iOptron Cube Counterweight Shaft

iOptron Counterweight Shaft for Cube and Cube Pro Mounts – Stainless Steel

Part Number: 8607

Get Balanced—Even on an Alt-Az Mount

It’s not just equatorial users who need to think about balance. When your iOptron Cube or Cube Pro Alt-Azimuth mount starts to feel a little overloaded—whether from a larger eyepiece, a heavier diagonal, or a piggybacked accessory—adding a counterweight can dramatically improve stability, tracking, and GoTo accuracy.

That’s where the iOptron #8607 Counterweight Shaft comes in. Made of solid stainless steel, this compact, 5.9" long shaft threads directly into the base of your SmartStar Cube or Cube Pro mount and allows you to attach the iOptron 3 lb (1.35kg) counterweight (#8605) to restore proper balance.

Even on Alt-Az mounts, proper balancing reduces strain on the motors, improves battery life, and allows smoother slewing—especially when observing at low altitudes or using higher magnifications.

Built to Fit the Cube and Cube Pro

This shaft was designed specifically for:

• iOptron SmartStar Cube

• iOptron Cube Pro

It features a 19mm diameter, is 5.9 inches long, and has an M14 female threaded socket that securely accepts your counterweight. Once installed, you can easily slide the weight into position and lock it down using its built-in hand knob. The shaft weighs 11 oz, giving you a solid base even before the counterweight is added.

Pair this shaft with the iOptron #8605 3 lb counterweight, and you have a compact and customizable balance system for small scopes and accessories that would otherwise tip the system off-center.

Technical Specifications

Observing Tip

If your Cube mount starts slewing erratically when you add a heavier eyepiece or DSLR, it may not be a motor issue—it might be imbalance. Adding this shaft and a small counterweight can drastically improve tracking and accuracy, especially when observing near the horizon or zenith where slewing requires more torque.

Final Thoughts

The iOptron #8607 Counterweight Shaft is a simple but smart upgrade for users of the Cube and Cube Pro mounts. By enabling use of the 3 lb counterweight, it gives you more control over your setup’s balance and performance—even on a compact Alt-Az platform. If you're running a slightly heavier OTA or accessory, this might be just the tweak your tracking system needs.

Tech Details: