Product Overview
OPEN BOX / Prototype discount
Starfield Precision Steel Anti-Vibration Pier Mount
Patent Pending in Canada and the United States
A Revolution in Stability, Portability, and Precision
The Starfield Steel Pier Mount is the most advanced modular pier system available today. Designed for astrophotographers, observatories, and serious stargazers, this patent-pending system combines high-strength laser-cut steel, multi-layer vibration isolation, and a diagrid structural configuration to deliver rock-solid stability in a package that ships flat and assembles with basic tools.
What Makes This Pier Different?
The secret lies in the diagrid structure — a triangular support system used in high-rise buildings and aerospace frames. Unlike hollow-tube piers, our laser-cut diagrid fins distribute weight more evenly and eliminate resonance. This means less vibration, more stability, and tighter stars in your long-exposure images. Read more on our blog post here.
Key Features:
- Anti-Vibration Technology: Dual top plates separated by rubber isolators absorb vibrations before they reach your telescope.
- Laser-Cut Diagrid Design: Triangular support structure eliminates flex and ringing effects.
- Flat-Pack Shipping: Reduces freight costs and allows easy solo assembly with basic hand tools.
- Rotatable Top Plate: Align to Polaris or Sigma Octantis, even if base bolts aren’t perfectly oriented.
- Height Extensible: Add bolt-on extensions for additional height without compromising stability.
- Accessory Ready: Integrated pass-throughs and cable channels keep your setup clean and organized.
Construction:
- 3/16" or 1/4" cold-rolled steel (model dependent)
- Laser-cut panels, grit-blasted, powder-coated matte black (RAL9000)
- Multi-layer vibration isolation system using cylindrical rubber mounts
- Rotatable, bolt-locking top plate for precise polar alignment
Mount Compatibility: +
- Skywatcher EQ5 / EQ6 (Starfield Uniplate mount adapter required)
- Skywatcher EQ8/CQ350 (call for requirements)
- iOptron CEM60/70, IEQ45, AZPRO, IEQ30*, CEM26/GEM28* iOptron HEM/HAE mounts* (Starfield Uniplate mount adapter required)
- Celestron CGE / CGX/ CGX-L (Starfield Uniplate mount adapter required)
- Celestron AVX (Starfield Uniplate mount adapter required)
- Software Bisque mounts (call for requirements)
- Losmandy (Losmandy MA adapter required)
- Meade
- Custom mount adapters available
* mount adapter needed from iOptron.
+ optional mount adapters may be required
Pier Design Comparison: Starfield vs. Standard Tube Piers
| Feature | Starfield Anti-Vibration Pier (Diagrid, Patent Pending) | Standard Tube Pier (Round Steel Pipe w/ Welded Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Design | Triangular diagrid framework with laser-cut support fins | Hollow round steel or aluminum tube with welded plate |
| Vibration Control | ✅ Multi-layer isolation with rubber mounts + diagrid dispersion ⟶ Actively dampens both vertical and lateral vibrations |
❌ Rigid, prone to “ringing” and harmonic resonance ⟶ Requires sand filling or dampening hacks |
| Assembly & Shipping | ✅ Flat-pack modular design ⟶ Easy to assemble with hand tools ⟶ Lower shipping cost |
❌ Bulky welded construction ⟶ Higher freight cost, risk of damage ⟶ May need crane or second person |
| Alignment & Installation | ✅ Rotatable top plate for easy polar alignment ✅ No need for exact bolt orientation |
❌ Top plate fixed in place ⟶ Must align bolts perfectly before setting |
| Height Adjustability | ✅ Add-on modular base extensions ⟶ Increase height without structural compromise |
❌ Fixed height ⟶ Requires cutting/welding for changes |
| Weight vs. Rigidity | ✅ Optimized weight-to-strength via structural geometry ⟶ Handles heavy loads with less mass |
❌ More weight required to reduce flex ⟶ Heavier and harder to relocate |
| Cable Management | ✅ Built-in pass-through and accessory slots | ❌ Often requires DIY drilling or external routing |
| Corrosion Protection | ✅ Grit-blasted + powder-coated ✅ Zinc isolators protect internal hardware |
⚠️ Often spray-painted or single-coat finish ⟶ Susceptible to rust over time |
| Mount Compatibility | ✅ Universal top plate + adapter support ⟶ Celestron, Sky-Watcher, iOptron, AP, Paramount, 10Micron & more |
⚠️ Often brand-specific or requires custom adapter drilling |
| Field Serviceability | ✅ Bolt-together panels = fully serviceable ⟶ Replace or upgrade individual parts |
❌ Welded = no field repairs or mods without tools/machining |
| Performance Under Load | ✅ Rock solid under 100–150kg imaging setups | ⚠️ Flex or resonance may occur with heavier imaging gear |
| Ideal For | Permanent observatories, research setups, remote automation, rooftop installs | Backyard mounts, small domes, or light visual rigs |
Available Versions:
- 3-Fin Standard: for most refractor setup, large Newtonians, and SCT/RC's up to 11"
- 4-Fin Heavy Duty: For observatory-grade setups when 250lbs + counter weights in use ( Coming soon)
What’s Included:
- All laser-cut structural components
- Stainless steel hardware
- Dual-layer top plate assembly pre-drilled.
- Assembly instructions
Ideal For:
- Permanent domes and roll-off roof observatories
- Remote imaging installations
- Backyard telescope setups needing vibration control
- University, research, and outreach telescopes
Don’t let your pier be the weakest link in your astrophotography setup.
This isn’t just a mounting platform — it’s a foundation built with innovation and precision in every bolt. Made in Canada. Built to last. Flat-pack convenience meets observatory-grade performance.
Patent pending. Developed by Starfield Optics.
