This Vixen 6.2 lb (2.8 kg) SX Counterweight is used to add stability to German-type equatorial mounts.  While your standard counterweight might be sufficient for observing at 45° of declination, when you're at or near zenith it might be a different story.  The same is true as you add various accessories such as cameras and off axis guiders; these all add to the weight upon the scope's mount, which in turn necessitates additional counterweights.  It is a good idea to have enough counterweights on the mount to handle the scope easily at zenith, and then when you're at more middle declinations you simply move the weights up towards the neck of the mount. Vixen SX counterweights are made of machined steel and have a .8" bore diameter that widens to .95" on the bottom half.

For any Great Polaris Series, Sphinx Series, or Super Polaris Series Mount

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Does this lens have a weather seal?

A: This lens has a dust & water repellent coating, but it is not weather sealed.

Q: 2. Will this head rotate enough to put the camera in the vertical/portrait position?

A: You can achieve portrait/vertical orientation with the AF-1100E Pistol Grip Head w/Quick Release. There is a slit cut out of the collar around the pivot point that allows the head to pivot all the way down to a vertical orientation.

Q: 3. Does this work with a slik 150?

A: Don't know what a slick 150'is but I use mine with a Meopta 20 - 70 / 85 mm and it works great.

Q: 4. Does it have heavy vignette?

A: Yes it does vignette

Q: 5. Can this lens' aperture on MFT be controlled from the camera?

A: No, on lens only.

Q: 6. I Purchased a Canon 5D SR and with a 70-200mm lens attached, it is heavy. Will this work as a handheld grip (no Tripod) only?

A: The Slik AF-1100E Pistol Grip Head w/Quick Release - Supports 6.5 lb (2.9 kg) can support the Canon EOS 5DS R DSLR Camera with a 70-200mm lens. This head is designed to go on a tripod. While it can work as a handgrip, it is not specifically designed for this.

Q: 7. Anybody try this lens on a Nikon D850? If so, how does it work?

A: This lens would offer excellent performance when paired with the Nikon D850.

Q: 8. I take it from the reviews this is MF and not AF? Is there another wide choice that is AF? Ty

A: Yes, this is a manual focus lens. There are currently 21 wide angle lenses from 14mm to 35mm with autofocus. Take a look here: https://bhpho.to/2HiF3dI

Q: 9. Does it have heavy vignette ?

A: Yes it does vignette

Q: 10. can it be use for canon 80d body?

A: No this is not EF mount