jxclarke

Many thanks for the replies @Mick H and @PeterW and for the help/info provided. I'll look into what you have both suggested. HNY

Many thanks @BinocularSky for all this helpful info. The AstroDevices mount that you linked looks good and not overly expensive too, so I think I might go for that. If anyone else has any suggestions though I'd still be very grateful to hear them before I purchase probably later today. May I also say that all the past binocular reviews on your site as well as the countless replies you've made to others on this forum over the years have helped me tremendously in my research over the past few months before I bought the binos – thank you for all you have done. Best wishes

Hi all, new member here My pair of new Helios LightQuest-HR 28x110 binoculars arrived in the post yesterday and I can't wait to use them – hopefully once all this cloud finally clears. They're absolute monsters, although they are surprisingly light for their size at only 4.5 kg. I purchased them from Microglobe here: https://www.microglobe.co.uk/helios-28x110-lightquest-hr-obsrvation-binoculars-p-20179.html? Before I can use them properly of course, I'll need to organise a mounting system sturdy enough to hold these massive binos. Other than a pair of cheap (and now severely out of collimation) 10x50 binos, these are the first pair I've bought for stargazing, so I was hoping I could get some advice about my options for mounting from this forum, as well as answers to a few general questions about my new binoculars from those with experience! Firstly, I already have a tripod which was given to me by a family member who no longer needed it for his telescope. I believe it to be more than strong enough to hold the 4.5 kg 28x110s. It is an iOptron iEQ45/CEM60 2″ Tripod (8021ACC) and details can be found here: https://astronomyplus.com/product/ioptron-ieq45-cem60-2-tripod-8021acc/ I note the thread size is described as M12, which I believe is a 1/2" thread; I am concerned as most of the mounts I've seen seem to require a different thread size (usually 1/4" or 3/8"). Would it be possible to buy an adapter to allow these mounts to fit my tripod, or would an entirely new tripod be required? Speaking of mounts, I am very keen on getting a parallelogram mount to get the most out of my experience, and would prefer this over a regular 'stand-up' mount if possible. Luckily, these LightQuest-type binos have a magnesium alloy body and are thus much lighter than other 28x110 models out there, probably almost as light as some 25x100 models. With this in mind, could anyone please kindly direct me to a suitable parallelogram mount that can be purchased from the UK? The cheaper the better; however, I understand that I will need to spend a fair amount for a system strong enough to hold my 4.5 kg binos comfortably. I am not above doing a DIY parallelogram mount if detailed instructions and kit were available, but would much prefer to just buy one now and be done with it. I have seen a few from international sellers on eBay which look promising, e.g. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/363375525407?hash=item549ade7e1f%3Ag%3Ax-0AAOSwMmBVr5xa&LH_BIN=1 though would prefer to buy from a UK-based seller if one exists. I also wanted to ask what other component has come in the box along with my binoculars. I am wondering if it is perhaps used for mounting? It is separate from the already attached central stabilising bar; please see the object below and to the left of the binos on the attached image to see what I mean. (20p coin included to show the size of these beasts for any who may be wondering!) Finally, is there anyone else on this forum who has this specific model of binocular? I understand they are a very new model so there aren't many reviews to be found out there, though the ones I've seen have only said good things – hence why I purchased. I think there are other 28x110 models out there which are almost exactly the same, just with different branding/livery, so anyone who at least has a 28x110 with similar specs please feel free to chip in! I'd love to hear about how they've performed for you and the sights you've been able to see. Also, any idea about the limiting magnitude you would get with this model? I would expect somewhere between mag. 11.0 and mag. 12.0 for me in a Bortle Class 4 area (according to https://www.lightpollutionmap.info). Sorry for such a long first post. Many thanks in advance to anyone who reads and/or replies. Happy Christmas and Happy New Year!