iOptron Permanent Pier

A permanent pier offers significantly higher rigidity than a tripod, which is critical for long-exposure astrophotography. By eliminating the leg flexure and vibration common in tripods, this pier ensures your mount remains stable and perfectly aligned throughout your imaging session.

The pier features a versatile 8.25-inch mounting plate designed to accommodate a wide range of high-end mounts. However, you may need a specific adapter plate depending on your mount's base; we recommend checking your mount's compatibility requirements against the pier's top plate dimensions.

For the best results, this pier should be bolted to a dedicated concrete pier base or a heavy-duty observatory floor. Proper anchoring is essential to leverage the pier's 360-pound payload capacity and ensure it remains vibration-free during operation.

Yes, the pier is constructed from thick-walled, CNC-machined aluminum alloy that is anodized for corrosion resistance. While it is built to withstand the elements, we recommend using a cover when the telescope is not in use to protect your mount and the pier's finish.

No, the 35-inch measurement refers strictly to the height of the pier itself. You will need to account for the additional height of your mount head and telescope when planning your observatory setup to ensure comfortable eyepiece access or camera clearance.