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150 mm & 250 mm Telescope Mount Pier Extensions for Strainwave Mounts

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SKU: APT-PXT
$219.00
 
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Apertura 150 mm & 250 mm Pier Extension Set for Strainwave Mounts

Whether you're building an imaging train that needs more equipment clearance, or just need more lift for more comfortable viewing or optimal imaging, the Apertura 150 mm & 250 mm Pier Extension Set for Strainwave Mounts is for you! Designed to work with today's most popular strainwave mounts and the tripod & piers used with them, this kit gives you two levels of extension for one great value. Give your experience a boost now, with this premium kit!

More demanding systems require more from your mount platform. Longer systems can become cramped on a typical tripod, limiting your ability to capture higher targets without impacting the tripod legs. This is where an extension comes in, moving your telescope up further away from the tripod legs and presenting a thinner profile to help alleviate these collision concerns. This kit from Apertura brings you an extension that is made for the New Wave of mount technology at an incredible value, outfitting your strainwave mount with two different levels of extension to tailor this to your specific setup. Maximize lift with the almost 10" extension, or maintain a lower profile and add just a bit of extension with the almost 6" tube. With a 3/8"x16 center mounting stud and M6 bolts included and a bottom plate that accepts this same hardware, this kit works with most of the popular strainwave mounts and tripods in use today. The top plate can be easily detached for quick equipment set up and take down, and the entire kit is made from black anodized aluminum for lift that is sturdy yet light.

Apertura Pier Extension Set At a Glance

  • Two levels of extension, installation hardware and tools, one kit
  • Short extension provides about 6" of lift for setups needing a small boost
  • Tall extension adds approximately 10" for maximum clearance
  • Fits most popular strainwave mounts on the market today
  • Compatible with 3/8"x16 stud tripods, fitting most strainwave options
  • Detachable top plate design for quick gear installation and take-down

Mount & Tripod Compatibility

The Apertura 150 mm & 250 mm Pier Extension Set is compatible with a wide range of strainwave mounts and strainwave tripod solutions to ensure that regardless of which ecosystem you're in, you can still give your astrophotography rig an edge. The table below contains equipment confirmed to be compatible with this pier extension set. Tripods or mounts using a 3/8"x16 center mounting stud, or the common three M6 at 30 mm radius bolt-through pattern, can also utilize this extension kit. For a premium combination that gives you the strength to shoulder and stabilize just about any strainwave mount and clear most imaging trains, all while retaining the portability that strainwave mounts and their tripods are known for, we strongly recommend pairing this pier extension set with the Apertura Heavy Duty Carbon Tripod for Strainwave Mounts!

Brand Equipment
ZWO Mounts: AM3, AM3N, AM5, AM5N, AM7 | Tripods: TC40 Carbon Fiber Pipe Tripod
Apertura Tripods: Tripod for Strainwave Mounts, Heavy Duty Carbon Tripod for Strainwave Mounts, Anchor Pier for Strainwave Mounts
Sky-Watcher Mounts: Wave 150i, Wave 100i
iOptron Mounts: HEM15, HAE16C, HAZ31, HAZ46, HAZ71 | Tripods: 40 mm Carbon Fiber Tripod for HAZ Mounts
Pegasus Astro Mounts: NYX88, NYX101

Learn More About the Apertura 150 mm & 250 mm Pier Extension Set

If your strainwave system needs a boost, then this kit is the right choice for you! With two extensions and all the hardware you need, combined with premium construction and an easy to install and use design, this kit provides an incredible value compared to other options available today.

Two Levels of Extension
This kit includes two different extension bodies, allowing you to tailor your rig to your needs! These extensions will help your system see above obstacles like fences and hedges, add more clearance for long setups tracking high objects, or bring a visual setup up higher for a more comfortable observing experience. Use the 150 mm extension when you need only a small boost, or swap in the 250 mm for a big increase in equipment and obstacle clearance.

Please Note: Adding any type of pier extension to your system will inherently increase the side-to-side load placed on the tripod or pier from wind or bumps, which accordingly may affect rigidity, capacity, and resistance to tipping with some gear. Be sure to assess the stability of your system with the pier extension installed prior to use. Extensions can not be stacked.

Premium Construction
The Apertura 150 mm & 250 mm Pier Extension Set features aluminum body segments and mounting plates for light, yet rigid, pier extension solution. These have been black anodized for a sleek and durable finish that synergizes with just about any mount and tripod! The top plate is designed to quickly install or uninstall by simply loosening three set screws and rocking the plate over and up, meaning that you can easily set up and break down your system.

Easy Installation
Upgrading your strainwave compatible tripod or pier & strainwave mount with this kit is simple, with all the tools and hardware you need for common installation included. Simply undo the three set screws holding the bottom plate to the body, and either thread this onto the 3/8"x16 stud on your tripod or connect it with the tripod's M6 bolts. Then install the extension tube of your choice, locking it in place by reinstalling the three screws. Thread the 3/8"x16 bolt preinstalled in the top plate into your mount, securing it with the included M6 bolts if desired. Start the screws in the top plate, drop the screws down through the three slots cut in the top of the body tube, then rotate and secure in place by tightening the screws the rest of the way.

Comes with the Apertura Absolute Warranty!
The Apertura Absolute Warranty provides two years of coverage against product defects. After the initial two-year warranty expires, this product qualifies for Apertura's Three-Year Accident Replacement Program. In addition, the Apertura Absolute Warranty is transferrable! Download a copy of the Apertura Absolute Warranty for more information on this program, how to make a claim, and why it is important to keep your original receipt and the product's original boxes & packaging!



Frequently Asked Questions

How does a pier extension help with equipment clearance?
When your mount is tracking objects near Zenith, your telescope and imaging/observing train will be pointed almost perpendicular to the ground. This can put sufficiently long system on a collision course with the tripod legs as they spread away from the center. A pier extension simply moves the tripod legs further away, increasing the safe range of motion your telescope has.


What is the benefit of a pier extension over a traditional pier or tri-pier?
Traditional piers require permanent/ semi-permanent installation, which may not be suitable or viable for all locales/ living situations. Tri-piers strike a great balance between the clearance of a pier and portability of a tripod, but can still be sizeable and may feature more clearance than you need. A pier extension on the other hand can give you a good amount clearance when needed, and broken down/ removed for transport or when you want to use a less demanding system. They also allow you to accommodate a longer system later in your journey without requiring an entirely new platform purchase, and can compliment the max height of a pier, tri-pier, or tripod when you need a bit more lift to clear obstacles or put your gear at a more comfortable height.




Astronomy Hub: Your one-stop-shop for Astronomy Knowledge!

Our Gear Experts have compiled a wealth of information to help expand your astronomy knowledge! Below you’ll find links to articles, videos and "how-to" guides. Just one more reason that our Astronomy Hub is a one-stop-shop for all your astronomy and astrophotography needs!

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