My New iOptron HAZ31 Mount — Preparing for the 2026 Solar Eclipse

A new piece of gear arrived in my astronomy setup this week: the iOptron HAZ31 mount. I bought it with one major goal in mind—photographing the total solar eclipse of August 12, 2026, which will cross Spain. Since it’s close enough to reach by car, I’ll finally be able to bring a more complete setup without worrying about airline limits.

But the HAZ31 won’t just be an eclipse mount… it’s about to become my main platform for daily solar observing, H‑alpha sessions, and even wide‑field deep‑sky sketching.

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Why I Chose the iOptron HAZ31

The iOptron HAZ31 immediately stood out for its mix of power, portability, and stability. Some key features include:

• 14 kg payload capacity while weighing only 3.7 kg, with no counterweights needed.
• Advanced strain wave gear (harmonic drive) system for smooth, backlash‑free movement.
• Level & Go technology: just turn it on and it calibrates and slews to its first target automatically.
• Dual saddle (Vixen + Losmandy) for maximum instrument flexibility.
• Built‑in GPS, an electronic friction brake, and Wi‑Fi control options.

Compared to my older Sky-Watcher AZ‑GTi, the difference is dramatic. The AZ‑GTi struggled with stability—every touch caused the image to shake, which made solar observing unnecessarily difficult. The HAZ31 is a huge step up in rigidity, even when carrying heavier instruments.

The iOptron HAZ31 mount, with the solar telescopes

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The 2026 Eclipse Setup

For the eclipse, I’ll be mounting my trusted TS‑Optics 80mm PhotoLine refractor on the HAZ31. Its optics are perfect for capturing the full sequence:

• Diamond ring
• Bailey’s beads
• Chromosphere details
• Partial phases for a timelapse

Everything will be automated using Solar Eclipse Workbench, so I can focus on the experience of totality instead of watching timers. The HAZ31’s precise GoTo and tracking will make the automation smoother than ever.

Since we’re traveling by car, I can bring extra gear—more power options, a sturdier tripod, and even a second camera for wide‑angle eclipse shots.

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Daily Solar Observing

The HAZ31 will also become my main mount for day‑to‑day solar work. Thanks to the dual saddle design, I can mount the TS‑Optics 80mm PhotoLine alongside my Coronado SolarMax 40 H‑alpha telescope. This means:

• Simultaneous white‑light and H‑alpha observing
• No telescope swapping and no downtime
• Better stability for sunspot sketches and imaging

The harmonic drive should give me a steady view even at higher magnifications—something the AZ‑GTi often struggled with.

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Deep‑Sky Sketching & Wide‑Field Observing

Even though the HAZ31 is an Alt‑Az mount, it’s excellent for:

• Wide‑field visual observing
• Deep‑sky object sketching

The TS‑Optics PhotoLine 80 pairs beautifully with it, and the mount’s stability finally allows me to get the most out of that refractor. I’m looking forward to quick summer Milky Way sessions—grab the mount, step into the garden, level it, and start observing within minutes.

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Final Thoughts

The iOptron HAZ31 feels like the perfect companion for the coming years of solar and visual astronomy. Lightweight, strong, and packed with modern tracking technology—it ticks all the boxes.

Its first big test will be the 2026 total solar eclipse, and I’m excited to see what this combination of gear will produce. If you’re looking for a lightweight yet powerful Alt‑Az mount, the HAZ31 is absolutely worth considering.

Clear skies!