{"product_id":"ioptron-8044-minipier-for-small-to-medium-mounts","title":"iOptron 8044 MiniPier for Small to Medium Mounts","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA long refractor has a habit of running out of room. Swing it toward the zenith and the dew shield starts eyeing the tripod legs. Bring it back toward the horizon and the eyepiece ends up lower than you'd like. The fix usually isn't a bigger tripod. It's seven inches of clearance added exactly where it helps most—between the mount and the legs you already own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's the first job of the iOptron MiniPier: it raises the entire mount-and-scope by 178mm (7\"), and that's often the difference between a tube that clears the legs at any altitude and one that doesn't. The eyepiece comes up to a height you can actually use sitting down, and a German or strain-wave mount gains the swing room it needs near the zenith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second job is quieter but just as useful. iOptron has used several different bolt patterns across its mount and tripod lines over the years — 3\/8\"-16 locking knobs on the compact gear, twin M6 screws at 83mm on the CEM26 generation, M6 at 103mm on the CEM40 generation, M8 at 120mm on the bigger iEQ and CEM heads. The MiniPier's two plates carry the common patterns, so a mount head from one line can ride on a tripod from another that was never meant to take it. If you've upgraded the head but kept the legs (or the other way around), this is how you bridge them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo honest limits before you order. The MiniPier does \u003cem\u003enot\u003c\/em\u003e fit the Tri-Pier 360\/360A or the Permanent Pier — those use their own interfaces. And the 3-point fine leveling feature only works with iOptron's 8061A carbon fiber tripod, which has the matching recessed holes; on any other support the pier mounts solid and flat, but you level at the tripod head as usual.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1x iOptron 8044 MiniPier (CNC-machined aluminum, 7\" \/ 178mm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMounting hardware for standard iOptron mount and tripod bolt patterns\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e7-inch height gain where you need it.\u003c\/strong\u003e A flat 178mm lift raises the whole works so a long refractor clears the tripod legs near the zenith and the eyepiece sits at a comfortable seated height. No new tripod required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCNC-machined aluminum.\u003c\/strong\u003e The plates are flat and the column is stiff, so the extra height doesn't introduce flex or a wobble between mount and tripod.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulti-pattern top plate (mount side).\u003c\/strong\u003e Accepts a 3\/8\"-16 locking knob, twin M6 screws at 83mm separation with a center post, or twin M6 at 103mm with a center post — covering the compact and mid-size iOptron heads.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulti-pattern bottom plate (tripod side).\u003c\/strong\u003e Bolts to M6 (83mm and 103mm) and M8 (120mm) iOptron tripod heads, or to a 3\/8\"-16 thread via adapter on the older CEM25\/ZEQ25 and SmartEQ-style legs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMount-to-tripod adapter, not just a riser.\u003c\/strong\u003e Pairs an iOptron mount head with an iOptron tripod from a different generation that wasn't originally compatible — the practical reason most owners reach for it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e3-point fine leveling with the 8061A tripod.\u003c\/strong\u003e The bottom plate's three recessed holes work with iOptron's 8061A carbon fiber tripod for precise leveling adjustment. (Leveling feature is specific to the 8061A.)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eClearance and Comfort\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MiniPier earns its keep in two situations. The first is a long tube on a German equatorial or alt-azimuth head — a 100–120mm refractor, especially. Without the extra height, the objective end swings down into the tripod spread as you approach the zenith, and you're forced to either stop short of the target or splay the legs wider and lose rigidity. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eSeven inches of lift is often all that's required to restore that clearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second is plain comfort. A short tripod kept low for stability often leaves the eyepiece too low to use from an observing chair. Rather than extend the legs (and give up steadiness), the MiniPier raises the working height at the stiffest point — right at the mount — so you keep the wide, planted leg stance and still bring the eyepiece up to where you can sit and observe for an hour without your back filing a complaint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eObserving Tip\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeave the MiniPier bolted to the tripod permanently rather than treating it as a part you add and remove. Owners who've run this setup for years do it for a reason: with the pier always in place, you can collapse the lower leg sections further up into the uppers to reach your preferred working height. Shorter extended legs make for a noticeably more rigid tripod — so you gain height \u003cem\u003eand\u003c\/em\u003e steadiness at the same time, instead of trading one for the other.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdl\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003eWill the iOptron MiniPier fit my CEM26, GEM28, CEM40, or GEM45?\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003eYes. The MiniPier's top plate accepts the CEM26\/HEM27\/GEM28\/HAE29 pattern (twin M6 screws at 83mm with a center post) and the CEM40\/HAE43\/HEM44\/GEM45 pattern (twin M6 at 103mm with a center post), along with 3\/8\"-16 locking-knob mounts like the HAZ31\/HAZ46, HEM15\/HAE16\/HAE18, SkyGuider Pro, SkyTracker Pro, and SkyHunter.\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003eDoes the MiniPier work with the iOptron Tri-Pier?\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003eYes, it mounts to the standard Tri-Pier using its M6 and M8 screw holes. It does \u003cem\u003enot\u003c\/em\u003e fit the Tri-Pier 360 or 360A, and it does not fit the iOptron Permanent Pier — those use different interfaces.\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003eDo I actually need a MiniPier for my refractor?\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003eIf your tube clears the tripod legs at every altitude and your eyepiece sits where you can comfortably reach it, you don't. The MiniPier is for the cases where it doesn't — long refractors that hit the legs near the zenith, or a setup that leaves the eyepiece uncomfortably low. Seven inches of lift solves both without adding a taller, heavier tripod.\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003eCan I use the MiniPier on a non-iOptron tripod?\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eIn many cases, yes. Tripods and piers that use a 3\/8\"-16 mounting screw or compatible bolt pattern can often be adapted with the appropriate hardware..\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003eDoes the 3-point leveling work on any tripod, or only the carbon fiber one?\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003eOnly the iOptron 8061A carbon fiber tripod has the recessed holes that engage the MiniPier's three leveling points. On every other tripod the pier mounts solid and flat and you level at the tripod head as normal.\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003eMiniPier or a taller tripod — which is the better way to gain height?\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd\u003eThe MiniPier adds height at the stiffest point in the system, right under the mount, while letting you keep the tripod legs short and planted. A taller tripod or fully extended legs raise the platform but cost you rigidity. For a heavy or long tube, adding the pier and keeping the legs low is usually the steadier choice.\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/dl\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAccessories\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eiOptron 8061A Carbon Fiber Tripod (sold separately)\u003c\/strong\u003e — The one pairing that unlocks the MiniPier's 3-point fine leveling. Light, stiff, and the natural match if you want the leveling feature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eiOptron LiteRoc Tripod (sold separately)\u003c\/strong\u003e — Heavier-duty legs for the CEM26\/GEM28\/HEM27\/HAE29 or CEM40\/HAE43\/HEM44\/GEM45 heads, depending on your mount. A solid base under the pier for larger payloads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eiOptron Tri-Pier (sold separately)\u003c\/strong\u003e — If you're running the standard Tri-Pier and want the extra clearance, the MiniPier bolts straight on. (Standard Tri-Pier only — not the 360\/360A.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFinal Thoughts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a small part that solves two specific, annoying problems. If you own an iOptron mount and a refractor long enough to foul the tripod legs near the zenith, the MiniPier gives you the clearance without forcing you into a bigger tripod. And if you've changed heads or legs over the years and ended up with an iOptron mount that doesn't bolt to the iOptron tripod you have, this is the seven-inch piece of machined aluminum that bridges them. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eIt isn't glamorous, and it won't show you a single new photon—but it's often the difference between a setup that fights you and one that simply works.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTech Details:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eHeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003e178 mm (7\")\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eTop Plate Diameter (mount side)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003e124 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eBottom Plate Diameter (tripod side)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003e134 mm, with 3 recessed holes for fine leveling with the 8061A tripod\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eConstruction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003eCNC-machined aluminum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eMount-Side Patterns\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003e3\/8\"-16 locking knob; 2x M6 at 83mm with center post; 2x M6 at 103mm with center post\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eTripod-Side Patterns\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003e2x M6 (83mm); 2x M6 (103mm); 2x M8 (120mm); 3\/8\"-16 via adapter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eCompatible Mounts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003eHAZ31\/HAZ46; CEM26\/HEM27\/GEM28\/HAE29; CEM40\/HAE43\/HEM44\/GEM45; HEM15\/HAE16\/HAE18; SkyTracker Pro; SkyGuider Pro; SkyHunter; any camera\/equipment with a 3\/8\"-16 hole\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eCompatible Tripods\/Piers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003e8061\/8061A carbon fiber; CEM26\/GEM28; CEM40\/GEM45\/iEQ30; CEM70\/CEM60\/iEQ45; CEM25\/ZEQ25 (adapter); 3211 SmartEQ\/SGP\/STP\/SkyHunter (adapter); Tri-Pier\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eNOT Compatible With\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003eTri-Pier 360 \/ 360A; Permanent Pier\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003e3-Point Fine Leveling\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003eYes — with iOptron 8061A carbon fiber tripod only\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eProduct Code\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003e8044\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eCountry of Manufacture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003eChina\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"iOptron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55751252770889,"sku":"8044","price":189.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0573\/7974\/9961\/files\/8044-2.jpg?v=1781797081","url":"https:\/\/astronomics.com\/products\/ioptron-8044-minipier-for-small-to-medium-mounts","provider":"Astronomics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}