Vibration suppression pads

[Mariner]

Are they really necessary or simply something good-to-have?

[shirox]

r u refering to those celestron types? to a certain extend yes it does helps to damper down the vibrations but not really necessary

[orly_andico]

they help if you are under-mounted (a little bit).

a friend of mine in Philippines (the guy who wrote EQMOD) actually took the trouble to measure the damping time after vibrations with and without the pads. There was about a 30 - 40% reduction in damping time (say from 3 seconds to 2 seconds).

not too bad, but nothing amazing.

[weixing]

Hi,
Useful on concrete or solid ground... it's also can be use to prevent your tripod leg sink into the ground if you are on soft ground. But not very useful if your setup is too light.

Have a nice day.

[Mariner]

Was looking to purchase a set but not too sure if it's worth the money. Haven't really gotten a chance to bring out the big setup but I guess I can always wait. Thanks for all the comments and feedback!

[orly_andico]

over-mounting is the key

i made this huge wooden tripod (cost me about $100 worth of balau wood) and boy is it stable. It can probably carry a C14. It's also freakin' heavy and cost me so many hours of labor (not cost-effective) as well as blood.

[rlow]

Yes they are effective for tripods, not just to reduce damping time, but also to reduce amplitude of the vibration. Most effective on solid surface, ie, concrete. I have noted an improvement from more than 2 secs. reduced to under 1 sec. in some cases. Least effective on soft ground, ie. grass etc. Your mileage may vary.

[beginner]

Hi,

Must work right since Celestron and Meade selling them.
Understand the inner cup and other casing is separated by Sorbothane material.
Sorbothane is fame for vibration absorbent.

If you doing AP I think it is better to separate your tripod from hard ground with this VSP. On grass this VSP help to prevent or reduce tripod legs sinking.
If you doing only visual then it probably won't make much a difference.

Vibration is such a menace in AP so any any mean to reduce it is most welcome.

Regards,