Beginner Tripod advice

[Dhampira]

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

[killswitch (Edison)]

A proper binocular tripod & mount cost quite a bit. Ive got the 15x70 myself, great value binos. I use mine on a manfrotto photo tripod, i find it a bit shaky but still much better than handheld. If i sit down and shorten the legs it helps.

If you only use it in the backyard, it might be more cost effective to drive a pole into the ground.

Heres a binocular smartphone mount, you will need rigid tripod to hold all that weight still.
http://www.bintel.com.au/Binoculars/Binocular-Accessories/Orion-Smartphone-Binocular-Mounting-Bracket/1494/productview.aspx

[Dhampira]

Thanks! The smartphone mount is great! It's exactly what I had in mind

I'm thinking I might have to stretch a bit more to get a decent tripod though, otherwise the whole experience will be degraded... worth it in the long run

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

I have 15x70s and have found tripods to not be a very effective way of using them. For objects at any height you have to nearly fully extend the centre column which makes it really unstable. I have just finished a homebuilt parallelogram mount. Total cost for timber and bolts, nuts and screws etc was probably about $120. It works very well and is very stable and also means you are not standing right next to the tripod and knocking al the time. It can also be used while sitting or even lying on a lounge chair.
The thread describing is here http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...d.php?t=116122
I can send the plans if you want. You will need some very basic woodworking skills and tools to complete.
Bintel sell a commercial one (see http://www.bintel.com.au/Binoculars/...oductview.aspx ) but is quite exxy!

Malcolm

[Dhampira]

That setup looks great Malcolm! I'd love to have a go at building one, how portable can it be? we live in Brisbane's inner suburbs but all year round we're off camping once or twice a month which is when I'm most likely to get good quality sky time I think So the easier it is to transport the better

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

I wouldn't call it strictly portable compared to a camera tripod. It can certainly be pulled apart into 2 sections which fold up flat.

Malcolm