Tripods

Why is a good tripod important?

A telescope tripod supports your mount and telescope. Every vibration, from wind, from the focus button or from the motors, travels through the tripod. A sturdy tripod dampens that vibration quickly; a lightweight tripod allows the image to shake for seconds after each touch. At 150x magnification, you can see every vibration magnified 150 times.

How heavy should a tripod be?

For a permanent place in the garden, weight is an advantage: a heavy tripod is more sturdy. If you take your telescope on a trip, every kilogram counts. Therefore, consider your own weight and carrying capacity together. A small refractor or smart telescope can be mounted on a light tripod; however, a monocular with an 8-inch tube and counterweights requires a heavy tripod.

What material do you choose?

Steel

1.75 or 2 inch steel legs are rigid and affordable. This is the standard among heavier EQ installations.

Carbon

Carbon is much lighter than steel and dampens vibrations well. A logical choice for compact strain wave mounts that you often carry with you.

Wood

Wood naturally dampens vibrations well and doesn't feel ice-cold in the winter. Wooden tripods are very quiet.

Will the tripod fit on my mounting system?

Not every mount fits every tripod. Tripods for equatorial mounts have a head that fits a specific type, such as the EQ5 or HEQ5. Smaller mounts and most smart telescopes use a 1/4 or 3/8 inch photo screw thread. If it doesn't fit right away, there is often an adapter included. mount accessories.

Other useful features include a spreader plate that doubles as an accessory tray, a built-in level, and spikes for soft ground.

Does a long refractor bounce off the legs when it points straight up? Then a silver extension. There is a steadfastness.

You can read more about how the tripod and the mount work together in tripods and mounts explained.