| Jimmy2K63 |
| (Pooh-Bah) |
| 07/09/09 09:20 AM |
|
Re: Poor tripod
|
Quote:
Seems to me you need to readjust how you are tightened knobs and locks. I find little need to keep azimuth very tight at all. However, once I set my center column height, I do lock my center column knob. With the center column locked, it's nearly impossible to twist the center column.
I've been using this tripod for about 10 years and have never had a problem with the center column gears or teeth. I recommend this tripod for binoculars up to about 5-6 pounds.
In addition, I use this tripod to mount a UA parallelogram, although only with the legs in low height setting without using the bottom tube extended and only with the center column down. In that manner I put 25# on this tripod without problems.
I also use it with a Microstar and small scopes for low power (up to 100x) scope viewing. No problems there either.
My only complaint about this tripod is the leg locks in winter are to hard to loosen.
edz
It's my fault that I had tightened the azimuth head down too tightly. The problem with this tripod is I can only push it in azimuth in one direction, clockwise. If I push it counterclockwise it loosens the azimiuth head setting, just a very poor clutch. Couple that with lightweight parts and you have a disaster. That's how I got it too tight in the first place.
I'll make due with it for now. So what should I get for a replacement tripod down the road? I want something with clutches that are smooth as silk, and capable of sustaining a lot more weight in a decent panhead?