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Old 16-01-2014, 04:25 PM
Dhampira
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Dhampira is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 3
Beginner Tripod advice

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
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