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

This listing covers one configuration of the Corvane Pivot alt-az mount, defined by its support, add-on, finish, and edition year. 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 weather cover suits observers who keep the mount outdoors on a pier or a covered patio.

Anodized black is the standard finish of the Pivot line and matches most telescope tubes. The mechanics of the 2024 edition match the other years; the changes concern handling details only. The payload rating in the specifications applies to the mount head in every configuration of the Pivot line.

What's in the box

• Alt-az mount head with Vixen-style saddle
• Two slow-motion control rods
• Accessory tray
• Fitted weather cover

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.