Heavy duty photo tripod for small refractor

[andy435]

Can I use a heavy duty photo tripod for a small 80mm APO or a small MAK/SCT for planetary observing?

I have a Benro A3580T rated for 15 kg payload. I'm rhinking about getting a gimbal head to attach the telescope to the tripod.

[Putaendo Patrick]

No problems provided you keep within weight and size tolerance. There are some Alt-az heads made for photographic tripods which might be useful - for example http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/language/en/info/p725_TS-Geared-Head-and-Alt-azimuth-Mount-for-photo-tripods.html

[Louis D]

I picked up a used Manfrotto 058B tripod and put a used DSV-1 mount on it.  It works exceptionally well with my AT-72ED refractor and heavy eyepieces.  All told, the mount has around 8 pounds hanging off of it and the tripod has around 12 pounds on it.  I think I spent maybe $250 on the tripod and mount and am very pleased with the result.  The only thing I had to add were Sorbothane pads under each tripod foot to dampen vibrations.

I really like the fact that I can adjust the spread angle of the legs.  Most, if not all, dedicated astronomy tripods are designed to have a fixed spread angle.  I also like that I can crank up the center column a bit if the eyepiece is a bit too low to be comfortable when observing near zenith.  Once I lock it back down again, it's pretty rigid.

Gimbal heads may not have enough clearance to use near zenith.  They're intended for mostly horizonal usage.  However, if you've already got one or can get one cheap, it's worth a shot.  Otherwise, I recommend an offset type mount for astronomy like the DSV-1 or UniStar.

[Gabby76]

I use a Manfrotto 055pro/ RC128 Pan head with my SV80mm and it works well.

 

[Louis D]

28 minutes ago, Gabby76 said:

I use a Manfrotto 055pro/ RC128 Pan head with my SV80mm and it works well.

 

I have that same setup for videography, but when I tried using it with my AT72ED, it would flop backward at altitudes above about 45 degrees no matter how tightly I set the drag control.  Keeping the center of gravity centered on the altitude axis is very important, thus the gimbal head is not a bad option.  The tripod does work, but I felt putting 12+ pounds on it was a bit much, thus the 058B.

[Gabby76]

Not sure what to say about it, other than re-greasing mine a couple of years ago it has held quite well.

This is the set up I take whenever I travel and it is the one in my avatar.

 

[andy435]

Would 055xprob be stable enough for a 90mm or 102mm MAK?

[Gabby76]

It should work fine for the 90mm Mak