Jump to content

Narrowband

Berlebach Unii 28 Tripod mini review


philj

Recommended Posts

Managed a couple of hours tonight during a break in the clouds to try the Berlebach Uni 28 tripod with the HEQ5 and Meade 127 EDT refractor. Got the tripod from FLO last week, thanks guys

I have always lusted after these tripods even before I got back into Astronomy back 99 so this was a treat for me when I bought a Uni 28 last week. Previously I had been using my own ash wood tripod which has the same stability and carrying capacity as the Uni 28, (thats what I based it on) but its always looked a little utilitarian and the Uni tripods are a work of art IMHO, but then I would say that because I am a little OCD when it comes to tripods.

Uni-28 specification from Berlebach website

Weight: 9 kg (19.8 lb)
Transportation length: 108 cm (43 inch)
Minimum height: 100 cm (39 inch)
Maximum height: 153 cm (60 inch)
Load capacity: 50 kg (110 lb)
Vibration damping: very good

Set up is dead easy, the graduations on the lower legs make getting the leg heights the same easy. 3 whacks and the tray is clipped in firmly then I noticed the built in spirit level was smack on level and I hadnt even tried levelling yet. Great stuff. The HEQ5 went on with no problems and then the Meade refractor on top of that.

After  mount calibration I was away and viewing. Set up was pretty quick with no dramas or strained backs or pulled muscles, just the way it should be.

Meade2.jpg

The night was slightly washed out due to a 1st quarter moon but there was enough darkness for  the brighter DSOs visually.  

Once cooled I moved on to lunar and Jupiter. Focusing set a little wobble, (Mainly in RA) on the scope but this soon recovered, this is not all down to the tripod as I have a little excess backlash in the RA on the mount which needs sorting but also the tripod is fitted with rubber feet as standard and these were adding to the wobble a little. Stainless steel spikes are available as an optional extra for the tripod and these would greatly increase stability, I shall knock some up on my lathe in the near future.

The combination of the height of the tripod and short spiral lead on the HEQ5 handset meant that the handset would not sit properly on the tray when not in use, no great problem but I prefer to have the handset supported. On my ash tripod I fixed velcro to the legs and back of the (HB) handbox so it could be stuck to any leg but I reckon I shall fit a hook to the HB so I can hang it on the Berlebach leg clamps and not have unsightly velcro stuck all over the place :-).

So altogether I am well pleased with the latest additions performance and as for its looks well it just makes the set up in my opinion.

Meade1.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Cheers John

From what Ive seen so far, go for it, they can handle quite a load. Im glad I hung out for a 28, I almost got an 18 last year, still good but slightly shorter.

Im going to try tge 4"f15 on it next :-)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree, recently got a UNI18 and it is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship most definitely a tripod for a lifetimes hobby. I am using mine as my grab n go with a Sabre AZ and one of the refractors on it. Vibration is virtually non existent.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

:grin:  :grin: Nice one David,

These set ups are hard to beat. Don't take too long to set up, pull in a fair amount of sky with the 5" and are very stable

I notice you have binoviewers on the scope are they barlowed? Un barlowed just wont reach focus on mine, which is no great problem as I use them on planetary mainly.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Very nice set up Phil, those tripods do look very nice, i have to say i was an admirer of your home made wooden tripods

Cheers Jules, yep I spent along time on my ash tripod and it worked well and was a heck of a lot cheaper than a Berlebach but a Berlebach was what I lusted for all these years. Sad isn't it really :grin:  :grin:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

:grin:  :grin: Nice one David,

These set ups are hard to beat. Don't take too long to set up, pull in a fair amount of sky with the 5" and are very stable

I notice you have binoviewers on the scope are they barlowed? Un barlowed just wont reach focus on mine, which is no great problem as I use them on planetary mainly.

Thanks Phil, I use a  a 2.6x OCA in the Binoviewers.

Yes these tripods/mounts are a nice combo and about the limit for my bad back these days.

I took that photo when I was trying to draw the Jupiter triple transit earlier this year.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Nice setup Phil.  You chose wisely !!!  I think it is a tripod to keep and just adapt to any different mounts you might have in the future.

The Berlebach is a beautifully made product, I bought the Planet with a view to using it with an 4"F5 FSQ and felt it was overkill........ (that was last week)

Here it is today with my new TOA130S and T-Rex and suddenly it doesn't feel overkill anymore. 

post-29377-0-51591000-1425202017_thumb.j

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I can see theres a few discerning tripod owners out there, we obviously have taste :grin:

Nice set up Rainmaker

davedownsouth, Berlebach do a range of heads from HEQ5, HEQ6, APM etc etc theres quite a few variations

I made some spikes on the lathe yesterday and feels much tighter now Ive replaced the rubber feet. I am leaning towards the spreader now as the chain seems to be a bit of a pain, not in set up I hasten to add but its got a life of its own when transporting. A spreader is much neater I reckon

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Phil,

where did you find the different head range, as I just went to the Berlebach website and could not find any mention of mount heads?  I would be looking for a head for my CEM60, so probably no chance of getting one of these outside of the USA?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Doesn't the CEM60 use the same tripod mounting interface as the iEQ45 ???

Yes it does, but that option is not there for the Berlebach Uni 28.  Just looked at some of the other tripods (PLANET Tripod Including Tray 37 cm + Spread Stopper) and it is.  Well spotted on this, will have a better look at what is available later tonight :).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Tripod arrived in the post this morning, very quick delivery considering it came from Germany. Had a very quick go at setting it up when I got home from work to check that the CEM60 fitted it, and it does perfectly :). First impressions are what an excellent bit of kit, love the fact that it flattens down very easily and is comfortable to carry due to an underneath type on rim on the mount head. Built in spirt level should be handy and it is big enough to actually be useful, but I will check out how accurate it is later. Kids will be in bed in 60 minutes, will check it out properly then :D

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.