Lightweight, good cheap travel tripod?

[Fraunhoffer]

I want to make up a nice hand portable rig using an ST80. (I have the OTA, nice diagonal and spare eps). So looking for a nice not expensive but steady tripod that could fit in a large backpack. 

I might add a tracker later in phase 2. 

Any recommendations for a tripod?

I do some other photography so a photo tripod would be ok. The St80 rings I have include screw fitting anyway. 

Thanks

[Victor Boesen]

You mention a photo tripod would be okay. I've seen many people use the neewer carbon fiber tripods but haven't tried one myself. They can retract into quite a compact package and they're light weight. I have a manfrotto xpro55 tripod myself which I am really satisfied with. I use it as a tripod for my star adventurer/evostar 72 imaging setup and visual setup with the evostar 72 on a the AZT6 mount head, but the tripod is a little expensive.

If you're interested, here's a video on the portable visual rig:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTXKWDK1QmA

 

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

I have a Velbon Geo N543D Carbon tripod with a mini-giro mount on it. Excellent travel tripod, handles two scopes with ease

[JeremyS]

I've used a Neewer tripod with my Tak FC 76 DCU to good effect:

Having said that, I do prefer the locking catches on the Manfrotto 190:

[Fraunhoffer]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Ive got 4 on my shortlist so far. 3 with fluid 2 way heads and one with az gears.
decisions decisions....
 

Orion Tritech II
weight     2.3 Kg
load         6 kg
length packed     69 cm
length extended    153 cm 
+    safety latch on shoe to prevent things falling out
    slotted shoe for sdjusting
    carry bag
- might be a bit short when extended

Celestron Trailseeker
weight        1.81 Kg
load        4 Kg
length packed    48 cm
length extended 178 cm
+    good for tall people
    legs can have different angles
    padded legs for shoulder carry
    compact when folded up
-

Horizon 8115
weight        3.58 Kg
load        unknown (binos upto 100mm dia)
length packed    78cm
length extended    180 cm
+    good for tall people 

-    bit long when packed
     heavy ?

Skywatcher AZ Pronto
weight        3.8 Kg
load        3 Kg
length packed    78.5 cm
length extended 150 cm
+    nice geared controls and locking t bars

-     £ need to add dovetail for camera and scope
      more expensive
      heavy ?

 

 

[Shaun VS]

I use a Skywatcher 130mm reflector on a Skywatcher AZ5 mount, which is a great light weight set up. The only negative aspect is the column extension, this makes the tripod less stable and has a tendency to loosen. I therefor don’t use it, and have no issues.

Edited May 25, 2020 by Shaun VS