Telescope Reviews: Universal Astronomics Unistar

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Equipment Discussions >> Mounts

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seattlepete
super member

Reged: 01/29/12

Loc: Uh...seattle.

Universal Astronomics Unistar - Tripod ideas? new

#5417133 - 09/12/12 11:47 AM

I have a Unistar Deluxe. I've had two others in the past that I used with an Atlas tripod. I got rid of the Atlas tripod and am now looking for ideas on a new tripod.

Weight is not an issue...I want a rock solid foundation. No Meade Field Tripods though.

If anyone has a good solid tripod idea, I would appreciate it. I will be using my 120ED and eventually a C9.25.

Thanks!

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spencerj
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/17/04

Loc: Londonderry, NH

Re: Universal Astronomics Unistar - Tripod ideas? new

[Re: seattlepete]
#5417586 - 09/12/12 04:07 PM

A wooden surveying tripod works well. I got mine from Universal Astronomics years ago, but there are plenty of suppliers. They are heavy/solid enough and wood is a good material for dampening vibration. I have always been happy with mine even with my 20+ lbs MN66 mounted on my Unistar.

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Adam Taylor
insignificant bystander

Reged: 11/11/10

Loc: Arizona

Re: Universal Astronomics Unistar - Tripod ideas? new

[Re: seattlepete]
#5417760 - 09/12/12 05:49 PM

Quote:

No Meade Field Tripods though.

Pete, do tell. I thought these were good tripods?

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seattlepete
super member

Reged: 01/29/12

Loc: Uh...seattle.

Re: Universal Astronomics Unistar - Tripod ideas? new

[Re: Adam Taylor]
#5417797 - 09/12/12 06:13 PM

I hear they are...I just don't have the field tripod adapter for the mount...I have 3/8ths and 5/8ths posts but not the big wide one for that tripod!

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Adam Taylor
insignificant bystander

Reged: 11/11/10

Loc: Arizona

Re: Universal Astronomics Unistar - Tripod ideas? new

[Re: seattlepete]
#5418044 - 09/12/12 08:26 PM

I agree with Jason, a surveyor's tripod would be a good match. I've always fancied this one. Heard good things too.

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Scott in NC
Mad Hatter

Reged: 03/05/05

Loc: NC

Re: Universal Astronomics Unistar - Tripod ideas? new

[Re: Adam Taylor]
#5418050 - 09/12/12 08:29 PM

I use a Universal Astronomics heavy-duty wooden surveyor's tripod for mine, and have been very pleased with its stability.

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crazyqban
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 12/16/08

Loc: Miami, Florida

Re: Universal Astronomics Unistar - Tripod ideas? new

[Re: Adam Taylor]
#5418361 - 09/12/12 11:36 PM

Quote:

I agree with Jason, a surveyor's tripod would be a good match. I've always fancied this one. Heard good things too.

I had one of those, good for only a small scope (60-80mm). Bigger scopes don't fare too well on it, at least not for me. I had a pretty loaded Takahashi Sky 90 on a Teegul mount and I was not happy with the tripod performance. I went out and got a Televue Gibtaltar tripod which worked much better.

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Phil Wheeler
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 12/31/05

Loc: 3 miles WNW of Celestron

Re: Universal Astronomics Unistar - Tripod ideas? new

[Re: crazyqban]
#5418375 - 09/12/12 11:47 PM

I have a fairly old Bogen-Manfrotto 475 which works well with several of Larry's mounts I own. In fact I purchased it from Larry. It has very effective spreaders for stability and a stable crank-up center pillar. It's my favorite tripod, though not the most portable.

A thought: Why not call Larry for a recommendation?

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seattlepete
super member

Reged: 01/29/12

Loc: Uh...seattle.

Re: Universal Astronomics Unistar - Tripod ideas? new

[Re: Phil Wheeler]
#5418503 - 09/13/12 01:50 AM

I'm actually going to send the mount back to him for an encoder install so I wont need the tripod for a bit...I still have my atlas at my sister's house and can get it back if I want it....I might just end up that way....I used it with that tripod with my C9.25 and it worked great....we'll see..thanks for the ideas!

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Texas
super member

Reged: 01/14/08

Re: Universal Astronomics Unistar - Tripod ideas? new

[Re: seattlepete]
#5418677 - 09/13/12 07:47 AM

Another vote for the surveyor's tripod. Works great with mine.

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SteveG
Post Laureate

Reged: 09/27/06

Loc: Seattle, WA

Re: Universal Astronomics Unistar - Tripod ideas? new

[Re: Texas]
#5419169 - 09/13/12 01:11 PM Attachment (19 downloads)

I have the UA surveyors tripod. It completely changed the stability of my mount. Rock solid - damp time less than 1 second. I can lean against it while viewing. Handles my 120 ED with ease.

Edited by SteveG (09/13/12 01:12 PM)

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Jeff Bennett
member

Reged: 10/30/05

Loc: Clayton, California

Re: Universal Astronomics Unistar - Tripod ideas? new

[Re: Texas]
#5419177 - 09/13/12 01:13 PM

I use my Unistar Deluxe on a Disc Mount tall tripod meant for the DM6. With my SV115 it is a very stable combination (using the tray that serves as a very rigid spreader), noticeably better than the Oberwerke heavy surveyors tripod (which did lack a decent spreader).

The main drawback to the DM tripod is that the legs are fixed length, which makes it a little more cumbersome for travel.

Jeff Bennett

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seattlepete
super member

Reged: 01/29/12

Loc: Uh...seattle.

Re: Universal Astronomics Unistar - Tripod ideas? new

[Re: Jeff Bennett]
#5421495 - 09/14/12 07:59 PM

Thanks for all the ideas. My unistar will be going back for encoders so I have another 3-4 weeks to decide on the tripod.

I'll look into all these combos.

Thanks again!

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Bill Barlow
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 12/03/07

Loc: Overland Park KS

Re: Universal Astronomics Unistar - Tripod ideas? new

[Re: seattlepete]
#5421536 - 09/14/12 08:20 PM

I currently own four UA mount/tripod combinations..from the duel clamping Unistar deluxe attached to a Celestron CGE tripod to the Unistar light attached to a UA light surveyor tripod. All are excellent. The 40 pound CGE tripod is used with a C14 while the smaller combination is used with a SV 102ED.

I have a Meade field tripod with the UA adapter plate and use it with scopes from a C9.25 to a Meade 12 ACF. It is a very stable setup, more so than the UA heavy duty wooden surveyors tripod, which I also owned a few years back. I would also recommend a call to Larry to discuss your options..good luck.

Bill

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Rich_W
member

Reged: 09/07/09

Loc: Philadelphia, PA

Re: Universal Astronomics Unistar - Tripod ideas? new

[Re: Bill Barlow]
#5421620 - 09/14/12 09:24 PM

I've used a heavy duty wooden surveyor tripod and a Meade field tripod with my Unistar Deluxe and both have been good. Most rock solid set up I have is the Unistar on a G11 tripod. Larry has an adaptor and it's a great set up.

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seattlepete
super member

Reged: 01/29/12

Loc: Uh...seattle.

Re: Universal Astronomics Unistar - Tripod ideas? [Re: Bill Barlow]
#5421632 - 09/14/12 09:39 PM

Quote:

I currently own four UA mount/tripod combinations..from the duel clamping Unistar deluxe attached to a Celestron CGE tripod to the Unistar light attached to a UA light surveyor tripod. All are excellent. The 40 pound CGE tripod is used with a C14 while the smaller combination is used with a SV 102ED.

I have a Meade field tripod with the UA adapter plate and use it with scopes from a C9.25 to a Meade 12 ACF. It is a very stable setup, more so than the UA heavy duty wooden surveyors tripod, which I also owned a few years back. I would also recommend a call to Larry to discuss your options..good luck.
Bill

Wow..I know you have posted that you've used the Unistar with your 12" but the C14? Wow.

I used my older ones with a C9.25 and a C11 for a bit.

I think these are by far the best alt/az mounts for the price...just have loved every one I've owned.

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