Hi Guys,
I'm new pretty new to the beginner astronomy bug but it's something I've always been interested in and I've never taken the time to pursue. Recently I came across an old pair of 8x21's which I suspect were possibly a servo free gift with a full tank of fuel many years ago... I took them out back the other week and actually had a fun evening scouting about the sky at different things. I've since managed to borrow a pair of 8x30's from the father in law and the difference was incredible, I'm pretty sure I can see Jupiters moons as tiny pinpricks right beside it which was pretty amazing - so I've been sufficiently hooked to invest in some reasonable beginner equipment for myself. I'm on a bit of a student budget so I've decided to go with the 15x70's from Andrew Communications.
I want to get a tripod to mount these on but I'm struggling to find something suitable in and around the $150 price point. I would like it be able to support the 15x70's and extend to about 72" - most of the ones I've seen in this price range are maxing out at about 60" and I don't fancy spending a few hours stooping each night. Does anyone have any recommendations for a suitable tripod? I can probably stretch a bit beyond the $150 but not much.
I'm also curious about a mount, I've been looking for something that might let me dual mount the binoculars and my android device as a convenient way of using a "SkyMap" application - is this possibly a bit frivolous or has anyone come across something like this or is it something I might have to jury rig for myself?
Would appreciate any help anyone can give, particularly about the tripod!
Paul