Telescope Reviews: Scope Stuff Binocular Tripod Bracket

Recently I bought a new tripod adapter for my Skymaster 15x70mm binocular. Previously, I had used the nice all-metal adapter made by Pentax. But at some point over the last few years, the adapter went missing. It's probably packed away in some box that is leftover from our recent move. At any rate, I was taking a trip to the beach and I wanted to bring my tripod-mounted binocular. So I went online in search of a robust bracket.

My criteria were : rigidity, lack of flexure, and all-metal construction. Price was not a consideration, since even the best brackets are not exactly bank-breakers.

After looking over several types from several vendors, I settled on the adapter offered by Jim Henson at Scope Stuff.

I have purchased many items from Jim over the years and I have always found his products, service and prices to be top-notch. So I placed an order for the bracket shown on the following page -

http://www.scopestuff.com/ss_bita.htm

First, it should be noted that the bracket I received looks slightly different than the one I ordered. In the website photo, the bracket is shown as having a chrome-finish, knurled knob. The bracket I received has a phenolic plastic knob, but is otherwise similar to the one shown in the photo. In fact, I didn't even notice the difference when I took it out of the box because my first impression was how heavy the bracket is. It is very stout. It appears to be made out of heavy-gauge steel which has a textured black finish that recalls the old "crinkle paint" finishes seen on vintage telescope mounts from Towa Japan.

The bracket has two standard threaded holes on the base for attaching to the tripod.

How does it "perform" ...?

There's not much to say in a review for a mounting bracket like this, so I will wrap this up - the bracket works very well. My 15x70mm binocular weighs 3 pounds and there was no shake or wiggle at all when using the bracket. This is a very solid and well-built bracket that matches are exceeds the stability of my trusty Pentax bracket.

I'm not worried about the substitution of the black phenolic knob for the metal knob. Aesthetics was not a consideration here, but others who are considering this bracket might want to contact Jim and inquire about the availability of the metal knob shown in the website photo.

Here are some photos of the bracket in use. The tripod shown is an old Tiffen Magnum with fluid head. It looks a bit undersized, but it's solidly built with all-metal construction and it has served me well over the years.

Regards and clear skies,

MikeG

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Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.

Meteorites, Moon Rocks, Mars Rocks, Tektites, Fossils, Minerals, Crystals, & Trinitite.