Manfrotto 4.3 kg Counterweight for Telescope Mounts

Astrophotographers and visual observers using equatorial telescope mounts often struggle with balance when attaching heavy cameras, guidescopes, or larger eyepieces. The Manfrotto 4.3 kg counterweight solves this by providing the necessary mass to offset your equipment, ensuring smooth tracking and reduced motor strain. Its cylindrical steel body with a 20 mm bore slides onto the counterweight shaft of popular mounts like Sky-Watcher EQ3, EQ5, HEQ5, and EQ6-R Pro, then locks securely with a thumbscrew. The powder-coated black finish resists corrosion and scratches, making it suitable for long nights under the stars. With a diameter of 150 mm and thickness of 45 mm, this counterweight offers a compact yet effective solution for improving mount performance and stability.

Key specifications

• Nominal weight: 4.3 kg
• Material: Steel with powder-coated finish
• Internal bore diameter: 20 mm (fits standard counterweight shafts)
• Mounting mechanism: Thumbscrew lock for secure attachment
• Outer diameter: 150 mm, thickness: 45 mm
• Color: Black
• Compatible with Sky-Watcher EQ3, EQ5, HEQ5, EQ6-R Pro and similar equatorial mounts

Why choose it

Proper counterbalancing is critical for accurate tracking and preventing premature wear on your mount's gears. This Manfrotto counterweight is precision-machined to exacting tolerances, ensuring a snug fit on the shaft without wobble. The thumbscrew lock allows quick adjustments in the field, so you can fine-tune balance as you change equipment. Its durable steel construction and powder-coated finish withstand the rigors of outdoor use, providing reliable performance for years.

Ideal use cases

• Balancing heavy astrophotography rigs with cameras and guidescopes
• Offsetting larger eyepieces for visual observation
• Enhancing tracking accuracy on equatorial mounts
• Reducing motor strain during long exposure sessions

Good to know

The counterweight is compatible with any mount that uses a 20 mm counterweight shaft, not just the listed Sky-Watcher models. Always ensure the thumbscrew is fully tightened before use to prevent slippage. For best results, position the counterweight as close to the mount head as possible while maintaining balance.