inapottingshed

22 minutes ago, PeterCPC said:

It's never had an internal clean - bought from new. I am considering taking the corrector out to clean but I am a bit hesitant.

Peter

Not sure I'd attempt it either but there is a video on YouTube of someone cleaning a C14 corrector plate. 

After much deliberation I've recently purchased a Manfrotto 055 (alu, 3-section) which is a tripod I had owned before for photographic use. My next choice was the iOptron Tripod for Skyguider Pro and Cube which retails for around £77 in UK. I also purchased the INNOREL B36N ball head (around £27) which seems satisfactory so far.

I've just pushed the button on the Innorel B36N (saving pennies for an obsy project). I like the larger dial for the ball. Will update when it arrives.

I'd recently spent some time myself looking for a tripod that would be reasonably portable (which for me usually means car, or short carry, and very occasionally backpacking for use on a camp/trail). Previously I had owned a Televue Gibraltar tripod (ash) though it was not exactly light it was very stable.  I've been through dozens of reviews of all the latest clones, carbon tripods, and also looked at the iOptron stainless steel tripod. The latter folds down to approx the same size as a Manfrotto 055 (which I've owned before) and is not especially heavy or expensive. I was almost ready to order the iOptron then noticed wait times. I'd rather spend time reading/observing than shopping so I ordered a Manfrotto 055 3-section (aluminium), it being the devil I know. Manfrotto make some smaller tripods which are compact and lightweight, often with 4-sections. These are not going to be stable enough for you but the 055 is reasonably sturdy.  The possibility to have a tripod for photographic use and a whole range of accessories is a plus. Speaking of accessories, there are some spiked feet options for the 055 (to replace the rubber caps) and I'll be getting a set in due course. Also planning on a mesh basket to affix below so I can add ballast if needed. If you have the budget the Berlebach that would be a good choice. I'm planning an obsy so need to preserve funds for the fixed setup.  

I was looking at these: 

NEEWER 8kg rating (seems very like the iOptron)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neewer-Professional-Panoramic-17-6pounds-8kilograms/dp/B01M4LQ8P6/ref=psdc_1330832031_t3_B07QG9S1RY

Phot-R 8kg rating

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B075T9K8PK?pf_rd_r=2V9128447NSKQ9XJBFWH&pf_rd_p=e632fea2-678f-4848-9a97-bcecda59cb4e

MEFURY 8kg rating (again looks like a clone)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rotating-Panoramic-Monopod-Control-Camcorder/dp/B07QG9S1RY/ref=pd_di_sccai_4/257-7159806-2923026?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07QG9S1RY&pd_rd_r=4726fea5-db4e-4437-82f7-25815e462adb&pd_rd_w=Ptkpd&pd_rd_wg=IErl2&pf_rd_p=4d243aa6-d88e-4de2-9cbb-cd5cf6bb2669&pf_rd_r=QZBRMFK5PV9JS1AGCFMZ&psc=1&refRID=QZBRMFK5PV9JS1AGCFMZ

INNOREL B36N 15kg rating

https://www.amazon.co.uk/INNOREL-Panorama-Ballhead-Diameter-Camcorder/dp/B07Z5LT9FN/ref=pd_di_sccai_6/257-7159806-2923026?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07Z5LT9FN&pd_rd_r=defba50d-541c-4b31-a7d3-1c4d694161a6&pd_rd_w=hEa2z&pd_rd_wg=Md8FC&pf_rd_p=4d243aa6-d88e-4de2-9cbb-cd5cf6bb2669&pf_rd_r=7QGNV68KGC3VSYH37MB5&psc=1&refRID=7QGNV68KGC3VSYH37MB5

Thanks, I hope to be building a pier in the near-ish future and don't want to go short.

Thanks. No hurry. Just curious as it looks so monolith like from the photos 🙂

Does anyone have experience with the iOptron head vs the many (cheaper) clones that are out there, such as the Neewer, McFury, Phot-R, etc.?

@jiberjaber what is the height of that pier please?

Yes. I was wondering if it might be an alternative to the ioptron or skywatcher tripods which seem to be on a long lead time.

Does anyone have experience with this tripod please?

https://www.celestron.com/products/astromaster-tripod

I'm wondering if it might be OK for use with a tracker (e.g. star adventurer, etc).

30 minutes ago, wormix said:

I have just bought a Manfrotto 055 and it’s rock solid - it is however longer than the ultra portable models and heavier too - I guess one follow question is “how portable”?

The 055 is easy to chuck in the car and sling over a shoulder for short walks, but not sure it’s suitable for taking on a plane for example. 

Is that a 3 or 4 section? Metal or carbon? What kit are you using with it?

Yes, I hadn't forgotten about that! Plenty of other components will be cold too. The iOptron tripod is around £75 which is a lot closer to my budget than the Berlebach (perhaps when my imaging skills warrant it).

Thanks. Well, I was looking at Manfrotto and some of the lesser branded carbon tripods (which seem to be the same as each other than for branding). Would the iOptron 1 1/4" tripod (which is reasonably portable, but not helpful for photography) be a whole lot better?  

The first word being portable (mainly referring to size)... Which is a better (more stable) option for star tracker use - metal or carbon fibre construction?

Just got hold of an SLT GOTO AltAz - mount, and its my first time with Celestron kit. The mount can be moved by hand (or knocked accidentally ;-) ), so I'm wondering if this mechanism is intended to slip, like some sort of clutch. In other words, I should not tighten the bolts to prevent it slipping?