iOptron 8061A Carbon Fiber Tripod

iOptron 8061A Carbon Fiber Tripod – Lightweight Strength for Travel and Field Observing

iOptron Part Number: 8061A

When portability matters but stability can’t be compromised, the iOptron 8061A carbon fiber tripod steps in as the ideal solution for mid-sized equatorial and alt-azimuth mounts. Designed for serious astrophotographers and observers on the go, this lightweight tripod delivers surprising strength for its size, supporting payloads of up to 110 pounds (50 kg) while weighing just 5 pounds (2.3 kg).

Whether you’re heading to a remote dark sky site or simply need a solid, easily transported base for your mount, the 8061A brings field-friendly convenience without sacrificing support or rigidity.

Carbon Fiber Construction – Light but Not Delicate

The 8061A’s two-section legs are built from durable carbon fiber tubing, with upper tubes measuring 40mm in diameter and lower tubes at 36mm—wide enough to resist torsional flex while maintaining a compact footprint. The die-cast aluminum tripod head provides a secure platform for mount connection and helps reduce overall vibration without adding significant weight.

When collapsed, the tripod measures 23.5 inches (597mm)—compact enough to fit in most car trunks or carry-on-style cases. Fully extended, it reaches a maximum height of 36.8 inches (935mm), with a minimum height of 21 inches (535mm).

Threaded for Flexibility – Version A Design

This is the 8061A version of iOptron’s carbon fiber tripod, which includes three M8 threaded holes in the tripod head. These allow attachment of compatible accessories—most notably the optional Leveling MiniPier #8042, which is particularly useful when using strain wave mounts like the HAZ31 and HAZ46. These threaded inserts offer mounting flexibility not found on the standard 8061 version.

The tripod top plate measures 4.7 inches (120mm) in diameter and supports a variety of mount heads via compatible base adapters.

Compatibility Overview

The 8061A tripod is compatible with a wide range of iOptron mounts and devices, including:

• Strain wave drive mounts: HEM15, HEM27, HEM44, HAE29, HAE43

• Harmonic hybrid and alt-azimuth mounts: HAZ31, HAZ46 (with Leveling MiniPier #8042)

• Compact German equatorials: CEM26, CEM40, GEM28, GEM45

• Older iOptron mounts: iEQ30, iEQ30 Pro

• Tracking platforms: SkyGuider Pro, SkyHunter

• Camera gear and accessories: Standard 3/8" thread for photographic heads

While compact and strong, the 8061A is not recommended for large-mount systems such as the CEM60, CEM70, HAE69, or iEQ45 series. These larger mounts require heavier-duty support solutions.

Use Case and Observing Tip

If you're putting together a highly portable imaging rig—such as a harmonic drive mount with a 4" to 5" refractor or a compact SCT—the 8061A is a perfect match. It provides the strength needed to dampen vibrations during long exposures while remaining light enough to carry with one hand. For astrophotographers operating on uneven ground, pairing the tripod with the optional leveling MiniPier (#8042) can help streamline polar alignment and improve overall mount stability.

Why Choose the 8061A?

For users looking to reduce the total weight of their imaging or observing setup without sacrificing capacity, the 8061A carbon fiber tripod offers one of the best strength-to-weight ratios in the iOptron lineup. It's a natural match for mid-sized harmonic or strain wave mounts and makes a powerful argument for ditching your steel legs when the goal is speed, simplicity, and performance in the field.

Key Specifications:

• Load Capacity: 110 lbs (50 kg)

• Tripod Weight: 5 lbs (2.3 kg)

• Height Range: 21" to 36.8" (535mm–935mm)

• Collapsed Length: 23.5" (597mm)

• Top Plate Diameter: 4.7" (120mm)

• Leg Diameter: Upper – 40mm; Lower – 36mm

• Materials: Carbon fiber legs, die-cast aluminum tripod head

• Threaded Holes (Version A): 3x M8 threaded inserts

• Compatibility: HEM15/27/44, HAE29/43, CEM26/40, GEM28/45, iEQ30 series, SkyHunter, SkyGuider Pro, HAZ31/46 (with adapter)