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Future tripod purchase

Discussion in 'Telescopes and Mounts' started by Gabby76, Oct 28, 2017.

Future tripod purchase

Started by Gabby76 on Oct 28, 2017 at 11:45 AM

10 Replies 1627 Views 0 Likes

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  1. Gabby76

    Gabby76 Well-Known Member

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    Gabby76, Oct 28, 2017
    #1
    I am currently using a Vixen SXP on the stock HAL-130 aluminium tripod as my main GOTO and am looking to upgrade the tripod in the future.

    The two I have been looking at the most are these:

    Avalon T-Pod 130 Tripod
    Legs: Machined Aluminium/ Stainless steel
    Tripod Height min/ max: 85 cm - 130 cm (39” - 51”)
    Weight: 7,7 kg (17 lb)
    Capacity: 100 kg (220 lb)
    Cost: 826,00 €

    Berlebach “Planet” Tripod (Long)
    Construction: Steel/ Wood
    Tripod Height min/ max: 99 cm - 137 cm (39” - 54”)
    Weight: 10,8 kg (24 lb)
    Capacity: single clamp 120 kg (264 lb)
    Capacity: double clamp 160 kg (352 lb)
    Price: 760,00 € without accessories, 900,00 € with accessories.

    Prices are Germany and include VAT and shipping to Slovakia.

    I normally use long focal length scopes so moment arm and vibration suppression are important considerations.
    Also in the future (3-5 years) there will hopefully be a larger/ heavier refractor to be used so also planning for that consideration.

    Thoughts on these two tripods, others to consider?
     
  2. Dave In Vermont

    Dave In Vermont Well-Known Member

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    Dave In Vermont, Oct 28, 2017
    #2
    The only tripod I want is large, tubular-steel. And such simply isn't available here in the Untied Snakes. Though the Meade LX90-series comes with them - no place seems to sell them alone. Fortunately I have a 'Giant Field-Tripod' from Meade that came with my old LX200 12" SCT. And my current 12" LX90 has the one I want. So.....I'll swap the LX90 onto the Giant - thus freeing-up the tripod I need.

    The only price: A hernia! :D

    D-I.V.
     
  3. Gabby76

    Gabby76 Well-Known Member

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    Gabby76, Oct 28, 2017
    #3
    I have two CG-5 tubular steel tripods, one which has been modified with heavier wall and slightly longer legs but even with VSP underneath it works well but could be better. Also I find the Synta leg locking system leaves a bit to be desired when putting a lot on these.
    Though the Meade tripods have the dual screw to help hold the weight it is very easy to dent the thin tubing all these use.
    One of the main reasons I am getting away from "Synta" style mounts.
     
  4. Dave In Vermont

    Dave In Vermont Well-Known Member

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    Dave In Vermont, Oct 28, 2017
    #4
    Ever seen and/or examined the Meade Giant Field-Tripod? These sell at $750, and it's made of very thick and strong steel tubing. Or pipe, really. It's a true monster - weighs about 50lbs.on it's own. They also have two bolts to hold the legs at whatever height you wish. I've never seen or heard of these having any problems.

    And the smaller tripod the LX90's come with are quite sufficient for my purposes for handling what scope & gear I've got 'up my sleeve.'

    Thank you for your findings! Please keep them coming -

    Dave
     
  5. Gabby76

    Gabby76 Well-Known Member

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    Gabby76, Oct 28, 2017
    #5
    Impractical for my use though, much to heavy. It weights half of what I do! :D
    The Berlebach weights 24lbs and the T-Pod weights 17 lbs.
    I have to carry all my equipment down 3 staircases and back up at the end of the night so light is good.
     
  6. Dave In Vermont

    Dave In Vermont Well-Known Member

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    Dave In Vermont, Oct 28, 2017
    #6
    True 'enuff. If I had 3 flights of stairs to negotiate - I wouldn't carry that Elephant up & down them - no matter how pretty it was in it's wedding-gown!

    Have you considered using a pully and a large basket?

    Ahab - the Whale Lover.
     
  7. Mak the Night

    Mak the Night Well-Known Member

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    Mak the Night, Oct 29, 2017
    #7
    Count yourselves lucky, to get the 127mm Mak OTA I wanted I had to buy it with a Sky-Watcher AZ5 mount. The OTA will be used in my Vixen Porta.

    MaxthonSnap20171026132940.jpg

    Not totally sure what I'll do with the tripod/mount. It's only just under 6 kilo so probably a light grab'n'go for my 102mm Mak.
     
  8. Gabby76

    Gabby76 Well-Known Member

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    Gabby76, Oct 29, 2017
    #8
    Opinions on the tripods I have posted?
     
  9. Mak the Night

    Mak the Night Well-Known Member

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    Mak the Night, Oct 29, 2017
    #9
    I don't know, not having used them. Except to say one looks 1920's chic and the other looks like it should be on the bridge of the USS Enterprise lol.

    MaxthonSnap20171029232954.jpg MaxthonSnap20171029232824.jpg
     
  10. bladekeeper

    bladekeeper Active Member

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    bladekeeper, Nov 4, 2017
    #10
    Gotta go Berlebach, Gab. Much classier look in my opinio. :D
     
  11. Gabby76

    Gabby76 Well-Known Member

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    Gabby76, Nov 4, 2017
    #11
    I am really leaning to the Berlebach, only 24lbs which is still lighter than my modified ASGT tripod and has a 350lb capacity.
    Time to start stashing the euro away!
     
    bladekeeper likes this.

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