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It can also be used as a walking stick, though walking staff is maybe a better description if it's the height I need it. The price was £69 and I'd say worth every penny of it.

My bird watching binoculars are Bushnell roof prism Nature View 8x42 which iv had a long time and the views are still crisp even for astronomy use. My newest binoculars are the Opticron Oregon 20x80 which I got just for astronomy and am very impressed with the image through them. I grab my 8x42 to scan the skies then use the 20x80 to have a better look at something. If I really want to get a look I'll get my Tal 100 R out.

For years iv had a couple of camera monopods and even used them for my Bushnell binoculars that iv had for years. But they always fall short on the height they extend to for the binoculars. So began my search for taller monopods. Recently I came across a Punk Trent monopod from 3 Legged Thing. This thing extends to 80 inches and has a weight load of 60lb's. So I ordered it straight away and it arrived this morning. First impressions were wow, this is a solid well built bit of kit. A small handy carabina tool was also included as the foot at the end can be changed for different heads if you want. The rubber boot end already on it will do me though. The twist adjustments on the extensions is good, firm and easy to do which also felt strong and secure. Adjusting the height straight away, as this was my main reason for getting this, was a breeze. And I have as much height as I could ever want or need. With a ball head on top i mounted my 8x40 binoculars and gave them a try. Well I was very happy with the amount of movement this gets rid of while trying to hold binoculars steady with just my hands. The image even seemed sharper due to this rock steady monopod. To say I'm chuffed to bits with it is an understatement, and would recommend this to anyone wanting more height with a monopod. It's load capacity of 60lb's makes me think I might even try my opticron 20x80's on this while waiting for the parallelogram mount. Can't wait for tonight to scan the skies with it now.

After thinking and talking about it with the boss er wife, iv decided I'm going to get the monster parallelogram binocular mount, when it becomes available that is. This will do everything I want with my opticron 20x80' and will even take my smaller 80 mil scope if i want to go higher with the mag. Thanks for all the help guys.

Will do, I'm still in the umming and ahhing stage though, but I'm getting closer to making a choice 😀

Thanks for that Scoobs, that makes it clearer for me.

Iv been looking at the farpoint p mount too, what's your thoughts on those guys? And would they just screw onto my tripod in the pic?

Thanks for that Scoobs. Have you got some pics. Looking at the bino mount on the parallelogram I was thinking if it could be bent to attatch to the binoculars mount post? I'm thinking of getting the tripod with it to keep it simple. And where does that plate attatch, that's for sale as an extra with the p mount, to attatch the binocular pillar mount to? Sorry about all the questions, I'm just trying to see it in my mind before ordering it.

I have some Bushnell nature view 8x40 that iv had for years. In fact I think mine are discontinued now. But even with 8x the image bounces about in the view when looking up. So unless your going to use a tripod the 10x will be worse i think. Iv found the quality great and they focus to a sharp image what ever i use them for terrestrial or astronomy. So my recommendation for carry alls would be 8x40.

I was looking at the Paragon mount as it's half the price of the giant one. But I was sceptical with reading it didn't have the same movement at the binocular mount. How have you found it Scoobs? And mine need to connect with the bar on the centre tube of the binos and not the front hinge, which put me off too. I'm also wondering if the Paragon mount without tripod can attatch to my eq3 tripod legs.?

Here's mine, a Russian Tal 4inch refractor my wife got me about 20 years ago. The first light and my first look through any telescope with this was jupiter and saturn, a memory I'll never forget.

Unfortunately the clouds have roled in. But going on my view of venus I'm already planning on my next clear night. A P, mount is a must though as my camera tripod isn't really tall enough. But anything low in the sky, like venus was earlier, is great.

Iv been outside with my new binos and targeted venus, and wow I'm so pleased with these. I was seeing a smaller crescent moon, it was so easy to see the crescent of venus with these. I'm very impressed, now I'm waiting for dark so I can check out some other targets.

Thanks Stormbringer.

Thanks Peter I'm very happy with them. Not only is the view crisp and clear, but I'm also very happy with the look and feel of them. Tonight can't come soon enough.

My 20x80 binoculars turned up this morning from First light optics. And wow, the packaging was the best iv seen for safe transport. Shipped yesterday and arrived this morning, tracking was the best iv come across also. Iv already put my binoculars on to my tripod and adjusted focus and diopter accordingly. The views in daytime are fantastic and I can't wait to try them tonight with hopefully a not too cloudy sky.

Iv decided to get some cheaper 20x80 binoculars for now. At least until I can go to a dealer in person. Then I don't have to worry about heavy handed shipping or even receiving a faulty set. Thanks guys.

Thanks for the replies guys,. Iv looked at how to collimate and see that the makeshift way is simple enough like you say, though I'd still prefer to not need to do that, and if it was needed id get it professionally done. So any recommendations on which binoculars and suppliers to go with would help me make my mind up. I intend to get the giant parallelogram tripod too, as this is going to be my main use for looking up. So good quality binoculars are what I'm looking for roundabout 3 or 400 pounds. So if anyone one with experience of this range could help me decide that would be great. Many thianks all.

Hi Peter thanks for the speedy reply. That's what I'm wanting to avoid, as I don't know how to colminate so I'm not confident tinkering with them and would need sending back, so would rather buy a more robust binocular.

Hi guys, I'm thinking about getting some 25x100 binoculars and possibly a parallelogram mount and the only thing that's stopping me is this. Researching has turned up worries of receiving binoculars with the colmination out and then having the disappointment of sending back etc. So I'm wondering about brands that minimise this problem or solves it. After being put off the celestron range because of reading about the high probability of receiving them with this problem,I'm now looking at the Helios range. Any advice on this issue is most welcome as I'm not wanting to order then regret it. many thanks .

Hi Mark, I don't know. I hadn't thought about that, but I'll see if I can find out. Thanks. And yes it works in manual mode, thanks for that. The only other problem I have is I feel at the tightest wind in I can for the eyepiece holder that the camera is attached to, it just feels if I could only go a few more millimeters it might make a crisper image. It just feels that it might not be enough by a very small amount. The image on the camera live screen looks OK but I feel its just not enough by a very small amount.

Hi guys Iv tried to connect my d3200 nikon to my scope with the T ring, but the camera keeps telling me no lens attached so the camera won't work. Any ideas please, cheers all.