# Best Pier Extensions for Clearance and Comfort (2026) Source: https://stargazernest.com/best/pier-extensions Updated: 2026-09-15 Publisher: Stargazer Nest. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://stargazernest.com/how-we-research#our-score A pier extension raises the mount head above the tripod so a long tube can swing past the meridian without striking a leg. The main things to confirm are the bolt pattern and diameter at both ends, since the extension must match your specific mount base and tripod or pier top. Height is the trade-off: more clearance is convenient, but every added centimeter raises the center of gravity and can reduce stability, so match the length to your tube size rather than overbuying. These fit imagers with long refractors or Newtonians who keep hitting the tripod during meridian flips, and visual observers who want the eyepiece at a comfortable height. A useful tip: pair a modest extension with a well-spread tripod or a solid pier, and add counterweight low on the shaft to offset the higher mount and keep vibration damping times short. ## Picks ### 1. Orion 7394 Atlas Telescope Mount Extension Steel Pier Raises Mount Head 8.4 inch Our score: 8.3/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10) Orion 7394 Atlas steel pier extension that raises the mount head 8.4 inch for better telescope clearance. Pros: - 8.4 inch rise keeps long refractors from hitting tripod legs near the zenith - Steel construction adds rigidity rather than introducing wobble - Made for the Atlas mount, so it bolts on without adapters Cons: - Fits Atlas-class mounts only, so owners of other brands need a different pier - Raises the eyepiece too, which can mean using a step stool for some targets Details: https://stargazernest.com/product/B0069VZ6QW ### 2. Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pier Extension for Better Tripod Clearance and Operation S30102 Our score: 8.3/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10) Sky-Watcher EQ6-R pier extension, model S30102, for better tripod clearance and easier operation. Pros: - Lifts the EQ6-R head so imaging trains clear the tripod legs during slews - Official Sky-Watcher part matches the EQ6-R tripod and mount base - Improves access to camera gear and cables around the mount Cons: - Specific to the EQ6-R, so it will not suit smaller Sky-Watcher mounts - Adds another heavy component to carry when packing up the mount Details: https://stargazernest.com/product/B07J5YKL7S ### 3. Orion 7393 SkyView Pro Telescope Mount Extension Pier for Better Clearance Our score: 8.1/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Orion 7393 SkyView Pro telescope mount extension pier that gives long tubes better clearance on the tripod. Pros: - Designed for the SkyView Pro mount for a direct, secure fit - Extra height helps refractors avoid tripod legs when pointed high - Useful upgrade for owners adding cameras to a SkyView Pro Cons: - SkyView Pro specific, so check your mount model before buying - Raising the mount can make light tripods slightly more prone to vibration Details: https://stargazernest.com/product/B00020WZC4 ### 4. iOptron Mini Pier Tripod Extension for CEM60 iEQ45 iEQ30 MiniTower and MiniTower Pro Mount Our score: 8.1/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) iOptron Mini Pier tripod extension for CEM60, iEQ45, iEQ30, MiniTower and MiniTower Pro mounts. Pros: - Broad compatibility across several iOptron equatorial and tower mounts - Raises the mount so large telescopes clear the tripod legs - Official iOptron design keeps the mounting interface solid Cons: - Only suits the listed iOptron mounts, not other brands - Short mini pier may not give enough clearance for very long refractors Details: https://stargazernest.com/product/B00TUUGSPM ### 5. Sky-Watcher Pier Extension for AZ-EQ5 Mount Elevates Mount Head Above Tripod Legs Our score: 8.1/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Sky-Watcher pier extension for the AZ-EQ5 mount that elevates the mount head above the tripod legs. Pros: - Elevates the AZ-EQ5 so dual-scope setups and long tubes clear the legs - Official Sky-Watcher fit avoids guesswork with bolt patterns - Makes it easier to reach controls and cables around the mount Cons: - Only compatible with the AZ-EQ5 mount, so it is a dead end if you upgrade later - Extra height slightly increases sensitivity to wind gusts Details: https://stargazernest.com/product/B073BJFZW7 ### 6. iOptron MiniPier Tripod Extension 8032 for CEM70 CEM60 CEM40 iEQ45 GEM45 AZMP Mounts Our score: 8.1/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10) iOptron MiniPier tripod extension 8032 for CEM70, CEM60, CEM40, iEQ45, GEM45 and AZMP mounts. Pros: - Fits a wide range of current iOptron mounts including CEM70 and CEM40 - Improves clearance for heavy imaging trains and long refractors - Solid iOptron design keeps the added height rigid Cons: - Useful only to iOptron owners with the listed mounts - Premium price compared with generic riser columns Details: https://stargazernest.com/product/B09JB56CLF ### 7. iDili Telescope Equatorial Mount Extension Column TC40 Universal Riser for EQ3 EQ5 EQ6 Silver Our score: 7.6/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) iDili TC40 universal riser column in silver, an equatorial mount extension for EQ3, EQ5 and EQ6 class mounts. Pros: - Universal riser covers EQ3, EQ5 and EQ6 style mounts with one design - Silver machined column adds clearance for longer telescope tubes - Budget alternative to brand-specific pier extensions Cons: - Universal fit may need adapters or shims for some mount bases - Lesser-known brand, so machining quality is less proven Details: https://stargazernest.com/product/B0F5MDCW3V ### 8. Extension Pier for Astronomical Telescope Tube Assembly Equatorial Mount EQ6r NEQ6 AZEQ6 Our score: 6.8/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10) Extension pier for EQ6r, NEQ6 and AZEQ6 equatorial mounts carrying telescope tube assemblies. Pros: - Targets popular heavy mounts such as the EQ6r, NEQ6 and AZEQ6 - Adds clearance so large telescopes do not strike tripod legs - Lower-cost alternative to the official Sky-Watcher extension Cons: - Check the height and material details before buying - Fit and finish may vary compared with official parts Details: https://stargazernest.com/product/B0DPWXDS97 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.