ZEQ25/CEM25 Ext Bar

Expand the balancing capability of your mount with this precision‑machined extension bar, designed for use with the iOptron ZEQ25 and CEM25 mounts (also compatible with iEQ30). Engineered to integrate seamlessly with the factory counterweight shaft, this extension offers increased length so you can slide your counterweights further out — improving leverage and allowing more effective counterbalance of larger optical assemblies or heavier imaging payloads.

Key Specifications & Features:

• Material: Stainless steel construction for strength and durability.
• Diameter: 20 mm shaft diameter.
• Net length (shaft only): 7.25″ (approx. 18.4 cm) — this is the usable extension length.
• Overall length (including threaded end): 7.75″ (approx. 19.7 cm) — ensures compatibility with the threaded mount interface.
• Thread size: M12 × 1.25mm — this matches the counterweight shaft interface of the mounts in question.
• Purpose: Adds extension to the counterweight bar so heavier or longer scopes, cameras, or piggy‑backed rigs may be balanced more effectively; increasing counter‑moment without resorting to overweight counterweights or sacrificing travel.

Why It’s Useful:
When you upgrade your telescope, add heavier imaging gear, guide scopes, or camera systems, the ability of your mount’s standard bar to keep the system balanced becomes limited. By using this extension bar, you gain more leverage (longer moment arm) allowing you to stay within the mount’s optimal balance range without having to add excessive counterweight mass. That means smoother tracking, reduced stress on motors and drive systems, and better performance for astrophotography or visual use.

Typical Use Cases:

• You’ve got a ZEQ25 or CEM25 mount and you’re installing a larger apochromatic refractor plus a guide scope—this extension gives you more bar length to slide the counterweights outward.
• You’re imaging with a heavier camera plus filter wheel and you find you’re reaching the limits of your counterweight capacity — the extension bar gives additional travel before you need to add more weight.
• You’re upgrading your optical train but keeping the same mount — this is a cost‑effective accessory to adapt the mount for heavier loads without replacing the entire balance shaft.
• Suitable for both imaging and visual use when the balance bar travel is a bottleneck.