refractor using manfrotto

[dannat]

I was thinking of buying a WO grab&Go but telescope shop guy thinks they are a bit tiny - he recommends a manfrotto. I was wondering if anyone uses them for a small refractor - if so what size/type do you use cheers dan

[MortonH]

From my own research into this question I'm aware that some people are using tripods such as the 055 and heads such as the 128RC or 501. I'm thinking of upgrading my tripod when money allows. At the moment I use a Slik 300DX with standard pan/tilt head (non-removable) and it does the job but is frustrating to use. A fluid head is a must.

My scope is a ZS80.

Morton

[Miaplacidus]

I use my Megrez 80FD on either my Panoramic mount/tripod, or a Manfrotto 055 with a Helix mount.

I prefer the latter for quick looks, although it is not really adequate when the magnification is pushed. Balance is a bit of an issue with the Panoramic because I can't really place the OTA forward enough if I'm using the extension tube and 2 inch diagonal.

When used on the 055, I almost always use WO binoviewers: this dispenses with the extension tube and shortens the whole scope (works only with a 1.25 inch diagonal, and maybe only because I'm myopic), making balancing much easier. I can move this set up with one hand. Great G&G for the moon, etc.

Cheers,

Brian.

[dannat]

thanks for the advice - i think i'll go into the shop & try it alongside a alt/az, cheers

[MortonH]

Brian/Dan, to sort out the balance issue on my Panoramic mount, I got an extra hole drilled in the L-bracket to fit the mount (this was on my old Megrez - the new L-brackets are smaller) and then I fitted a Stellarvue clamshell mount to the tube (I got this second hand). I can then slide the clamshell backwards and forwards to achieve balance. The same effect may be possible with a mounting ring, or anything else you can attach to the front half of the tube.

Morton