Corvane Pivot alt-az mount, head only

Specifications

Description

The Pivot is a light alt-azimuth mount for small telescopes, spotting scopes, and binoculars up to 3 kg. It moves in altitude, up and down, and in azimuth, side to side, which makes pointing intuitive for beginners: you aim it where you want to look, the same way you would aim a camera.

Two flexible slow-motion rods let you make small corrections in each axis without touching the telescope. That helps at higher magnifications, where the sky drifts out of the field within a minute and nudging the tube by hand would shake the image. Tension knobs on both axes set how freely the mount moves.

The Vixen-style saddle accepts the dovetail bars found on most small refractors, Maksutovs, and short reflectors. A safety screw holds the bar in place while you tighten the main clamp. The head weighs 2.8 kg and has a standard 3/8-16 thread underneath for photo tripods.

Telescopes up to about 80 mm in aperture and 1.5 kg in weight work best on the Pivot. Larger or longer tubes fit within the 3 kg payload, but they take longer to settle after you focus. As a rule, keep the total load, including a diagonal, eyepiece, and finder, well below the rated payload.

The Pivot has no motors, so it does not track the sky. For visual observing at low and medium power, that is rarely a problem. It suits quick sessions in a garden or on a balcony, where a short setup time matters more than tracking.

Pair the Pivot with a 70 mm refractor or a small Maksutov for a travel kit that fits in one bag. It also works as a stable support for spotting scopes during daytime nature viewing.

About this configuration

Each configuration of the Corvane Pivot alt-az mount uses the same mount head; the options change what it stands on and what ships with it. This configuration is the mount head alone, so you supply a tripod or a pier with a matching top plate. Buying the head only makes sense when you already own a sturdy tripod or a permanent pier in the garden. A padded case makes it easier to carry the mount head to a dark site without knocks to the axes.

Anodized black is the standard finish of the Pivot line and matches most telescope tubes. The 2025 edition keeps the same payload rating and gearing as the earlier years of the Pivot line. For steady views, keep the total load of tube, finder, and camera below the rated payload with some margin to spare.

What's in the box

• Alt-az mount head with Vixen-style saddle
• Two slow-motion control rods
• Accessory tray
• Padded carrying case

Compatibility notes

• Accepts Vixen-style dovetail bars up to 45 mm wide.
• The 3/8-16 base thread fits most photo tripods; a 1/4-20 adapter is included.
• Suits telescopes up to about 80 mm aperture and 1.5 kg for steady views.