Corvane Pivot alt-az mount, with steel 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

The Corvane Pivot alt-az mount is sold in several configurations, and the notes below describe what this particular one includes. The steel tripod gives a heavy, stable base that damps vibration quickly after you touch the focuser. A steel tripod adds weight to carry, but it settles fast when the wind picks up during a session. The fitted weather cover keeps dew and dust off the mount if you leave it set up between sessions.

The anodized red finish makes the clamps and knobs easier to find by touch and by red light. This is the 2025 edition, which enlarged the clutch knobs so you can operate them with gloves on cold nights. 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
• Steel tripod with 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.