Celestron C80ED balance issue

Hello everyone,

I have a C80ED mounted Alt-Az. The scope is mounted in the rings all the way forward to the focuser but I am still having balance problems. Does anyone know of a cheap solution for adding weight to the front of my scope?

Michael, do your rings have 1/4-20 threads on the opposite side to your mounting dovetail?

If so, it should be easy to add a balance rail on those points, and attach a movable weight to the balance rail. The balance rail could either be home-made or store-bought.

Some folks have attached velcro exercise ankle weights to the front of a scope.

You didn't mention what type of mount you are using. If the mount is a design where the scope sits high above the pivot point, like an AZ-3 or similar mounts, then you will have a balance problem. The weight of the scope is at a changing distance from the centre of gravity depending on where the scope is pointed. When aimed horizontal, the weight is centered above the pivot. When aimed toward the zenith, the weight of the scope is way off to the side. With these mounts, the balance point keeps changing.

dan