Virgo SKY/Mount

3.0 Nice Parallelogram Binocular Mount

Can be found cheap on the used market.

Max weight stock is about 4lbs, needs a very heavy duty tripod.

I purchased my Virgo Sky/ Mount used via the Astromart classifieds to use with my Orion 16x80 binoculars. My example was well used so the moving parts were fairly worn. The first thing I noticed was that the altitude clamp would not hold the binoculars in position unless it was over tightened, even then it would not hold the binoculars in place near zenith. I built my own aluminum fork mount for the binoculars and mounted it to the Virgo mount in place of the original altitude pivot. Once I made this modification the mount was very easy and intutive to use; even for people unfamiliar with it. Movements with the modification were smooth and easy. I used a Gitzo tripod rated for about 25lb with the mount and it was quite stable with only a small amount of ocillation. I think that the orginal altitude clamp would work fine for up to light 15x70 binoculars. My 16x80's were about 6lbs. I did briefly try some 10lb 25x100's on the mount but would not recommend it since it was stressed and wobbly with that much weight.