iOptron Mini Pier

Description

iOptron MiniPier Extension Pier Adds 8″ of Height for Select Mounts

Part Number: 8032

Raise Your Mount. Improve Your Clearance. Expand Your Options.

The iOptron MiniPier is a compact yet sturdy extension pier designed to raise your compatible iOptron GoTo mount an additional 8 inches (200mm) above your tripod or permanent pierperfect for observers using long optical tubes, imaging with large camera setups, or simply needing better clearance for full sky access.

Crafted from heavy-duty anodized aluminum with a 5.7″ (144mm) diameter base and a 150mm top plate, the MiniPier offers rock-solid stability with a small footprint. Its especially useful for setups where your telescope or accessories might otherwise strike the tripod legs during low altitude slewssuch as at public outreach events, when imaging near the horizon, or when balancing gear with large counterweights.

Fits a Wide Range of iOptron Tripods and Piers

The MiniPier is designed to bolt directly to a number of iOptron tripods and piers without the need for modification, including:

• LiteRoc tripod (used with AZ Mount Pro, CEM60, and CEM70)

• MiniTower 1.5″ tripod

• MiniTower 2″ tripod

• AZ Mount Pro tripod

• iEQ45/CEM60 tripod

• 48-inch Pier (#8030) and 42-inch Pier (#8033)

• Tri-Pier (#8034)

Important Note: The MiniPier does not fit the iEQ30 tripod and is not compatible with the CEM40/GEM45 tripod directly. (More on that below.)

Mount Compatibility

The top plate of the MiniPier is pre-drilled to accept a variety of iOptron mount heads, including:

• CEM70 and CEM60

• CEM40 / GEM45 (mounts fit, but not on their default tripods)

• HAE43 / HEM44 (fits but may restrict low-latitude observing)

• iEQ45 and iEQ45 Pro

• iEQ30 and iEQ30 Pro (mounts fit, but not with iEQ30 tripod)

• AZ Mount Pro, MiniTower, MiniTower II, MiniTower Pro

Other mounts can also be adapted to the MiniPier using iOptrons #8036 adapter, sold separately. This adapter opens up additional flexibility for DIY mounting solutions, or for use with non-iOptron heads on compatible tripods or piers.

Low Latitude Warning: For some equatorial mounts like the CEM40/GEM45 and HAE43/HEM44, the extra 8″ of height may limit access to low-altitude targetsespecially if you’re observing close to the equator.

Technical Specifications

Observing Tip

If you’re using a longer refractor or a Newtonian with a large camera rig, the MiniPier can make all the difference when slewing near zenith or scanning the horizon. Its also a smart upgrade for public observing nights, where tripod leg collisions or awkward eyepiece positions can ruin the experience for guests. Just remember to rebalance your mount after adding the pieryour center of gravity has changed, and your tracking performance depends on it.

Final Thoughts

The iOptron MiniPier (#8032) is a compact, affordable, and field-proven solution for raising your mounts height while maintaining rigidity and stability. Whether you’re looking to prevent tripod collisions, improve viewing comfort, or adapt your setup to new equipment, this accessory offers versatility without compromising your mounts performance.