Stargazer2007

But if I change the fulcrum the tube is no balanced on all the angles

Hi, I recently got myself the GSO 8 inch professional dobsonian (a.k.a GSO Deluxe) and the tension knobs are not providing enough tension to hold the ota in one place. Like, if I am observing something near the zenith, the ota starts to swing upward till the end of the ota hits the front plate (the one with the handle) of the base. I have asked my friend who also owns the same telescope about this, but he says that his tension knobs are working just fine. Is there any way to fix this? I do know about adding counterweights but is there any way to fix the tension knobs themselves? Thanks in advance.

I have been gifted a celestron 20x80 binoculars on my birthday. I was stunned by observing the moon but I am not able to hold it in one place for more than a minute. I really need a tripod but I am confused by all the available options. I am a tall guy, so I really need a tall, strong and durable tripod which doesn't cost a hell lot of money.