Advice on leightweight mount/tripod

[RobC]

I need a really portable telescope and tripod and i have decided to buy a Megrez 72.

I have been looking for a lightweight/portable tripod mount with slow precision controls and ideally a carry bag as i will be cycling with my new equipment.

I have seen the following mount advertised and wonder whether it was suitable or any good, as i cannot find any reviews online? And what i would need to connect the Megrez 72 to the mount? Or has anyone got any recommendations for a good tripod?

Triton AZ Neigekopf mit Feingetriebe - mit Fotostativ Anschluss

Thanks

[johninderby]

Here's a set-up I used with a Megrez 72.

Manfrotto 410 geared head with a Velbon carbon fibre tripod. Super lightweight combination and rock solid with the 72, easy to use, but capable of easily handling a bigger scope. Of course carbon fibre tripods aren't cheap, so that may make it too expensive to consider, but the 410 head would fit any other photo tripod that you could come up with.

John

[RobC]

Thanks for the advice, it looks compact which is ideal, was just hoping for something with slow motion controls if possible.

[johninderby]

The 410 head does have slow motion controls. This head is really popular for a portable set-up with an 80mm scope.

http://www.manfrotto.co.uk/410-junior-geared-head

Scopes'n'Skies does an equivalent head, a bit pricier, but it does have extended slow motion knobs.

http://www.scopesnskies.com/prod/tripod/aztech-trakker/scope-motion-head/AC669.html

John

[RobC]

I did not realise it had slow motion controls, thank you i think i have found my mount. Now i just have to decide on tripod, finderscope and accesories.

Thanks for your advice

[Nibor]

I am also interested in this thread and only tonight came across this slow motion head from Opticstar - has anyone any experience of it?

I do note it has a 3/8 fixing so a tripod adapter to 1/4" might be required - but at under £75??

http://www.opticstar.com/Run/Astronomy/Astro-Accessories-Telescopes-Ascension.asp?p=0_10_5_1_1_110

[johninderby]

Always willing to help a fellow SGL member empty their wallet.

Try looking at the RedSnapper tripods. Pretty good for the money.

http://www.redsnapperuk.com/camera-accessories/RedSnapper_Tripods.html

John

[Nibor]

I am also interested in this thread and only tonight came across this slow motion head from Opticstar - has anyone any experience of it?

I do note it has a 3/8 fixing so a tripod adapter to 1/4" might be required - but at under £75??

http://www.opticstar...=0_10_5_1_1_110

I am still looking for a holiday set up for my Opticstar - I like the Manfrotto Junior Geared Head 410 but it is pricey:-

http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-manfrotto-410-junior-geared-head/p10890?cm_mmc=GoogleBase-Extension-_-tripod-heads-_-3-way-and-pan-tilt-heads-_-manfrotto-410-junior-geared-head_10890&utm_source=googlebase-extension&gclid=CJbCm9PmnLICFcQNfAod-hkABA

So - has anyone tried the Opticstar geared head with a payload of approx 2.5kg as part of a grab and go / holiday set up?? - Any other thoughts?? ( I do have a suitable tripod which folds to approx. 60cm and just fits diagonally in my case!!)

Many thanks

[Carbon Brush]

Have you considered the vixen Portamount?

It comes in two size/weight ratings. The Megrez 72 will be fine on the smaller.

[Nibor]

David,

Thanks for the tip off I contacted FLO (very helpful) minimum transport length of the miniporta is 70cm - I was ideally looking for something around the 60cm mark max but it is a possibility.