SKY-WATCHER EQ3-2 Counterweight Set 1.8 kg + 3.5 kg

Astrophotographers and visual observers using the Sky-Watcher EQ3-2 equatorial mount often find their telescope tube assembly becomes front-heavy when adding cameras, guide scopes, or heavier eyepieces. This counterweight set, with 1.8 kg and 3.5 kg weights, restores balance and ensures smooth tracking across the night sky. The cylindrical cast iron weights slide onto the 20 mm counterweight shaft and lock securely with the included thumbscrews, allowing precise positioning for optimal mount performance.

Key specifications

• Compatible mount: Sky-Watcher EQ3-2 equatorial mount
• Counterweight masses: 1.8 kg and 3.5 kg (total 5.3 kg)
• Counterweight shaft diameter: 20 mm
• Material: Cast iron with black powder-coated finish
• Mounting: Slide-on with locking screws (2 included)
• Approximate dimensions: 1.8 kg weight: 90 mm diameter x 40 mm height; 3.5 kg weight: 100 mm diameter x 60 mm height

Why choose it

The EQ3-2 mount is a popular choice for portable astrophotography, but its limited payload capacity demands careful balancing. This counterweight set provides the necessary mass to offset heavy optical tubes and accessories, reducing strain on the mount's motors and improving tracking accuracy. The durable cast iron construction and corrosion-resistant powder coating ensure long-lasting performance in field conditions.

Ideal use cases

• Balancing a telescope with a DSLR or dedicated astronomy camera attached
• Adding a guide scope or off-axis guider for autoguiding
• Using heavier eyepieces or barlow lenses that shift the center of gravity
• Fine-tuning balance for both visual observation and long-exposure astrophotography

Good to know

The set includes two counterweights, allowing flexible configuration: use the 1.8 kg weight for lighter setups or combine both for maximum balance. The locking screws ensure the weights stay firmly in place during slewing and tracking. Always balance the mount in both right ascension and declination axes before operation to prevent motor strain and ensure accurate pointing.