Vamo, probably the most portable of portable mounts?

[Cjg]

Just put a deposit down for what I hope will be the final piece of a lighter weight travel mount than my Vixen Porta Head.

It's not cheap, but think perfect for my Tak and Manfrotto Tripod.

Not planning on using it until perhaps September, and the manufacturer, Beat is letting me pay for it in three instalments, which eases slightly the pain of the cost.

Can be found at http://www.aokswiss.ch/ayo/vamo_traveler/main_vamo_traveler.html

First light and review to follow, in the Autumn.

Chris

[John]

That looks nice

Edit: I've just checked out the website - that looks really nice !

[Cjg]

Agreed, am expecting it to be as well made as the other gear that he makes, had hoped that FLO would have stocked this, but I understand he only makes small batches, and am happy to pay for this in three installments....what with Summer coming and all the clouds, I can wait.

Chris

[laudropb]

That looks really impressive Chris. I look forward to your first light report, but I am sure the mount will be a winner.

[Cjg]

Thanks, will make my hold luggage a lot lighter for the next trip abroad.  Expecting first light in September at AstroCamp, all being well.

Chris

 

[Cjg]

"Thank you for your new payment. I will prepare the shipment soon and send to you the mount."

Incoming, Beat at AYO Swiss has been a pleasure to deal with. Am looking forward to seeing how much lighter my kit will be with this.

Chris

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Looks very nice indeed. A bit heavier than my mini-giro, but its capacity is also higher, it would seem

[Axunator]

What scope are you gonna put on it? I've been thinking of this mount for my Tak FC100DF, but am a bit worried if it will be stable enough, perhaps AYO II would be better for high-power work...

[Cjg]

My Tak 76. 

His site shows a few scopes in use including a Tak 120 by the looks of it. http://www.aokswiss.ch/indexayo70.html Though on the English page I think he recommends a max of 900mm focal length.

I'll post up pics and a 'first light' when it arrives and if the monsoons that have arrived in Norfolk clear!

Chris

[Axunator]

Great, looking forward to hear your experience! I have an HEQ5 for my Tak, which is stable AND heavy as h***, but need something more g'n'g style as well for quick peeks and travel.

[Cjg]

I hear you! Have a Vixen Porta Mount, but the build quality was less than great. I've flown twice to the Astro Farm in France with Ryan Air. The scope in its backpack in the overhead cabin and the Porta Mount head with a Manfrotto tripod in the hold. The head and tripod adaptor weigh a lot, so am expecting to be much lighter with the Vamos.