Gents any entry level tripods recommended for the above scope. There is a dazzling array out there and I am trying to learn as much as possible to get started. My goals are I'd like something moderately stable for magnifications up to 45x but the ability to backpack it would be nice as well. Its possible the two goals are not complimentary? I spoke to a camera shop and they suggested I should be using a video head to start with. Thanks for any thoughts or links to resources on any of the above.
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Tripod for Pentax 65EDII (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter sixtus
- Start date
jmepler
It's just a flesh wound.
I am assuming that your scope is the straight version, and not the angled one. Depending on your height, the 190 series may be on the short side, at least without the center column fully extended. The 055 series will be overkill for the weight of your scope, but will be better as far as the height.
The 804RC2 appears to be a 3-way pan and tilt head. I used a similar head in the past. You can get by with a head like this, but I found that it was difficult to track flying birds with the one that I had. I would recommend a video head. This would be a 2-way head that is designed to tilt and pan smoothly, making it easy to track flying birds. The standard "starter" video head is the Manfrotto 128RC QR.
Stability and packability are not complimentary. Tripods with four leg sections are more compact, but not as stable as three section models. Carbon fiber is lighter, more stable, and more expensive than aluminum. You need to decide what are the most important features to you.
The 804RC2 appears to be a 3-way pan and tilt head. I used a similar head in the past. You can get by with a head like this, but I found that it was difficult to track flying birds with the one that I had. I would recommend a video head. This would be a 2-way head that is designed to tilt and pan smoothly, making it easy to track flying birds. The standard "starter" video head is the Manfrotto 128RC QR.
Stability and packability are not complimentary. Tripods with four leg sections are more compact, but not as stable as three section models. Carbon fiber is lighter, more stable, and more expensive than aluminum. You need to decide what are the most important features to you.
thanks jmepler. Its the angled version. I'm 190cm tall btw. I'd probably prefer stability more at this point, I can always make do with something lighter for hiking later on. I might look at the video head you recommended. Would this still be okay for occasional astronomical use, I am juggling a few variables here
Hi sixtus,
I use old Slik 88 tripods, which weigh about 2.5 kg with a pan and tilt head.
Modern tripods may be lighter, but your height may require a tripod weighing 2.5kg with the head.
I successfully use magnifications up to 100x on spotting scopes and short focus refractors with the Slik 88.
I have heavier photo tripods, some going up to over 7ft 6 inches high, but they weigh nearer 4kg.
Outside if the wind is blowing then photo tripods are not very stable.
A wind shield or fence helps.
Also I have to aim high before locking the pan and tilt handle as the scope angle drops a bit once the handle is locked.
From indoors I can use 120x to 190x without any problems using the Slik 88, but there are no winds to move the scope.
I am also quite used to using refractors with inverted images or terrestrial scopes or laterally reversed scopes. It just needs practice.
The main thing for astro use is to avoid light pollution if possible.
Australia has great skies.
I use old Slik 88 tripods, which weigh about 2.5 kg with a pan and tilt head.
Modern tripods may be lighter, but your height may require a tripod weighing 2.5kg with the head.
I successfully use magnifications up to 100x on spotting scopes and short focus refractors with the Slik 88.
I have heavier photo tripods, some going up to over 7ft 6 inches high, but they weigh nearer 4kg.
Outside if the wind is blowing then photo tripods are not very stable.
A wind shield or fence helps.
Also I have to aim high before locking the pan and tilt handle as the scope angle drops a bit once the handle is locked.
From indoors I can use 120x to 190x without any problems using the Slik 88, but there are no winds to move the scope.
I am also quite used to using refractors with inverted images or terrestrial scopes or laterally reversed scopes. It just needs practice.
The main thing for astro use is to avoid light pollution if possible.
Australia has great skies.
PYRTLE
Old Berkshire Boy
Due to your height, you have to consider the 055 tripod series, rather than the shorter 190s, otherwise you'd be stooping over, regardless of you having an angled scope. Also this would make looking at night sky objects easier.
I too would suggest a fluid video head for quicker and smoother panning in all 3 planes. The 128rc2 head is and has been the go to system for many a year. There are one or two smaller lightweight heads about dependant on your budget.
I too would suggest a fluid video head for quicker and smoother panning in all 3 planes. The 128rc2 head is and has been the go to system for many a year. There are one or two smaller lightweight heads about dependant on your budget.
btw folks for table top viewing, which I'd like to do from my study on occasion is the usual method to buy something like this? https://www.camerahouse.com.au/manfrotto-pixi-mtpixi-b-tripod
JerryLogan
Well-known member
It costs more, but I gave up searching and struggling when I got a video high hat https://www.benrousa.com/products/benro-hh75av.aspx and paired it with https://www.benrousa.com/products/benro-bl75.aspx. Extremely stable yet totally flexible configuration.
Best,
Jerry
Hi,
cannot see the images due to some blocking device in the office... assuming it's a 055XPROB the price seems ok, even if you have to get a fluid head. The legs are very sturdy (max rated load 7kg) and not super lightweight at 2.4kg. They will also carry larger scopes well.
The head mentioned will be sub-optimal for use with a scope...
Joachim
cannot see the images due to some blocking device in the office... assuming it's a 055XPROB the price seems ok, even if you have to get a fluid head. The legs are very sturdy (max rated load 7kg) and not super lightweight at 2.4kg. They will also carry larger scopes well.
The head mentioned will be sub-optimal for use with a scope...
Joachim
Kevin Conville
yardbirder
My two bits...
Get a Benro aluminum tripod of more height than you think you need. Benro tripods are better made and stiffer than Manfrotto. I've had 4 or 5 of each brand. You will find that a taller tripod is more stable and useful. Taller tripods have a wider footprint. They allow more leg and less center post for better stability. If you find yourself on irregular ground or on the up-hill side of the scope, you'll want the height.
I recommend an inexpensive fluid head like a Manfrotto 128. They're heavy but work well once you convert to Arca. I'd get the Plain Jane version w/o quick release and adapt an Arca clamp to it to pair with an Arca plate on the scope. https://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=249059
Google away if you're unfamiliar with this stuff. One more thing, collet locks (twist) on the legs are better (stiffer joints, never out of adjustment, don't get caught on things, and are lower profile for sliding in and out of spaces) than cam locks (flip levers).
Get a Benro aluminum tripod of more height than you think you need. Benro tripods are better made and stiffer than Manfrotto. I've had 4 or 5 of each brand. You will find that a taller tripod is more stable and useful. Taller tripods have a wider footprint. They allow more leg and less center post for better stability. If you find yourself on irregular ground or on the up-hill side of the scope, you'll want the height.
I recommend an inexpensive fluid head like a Manfrotto 128. They're heavy but work well once you convert to Arca. I'd get the Plain Jane version w/o quick release and adapt an Arca clamp to it to pair with an Arca plate on the scope. https://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=249059
Google away if you're unfamiliar with this stuff. One more thing, collet locks (twist) on the legs are better (stiffer joints, never out of adjustment, don't get caught on things, and are lower profile for sliding in and out of spaces) than cam locks (flip levers).
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Thanks guys, this one is the 055XPROB yes and I pulled the trigger and bought it. I am chasing pre-owned prices and it was the only one currently going, I got the price down a little as well. I'll keep an eye out for the 128 fluid head next. Thanks again everyone, and for the general theory provided, all good to know.:t:
Hi,
I'm not such a big fan of the 128RC as it has a fixed position quick release plate and is also not too stable. I have retired mine in favour of a used 500AH which has a plate which can be moved back and forth for balancing your scope and there is longer plates available, plus it's a lot more stable than the 128RC.
The balance question is of course a moot point if the 128RC is converted to Arca plates...
Joachim
I'm not such a big fan of the 128RC as it has a fixed position quick release plate and is also not too stable. I have retired mine in favour of a used 500AH which has a plate which can be moved back and forth for balancing your scope and there is longer plates available, plus it's a lot more stable than the 128RC.
The balance question is of course a moot point if the 128RC is converted to Arca plates...
Joachim
Kevin Conville
yardbirder
This is the 128 w/o QR.
You can see it would be very easy to attach an Arca clamp to this.
I would use the existing 1/4"-20 screw on the head as well as tapping another 1/4"-20 hole in the clamp to use a second screw for the added security and anti-twist.
One could also drill and countersink a hole through the clamp and use a flat head screw and a washer and nut.
You can see it would be very easy to attach an Arca clamp to this.
I would use the existing 1/4"-20 screw on the head as well as tapping another 1/4"-20 hole in the clamp to use a second screw for the added security and anti-twist.
One could also drill and countersink a hole through the clamp and use a flat head screw and a washer and nut.
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