(super member)

06/18/09 12:35 PM

Tripod for a PST

Hi

I'm considering getting a tripod for my Coronado PST with the expectation that I can sometimes use it with my Canon EOS.

I tried a friend's Orion XHD Paragon-Plus and it seems fine but then I looked around and found some other mid-range tripods at camera shops and they seem as good and a bit less expensive than the Orion. Specifically:

Slik Pro 340 $110
Sunpak 9002DX $50 (?!?)

The Orion is $142.

I expect most folks here may be more familiar with the Orion one than any specific tripod from a camera shop, so the question is ... would you recommend the Orion over *any* similarly priced and equipped camera tripod? Do you believe the Orion may be a bit overpriced?

To be clear... I'm looking for a pan-able mount to make it easy to adjust to re-center the sun, a max height in the 55"+ range and a load capacity of 5 lbs or more.

Thanks

Mike

(sage)

07/03/09 01:41 PM

Re: Tripod for a PST

When viewing the Sun through the PST you will probably want slo-mo controls, especially at higher powers. The Synta/Orion AZ-3 mount works really good with the PST.

(super member)

07/04/09 06:39 PM

Re: Tripod for a PST

I use a Takahashi Teegul (Lapides) mount with my PST. It is probably a little bit of overkill but I use the mount for other scopes as well. Like starbux said, you will definitely want slo-mo controls. Makes all the difference in the world...

Sergio

(Carpal Tunnel)

07/05/09 08:19 PM

Re: Tripod for a PST

I use the Orion Paragon Plus mount fo my PST (and occasional binocular viewing) and it works well. Didn't pay full price for it since it was "lightly" used soI felt I got a good deal. Recently purchased the Vixen mini portamount for my ST 80. Haven't had much opportunity to use it yet but it would also work well with the PST.
Maureen

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