Damo636

The 222 trigger grip is indeed a quality piece of kit, but I’ve also a couple of these and found them more than up to the task of supporting a 70mm binocular...... https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neewer-10088448-Rotation-Camcorder-kilograms/dp/B01M8FQU5E/ref=sr_1_fkmr3_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1514724700&sr=8-2-fkmr3&keywords=trigger+grip+ball+head If my memory serves me correctly, Steve Tonkin has uploaded a very useful manual for the above on his website (The Binocular Sky)

Very nice rig Michael, the 80mm Lightquest looks & sounds impressive (just had a read of your brief first light thread). I’m jealous of your nice teathered lens caps, the ones on my recently acquired APM 16x70 are about as useful as an ashtray on a motorcycle It’s a bonus that you can get away with it on the monopod, these new magnesium bodied instruments are remarkably light at their given aperture. When I had the 85mm BA8, I tried it out on the monopod/trigger grip combo and it proved way to much for it.

Sounds like a plan to me 🖒

I wonder if the 85mm Kaiser lens caps will be a success Alan? My barrel ends measure just shy of 84mm?

I have to agree with you Alan re the objective caps, they are pretty useless! It's the one gripe I have with an otherwise exceptional instrument. Enjoy!

Congrats on a fine purchase Alan, the APM ed is a superb instrument. As for the dew shield, approx 2-2 1/2 x the aperture should suffice so somewhere in the region of 140-170mm long. I have a single piece of foam wrapped around both barrels and it extends approx 160mm.

Nice grab and go setup Dave, the Tento sounds like a great addition.

Price now reduced to £550

Without knowing your budget, I'll go ahead and recommend the 30mm Explore Scientific 82° ( I'm assuming the 130pds accepts 2"?)...... https://www.firstlightoptics.com/explore-scientific-eyepieces/explore-scientific-82-degree-series-eyepieces.html I've used this with my 12" f5 and thought it excellent.

I'm also using the Giottos 3290b with the Manfrotto 222 (I'm 6' 1") and it's more than tall enough. The 222 trigger grip can be picked up used for around £40. I've also had one of these and found it more than adequate for a 70mm binocular..... https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B01M8FQU5E/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1509116834&sr=8-9&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=Pistol+grip+ball+head https://www.cameraking.co.uk/giottos-mml3290b-5-section-professional-monopod/

I'll probably regret this, but I am offering for sale my Helios Apollo 20x110 binocular, complete with custom built heavy duty aluminium paralellogram and tripod. Unfortunately due to the size and weight of the package, the buyer would have to collect from my home. The up side of this is you get to try the setup out for yourself The pier in the pics is not included in the sale. I'm looking for £550 for the entire package. Payment via bank transfer or cash on collection.

The 19 Panoptic is a lovely little eyepiece and sharp as a tack, but I doubt you'd notice much improvement (if any?) in image "quality" over the Meade 20mm. Those 5000 series Meades are no slouch!

Pm sent.

Indeed John, at this focal length I found the ES 30 82° offered some exceptional bang for buck.

Doug I suspect Flo's data is for the older mushroom topped 30mm 82°. Below are a few pics from a couple of years ago showing the measured weight of the 3 big hitters. HTH