Vixen Mobile Porta?

[Franklin]

Anyone got one of these? How does it perform? Looking for an ultra-portable setup.

The mobile porta looks good on paper but does it really perform? Years ago I had a mini-porta and worked ok with a small refractor though the tripod was a bit flimsy. The folding design of the new one seems like it may be prone to more wobblyness!

[Stu]

3 minutes ago, Franklin said:

Anyone got one of these? How does it perform? Looking for an ultra-portable setup.

The mobile porta looks good on paper but does it really perform? Years ago I had a mini-porta and worked ok with a small refractor though the tripod was a bit flimsy. The folding design of the new one seems like it may be prone to more wobblyness!

Prone to wobbliness it certainly seems from this review. Seems to be best avoided unfortunately.

http://www.scopeviews.co.uk/VixenMobPorta.htm
 

What sort of budget do you have? The Scopetech Zero is worth a look but not cheap.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/alt-azimuth-astronomy-mounts/scopetech-mount-zero.html

[Franklin]

Yes, thanks Stu. I kind of thought that. I do have the Porta II which is great but I was hoping the mobile version may be a scaled down version. From the reviews I've read it is not so I think you are right. I may switch the Porta II to a APP TL130 tripod.👍

[JeremyS]

1 hour ago, Stu said:

Prone to wobbliness it certainly seems from this review. Seems to be best avoided unfortunately.

http://www.scopeviews.co.uk/VixenMobPorta.htm
 

What sort of budget do you have? The Scopetech Zero is worth a look but not cheap.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/alt-azimuth-astronomy-mounts/scopetech-mount-zero.html

Not seen that review Stu, so thanks for highlighting. I’ve seen all Roger’s scope reviews but are there other mount reviews?

[Stu]

1 hour ago, JeremyS said:

Not seen that review Stu, so thanks for highlighting. I’ve seen all Roger’s scope reviews but are there other mount reviews?

There are a few here in the Other Reviews section which might be of interest Jeremy. Televue mounts, AP1200 and Tak Teegul SP3

http://www.scopeviews.co.uk/Articles.htm

You can explore other parts of his site from the home page if you haven’t found it. I’ve mainly just gone straight to the scope reviews or the 4” guide.

http://www.scopeviews.co.uk