When your mount sits too low and your back starts complaining, sometimes all you need is a few extra inches. The iOptron 8042 Leveling MiniPier is the answer to that very problem. Designed specifically for iOptron’s strain wave mounts—especially the HAZ31 and HAZ46—this lightweight riser adds nearly 7 inches of extra height to your setup while giving you fine-leveling control for faster and more accurate polar alignment.
It’s a simple but highly effective upgrade that makes your telescope more comfortable to use, particularly with shorter tripods like the 8061A carbon fiber tripod.
Why You Might Need a MiniPier
Many users love the iOptron 8061A tripod for its lightweight carbon fiber construction—but it does sit low, especially with compact strain wave gear mounts. That can leave some observers crouching uncomfortably, particularly when looking near the zenith.
The 8042 MiniPier raises your mount by 6.7 inches (170mm), putting your eyepiece or camera in a more accessible position—especially when observing with longer refractors or SCTs that naturally place the eyepiece lower in alt-az mode.
Precision Leveling Built In
The MiniPier doesn’t just add height—it also improves your alignment workflow. It comes equipped with three integrated leveling screws, allowing you to level your mount base with greater precision before aligning or tracking.
This is especially useful when observing from uneven ground, grassy fields, or pavement that isn't quite flat. A well-leveled base improves the accuracy of both GoTo performance and polar alignment, especially with mounts that rely on electronic alignment aids like iPolar or internal encoders.
Mount Compatibility
The 8042 MiniPier was designed specifically for use with iOptron’s newer strain wave gear mounts and carbon fiber tripods. It is compatible with any mount that has a 3/8"-16 center mounting post and a base pattern with 3x M8 threaded holes on a 114mm diameter circle.
Compatible mounts and setups include:
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HAZ31 and HAZ46 strain wave alt-az mounts
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8061A carbon fiber tripod (tripod must be version A with M8 threaded holes)
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Other compact mounts with similar base geometry and 3/8"-16 threading
If you’re unsure about compatibility, just check the tripod head: if it has three M8 threaded holes evenly spaced on a 114mm bolt circle, the MiniPier should fit.
Technical Specifications
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Pier Height: 170mm (6.7 inches)
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Mounting Plate Diameter: 102mm (4 inches)
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Top Plate Mounting Thread: 3/8"-16 male post
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Base Thread: 3/8"-16 female threaded hole
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Required Mounting Pattern: 3x M8 threaded holes on a 114mm diameter circle
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Includes: MiniPier column, three leveling knobs with lock-downs, hardware for mounting to 8061A tripod
Despite its added functionality, the MiniPier remains lightweight—ideal for users who want a taller setup without adding bulk to their travel kit.
Observing Tip
The added height of the 8042 MiniPier not only helps with ergonomics but also reduces the risk of your telescope’s accessories bumping into the tripod legs during low-altitude slews in alt-az mode. This is especially helpful when using long optical tubes or setups with extended filter wheels, cameras, or dew shields.
Why Choose the 8042 MiniPier?
For anyone using a HAZ mount with an iOptron carbon fiber tripod, the 8042 MiniPier solves two problems in one compact, elegant package: it raises your observing position to a more comfortable height, and it helps you fine-tune your alignment on uneven surfaces.
If you’ve ever found yourself wishing your mount sat “just a little higher” or leveled a little faster, this is your upgrade.
