Tripod feet

[robindurant]

I stand my 81 Scope tripod on paving stones in my patio and have noticed sometimes that the imaged stars on piggy back camera are V shaped which I think is due to vibration as there is not so much as a breeze when taking the subs. The question is, if it is vibration is it better to stand the tripod on a softer base such as the advertised tripod feet or is the paving stone better and I must look for another reason for the V shaped stars. Can anyone advise me.

Ta.

[Ant]

Put the tripod on the grass and the problem will almost certainly go away or be very much reduced.

I set my tipod up so theit straddles a path, the tripod legs sit either side of the path and I stand on the path - stops the grass getting really mucky this time of year!

ant

[GordonCopestake]

V shaped stars tend to be a sign of astigmatism in your optics AFAIK

You can reduce your vibration by observing on grass or other soft surface, you can buy vibration reduction pads but they are expensive (£30 for 3)

[robindurant]

Gordon

Can you explain what asigmatism in the optics mean. Whats the cure if any. My camera is a Canon 350D

[Ambermile]

Seagulls == astigmatism unfortunately. I use furniture rubber pad-type things for mine. Including the big scope. About £2.99 from DIY shops.

Arthur