AZ-GTI Tripod Options

[Tugboat]

Hello all

For my next project I’m moving to a refractor - a Bresser Messier AR-102XS.

I’ve been acquiring various pieces, mainly 2nd hand, and the missing piece now is a tripod. I’ve got a 2nd hand AZ-GTi mount on the way, and am trying to work out what the most suitable tripod for it would be.  I don’t mind how heavy it is, my main consideration is that it doesn’t take up too much space, and is less than £100 (new or 2nd hand).  With that in mind I’m thinking of:

- Redsnapper RST283

- Horizon 8115

- The steel tripod from my CG-4 (which I’ve currently got up for sale)

The CG-4 tripod looks much the same as the Skywatcher stainless steel tripod (https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-star-adventurer/sky-watcher-38-stainless-steel-tripod.html). I’m sure this would be the most sturdy option, and possibly the cheapest since I already own it. It’s not the most compact though, and I’m not sure how I would attach the AZ-GTi to it. The head is recessed, and I can’t see that the mount would fit in the recess. So it would sit on top of the recess instead, but there is then an alignment pin that sticks up from the tripod that would get in the way. Even if I cut this off, the retaining bolt wouldn’t be long enough to secure the mount to the tripod (it’s only very slightly proud of the recess when fully screwed in). So all in all, this might be too much of a faff.

The other two tripods I don’t have any experience of.  Is one significantly better than the other, or are there better options that I have overlooked? Both look to be sturdier than a basic manfrotto, but I’m going by eye only. Would anything special be needed to attach the AZ-GTi to them, or would it be a case of removing the head from the tripod and replacing with the mount?

Thoughts appreciated!

Steve

 

 

[johninderby]

The AZ-GTi mount simply fastens directly to the 3/8 tripod. No mods needed.

 

[adyj1]

I fit my AZ-Gti onto an EQ5 tripod using an adapter;

Photo Adapter for HEQ5 / AZ5 tripod

You'd need something like that for the CG-4.