I’ve just installed a permanent pier in my garden. I keep the mount on it with a Telegizmos 365 scope cover. It makes it so much easier to set up. I no longer have to carry my heavy mount and counterweights outside and polar align it. If it’s possible to have a permanent pier rather than a tripod I think it is worthwhile. My pier was from Altair Astro.
British Astronomical Association
Supporting amateur astronomers since 1890