Corvane Pivot alt-az mount, with carbon fiber tripod

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. The carbon fiber tripod saves weight for travel while still damping vibration well at moderate magnification. Carbon fiber legs stay comfortable to handle on cold nights, since they conduct less heat away from your hands than metal. A padded case makes it easier to carry the mount head to a dark site without knocks to the axes.

Titanium gray anodizing shows dust less than black and keeps a uniform look over the years. This is the 2023 edition of the Pivot line, the earliest version that is still listed in the catalog. 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
• Carbon fiber tripod with 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.