Tripod choices ...

jermng · Post by **jermng** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 3:35 pm

Guys .. need some help here. I intend to get a new Tripod for my AstroSlew to make it more Grab and Go. My current SVP tripod works but is pretty heavy.

One choice is the Manfrotto 028B that has a stated payload of 12Kgs/26Ibs. However the Universal Astronomics website says that photo tripods with center column should be considered at half their stated payload so I assume it to be 13Ibs for Mount + OTA.

Another choice is the Vixen Al-130 tripod. According to Astronomics (not UA), it can load a GPD2 and a scope up to 13.2IBs. I can also use this tripod as a lighter alternative for my SVP mount.

Third choice would of course be to keep using the SVP tripod I already have and bear with the weight, if the other 2 cannot match it's stability.

I intend to use the tripod to mount a C8 and a Megrez 80 on the Astroslew.

Would really appreciate advice from you guys. I can't make up my
mind.

Edit: Forgot to mention that the 028 costs about $165 less than the AL-130 after I get the necessary accesories to allow the Vixen to be used in our latitude for the SVP. Of course it's gonna be much harder to use the 028 with the SVP.

Clear Skies!

kayheem · Post by **kayheem** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 4:32 pm

Wood survey tripod (approx $200) like the one Arief had. Of course, you will need some form of adaptor.

jermng · Post by **jermng** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 4:46 pm

Is it the same weight as the SVP/CG-5 tripod? If it is, then no point. I'm looking for something light(er) ...

river · Post by **river** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 5:40 pm

buy/modify a small trolley and make it "push and go", cheap solution and you get stability from your SVP tripod.

and wait for yet another good offer from Singastro..haha

jermng · Post by **jermng** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 7:16 pm

Good idea, but not really practical in my case.

There are a few steps between my house and carpark. There there's the bumpy path downstairs.

No matter what still gotta carry the mount+tripod.

ariefm71 · Post by **ariefm71** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 8:17 pm

Get the Gitzo MK2 1500

mrngbss · Post by **mrngbss** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 9:31 pm

ariefm71 wrote:Get the Gitzo MK2 1500

Yes, get the 1500 or 1400 series, can invest in it though a little expensive. ~$800++ 1500 has a nice 4 inch base plate. You can use your new adapter.

denebman · Post by **denebman** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 12:21 am

ariefm71 wrote:Get the Gitzo MK2 1500

I got mine last year from cathay photo at approx. SGD 700+. This is so far the best buy for me considering its rigidity, durability, payload/weight ratio, portability etc.

jermng · Post by **jermng** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 12:23 am

Can the Gitzo hold the weight of a C8 + Megrez?

BTW, where did you get it?

Thanks!

mrngbss · Post by **mrngbss** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 12:48 am

Cathay Photo's quote is $880 now...