Will My Rig Fit? Pier Sizing & Swing-Diameter Guide
What “swing diameter” means: the maximum circular clearance your telescope and accessories need as the mount slews past the meridian and horizon. Choose a pier with a swing diameter greater than your rig’s full width including dew shields and cables.

How to measure (steps):
- Assemble your full imaging train.
- Extend dew shield/focusers as in use.
- Measure the widest span perpendicular to the tube’s length (include dovetail/saddle).
- Add 5–10 cm of safety margin.
Tip: long refractors often need more diameter clearance than their weight suggests.
Payload & mounts:
- Compact (≤ 4 kg): smart scopes.
- Small (≤ 8 kg): AM3/HEQ5 class with 60–80 mm APO or 5″ SCT.
- Standard (≤ 20 kg): EQ6-R/AM5 class with 100–120 mm APO or 8″–10″ SCT/RASA 8.
- Heavy (≤ 45 kg): premium mounts (Paramount MX, GM2000, etc.) with 10″–12″ RC/Newt or duals.
Checklist before you book:
- Swing diameter ≥ your measured clearance (+ safety margin).
- Payload within tier limit (include cameras, filter wheels, OAG, cables).
- Balance achievable in both axes; cable management planned.
- Power/network ports sufficient (see Add-ons for extras).
See examples:

