· Get a Cloudy Nights T-Shirt · Submit a Review / Article Click here if you are having trouble logging into the forums Privacy Policy | Please read our Terms of Service | Signup and Troubleshooting FAQ | Problems? PM a Red or a Green Gu… uh, User You are not logged in. [Login] Entrance · Main Index · Search · New user · Who's Online FAQ · Calendar Equipment Discussions >> Mounts Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Pages: 1 baileyman member Reged: 05/26/07 tripod for dm4       #4428095 - 03/05/11 02:08 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Can someone please tell me the best tripod solution and necessary hardware for a Discmounts DM4? I have one already so this is what I will be using. I will be primarily using it for a TV85, once in a while at 200x but most nights at 150x or so. I have heavy, 2" eyepieces but no binoviewer. I would like it stable but lightweight as possible (I know, there is a tradeoff). If possible, I would like an adjustible center column as that seems very handy. Sliding legs is a no compromise requirement, thats why I dont like the tripod that Discmounts sells. Manfrotto or Berlebach tripods are rated high, but which one of their models should I be focusing on. I would want the tripod to weigh <9-10LBS at a MAXIMUM, hopefully less. Oh, and one last thing - Where is a place to purchase where they would be familar with what I'm trying to do? Thanks alot, it has been somewhat frustrating to find this out, any help is appreciated. Regards, Chris Post Extras:       philrod super member Reged: 07/19/04 Loc: Fallon, Nevada Re: tripod for dm4 [Re: baileyman]       #4429057 - 03/05/11 09:43 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Chris, You might check with Stellarvue as they say that their tripods can be modified for various mounts including DiscMounts. I'm envious that you have a DM4. I want one too! Philrod TV85/telepod SV102ED/GM8 10x50 Ultraview 15mm,20mm,32mm TV plossls 24mm & 27mm Panoptics Various Radians 3.5mm N6 Post Extras:       JMW scholastic sledgehammer Reged: 02/11/07 Loc: Nevada Re: tripod for dm4 [Re: philrod]       #4429229 - 03/05/11 11:26 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I use a Gitzo 5541LS with a DM4 and Stellarvue SV115T and it is very solid. No adjustable center column but very compact and light. Not cheap but it is my favorite travel setup. I use the DM4 8 inch extension to keep the scope away from the legs at the zenith. I don't think you will find a lighter setup that is anywhere close to being this rock solid. When I don't care about weight I use a DM6 on a Berlebach Planet. Post Extras:       variable111 member Reged: 02/13/07 Re: tripod for dm4 [Re: JMW]       #4429731 - 03/06/11 09:29 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The best tripod for the best mount: Gitzo GT5531S Carbon Fiber for Discmount DM4. Description Maximum Height 133 cm Leg Sections 3 Minimum Height 16 cm Weight 2.7 kg Center Column No center column Closed Length 63 cm Load Capacity 25 kg Solid & light (& expensive) Post Extras:       Bill Possel member Reged: 02/24/08 Loc: Colorado Re: tripod for dm4 [Re: variable111]       #4429792 - 03/06/11 10:23 AM Attachment (200 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'm using the Berlebach UNI 19C. You have to order them from Germany and they are expensive but worth it. Here are the specs - Light-metal mounting head with geared centre column and circular bubble. Centre column length is 50 cm (39 cm adjustment range). Helical gearing on the centre column acts as an automatic column brake. Mounting plate diameter is 77 mm. With leg spread stops at 20°, 35°, 55° and 80°. The maximum height given below are that at an 20° leg spread and with the centre column fully extended. - Weight: 7,10 kg = 15,65 lb. - Transportation length: 97 cm = 38 inch - Minimum height: 53 cm = 21 inch - Maximum height: 179 cm = 70 inch - Load capacity: 20,00 kg = 44,09 lb. - Vibration damping: extremely good I don't know how it compares to the Gitzo. Here's a picture of my setup - Post Extras:       GlenM Vendor - Lyra Optic Reged: 05/20/07 Loc: Lancashire England Re: tripod for dm4 [Re: baileyman]       #4429829 - 03/06/11 10:39 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I have two Manfrotto 028's. Nice and light to carry,geared centre column and sliding leg set up. I love these tripods. I use mine with a 503 HDV and DSV-1 for mounting scopes and binoculars. I think Garrett Optical sells a series 5000 tripod which is similar to the 028. Post Extras:       baileyman member Reged: 05/26/07 Re: tripod for dm4 [Re: Bill Possel]       #4429903 - 03/06/11 11:20 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks one and all. I will check out both the gitzo's and the berlebach. What type of mounting plate is necessary for Gitsmo's, if any? Bill, (nice scopes by the way, Bill and Jeff!) it looks like the base of the mounting head on the column attaches directly to the base of the DM4, with its 3/8"-16 opening. I'm looking at their website to see if they have alittle smaller/lighter version of the "UNI19C". My scopes are a TV85(new) and a 4" Vixen that I will be using, although my new scope will be used much more, I think. Regards, chris Post Extras:       baileyman member Reged: 05/26/07 Re: tripod for dm4 [Re: baileyman]       #4429907 - 03/06/11 11:21 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   You too glenn Post Extras:       Bill Possel member Reged: 02/24/08 Loc: Colorado Re: tripod for dm4 [Re: baileyman]       #4429914 - 03/06/11 11:24 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks Chris. Berlebach has excellent customer service. They are good with email also. Bill Post Extras:       Wayne W. super member Reged: 06/21/06 Loc: Woodland Park N.J. Re: tripod for dm4 [Re: Bill Possel]       #4430033 - 03/06/11 12:49 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   You might also check the Sanford and Davis Pro Lift "A" Tripod with Spike Feet. I have an older one and like the various adjustments that can be made to it. Very solid tripod. Post Extras:       Pages: 1 Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Extra information 26 registered and 23 anonymous users are browsing this forum. Moderator:  Bowmoreman, bilgebay, iceblaze  Print Thread Forum Permissions       You cannot start new topics       You cannot reply to topics       HTML is disabled       UBBCode is enabled Thread views: 1046 Jump to *Announcements and News* -----   Cloudy Nights Announcements   Discussion of CN Articles, Reviews, and Reports   Celestial Events*General Astronomy* -----   Beginners Forum   General Observing and Astronomy   Outreach   Light Pollution*Equipment Discussions* -----   ATM, Optics and DIY Forum   Binoculars   Binoviewers   Cats & Casses   Classic Telescopes   Equipment   Eyepieces   Mounts   Observatories   Reflectors   Refractors    Video and Electronically Assisted Astronomy*Astrophotography and Sketching* -----   Beginning and Intermediate Imaging   Film Astrophotography   DSLR & Digital Camera Astro Imaging & Processing   CCD Imaging & Processing   Solar System Imaging & Processing   Sketching   Astro Imaging/Sketching Contest *Observing* -----   NEO   Planetary and Solar System Observing   Lunar Observing   Deep Sky Observing   Double Star Observing   Solar   Variable Star Observing and Radio Astronomy*Telescope Specific Forums* -----   Celestron NexStar    NexStar GPS / CPC Telescopes   Questar Forum   Meade ACF/RCX / LX / GPS    Meade ETX*Speciality Forums* -----   Arizona Science and Astronomy Expo   NEAF (Northeast Astronomy Forum) and NEAIC (Northeast Astro Imaging Conference)   AstroArt   Astronomy Clubs and Star Parties   Astronomy Software & Computers   AstroWebsites   Science! Astronomy & Space Exploration, and Others   Space Rocks   Stellar Media*Swap and Shop* -----   Shop and Swap Audio Components*CN Feedback and Vendor Announcements* -----   Vendor and Group Announcements*International Year of Astronomy 2009 - Forums are now closed.* -----   IYA Archive Info CN Forums Home

Cloudy Nights LLC Cloudy Nights Sponsor: Astronomics