Manfrotto 475B & 4” Frac?

[bond19]

Hello skywatchers. Does anybody have experience with this tripod? Would it be suitable for mounting my Tele Vue 102?

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/253564-REG/Manfrotto_475B_475B_Professional_Tripod_Legs.html/amp

 

 

[johninderby]

 

I used a 475B tripod for many years with a variety of scopes. Stability is pretty good and the geared centre column comes in handy. Holds my StellaMira scope which weighs 7kg with no problem.

Have just upgaded to a Berlebach Report tripod though Light but very stable and will hold nearly twice the weghtas the 475. Does look good as well.🙂

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/tripods/berlebach-report-312-tripod.html

Edited September 13, 2020 by johninderby

[bond19]

The Berlebach 312 is a lovely looking mount John. It’s on my radar. Have you used it under the skies yet? Does it proved to be more stable than the Manfrotto with your StellaMira?

[johninderby]

Thought the 475 was good untill I used the Report. Less vibration as well as the increased load carrying ability.

Edited September 13, 2020 by johninderby

[Steve Clay]

Report 312 in titanium grey. Carrying solarquest and ed80 with quark

[johnturley]

21 minutes ago, johninderby said:

Thought the 475 was good untill I used the Report. Less vibration as well as the increased load carrying ability.

What sort of mount is that John, is it a driven equatorial, might be looking for something similar if I decide to get a Tak 100 DZ as a transportable telescope to take to Tenerife, and eclipse trips

John 

Edited September 13, 2020 by johnturley

[johninderby]

16 minutes ago, johnturley said:

What sort of mount is that John, is it a driven equatorial, might be looking for something similar if I decide to get a Tak 100 DZ as a transportable telescope to take to Tenerife, and eclipse trips

John 

It’s a Manfrotto 405 gared head with the centre section removed to make it an alt-az  mount. Had it for years. There are cheaper alternatives now like the Sopetech Zero.

Edited September 13, 2020 by johninderby

[bond19]

Lovely scopes there. Thank you both for sharing. John, you've convinced me to get the Berlebach. I know if I didn't I would regret not having the more stable set-up. Thanks

 

[Steve Clay]

53 minutes ago, bond19 said:

Lovely scopes there. Thank you both for sharing. John, you've convinced me to get the Berlebach. I know if I didn't I would regret not having the more stable set-up. Thanks

 

If you order the 312 from FLO, it actually works out cheaper than from Berlebach direct. 

[johninderby]

You won’t regret getting the Berlebach Report tripod. Now the hard part..........what colour? 🤔

Edited September 13, 2020 by johninderby

[Steve Clay]

54 minutes ago, johninderby said:

You won’t regret getting the Berlebach Report tripod. Now the hard part..........what colour? 🤔

Mines titanium grey which looks great.

[bond19]

Titanium grey does look great. Probably going to plump for nut wood brown. Should compliment the cream of my OTA. 

Edited September 13, 2020 by bond19