Alignment systems and devices are provided for controlling the alignment of an optical payload. In some embodiments, an optical positioning system is provided that includes a yoke supporting an optical payload. The yoke, which includes a plurality of articulated segments and associated pivot joints, is mechanically coupled to the optical payload, such that when the optical payload is oriented in a given direction, such as towards a distal target, the optical payload is rotatable about a distal pivot axis associated with a distal pivot joint of the yoke. The pivot joints of the yoke may be configured such that the rotation axis associated with a given pivot joint passes sufficiently close to a respective center of mass of a distalward portion of the optical alignment system beyond the given pivot joint, such that the position and orientation of the optical payload is maintained in the absence of external forces.