Geoptik Hercules / T-Pod 110 / Berlebach Planet - Forums

Topic starter

Apr 30, 2023

Hi There!

Has anyone used the Geoptik Hercules tripod? I'm considering this as a slightly cheaper and lighter option compared to the Berlebach Planet.

Also looking at the T-pod 110. Looks like I will need to have these shipped to the US from Europe and they are all going to cost close to $1000 USD with shipping so really just looking for the best bang for my buck.

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morrienz

Apr 30, 2023 · Edited: Apr 30, 2023

I have both the Geoptik Hercules (which I bought from 10Micron with my mount) and the Avalon TPod 110, here in New Zealand. Both work really well with my 10Micron GM1000 HPS mount for unguided long exposures with round stars, up to ten minutes at 1450 mm focal length with a 10 inch (250/1450 mm) CDK OTA, and at 980mm focal length with a 140 mm APM refractor at up to 15 min unguided exposures. That long exposure unguided imaging is a serious test of the rigidity of any tripod, and both the Hercules and the TPod handle the challenge fine (when sited on firm ground). Both are excellent, rigid, stable tripods in my view. The Aluminium TPod is much lighter (6.9kg vs 12kg for the wooden Hercules) and smaller for portable use than the Hercules, but is still very rigid and stable. I keep one tripod at my main imaging site and the other at a second site I image from. I cant really choose between them as both perform so well. I enjoy the lightness/compactness of the TPOD, but I aesthetically like the look and feel of the wooden construction of the Hercules. Both come with the correct bolt holes for mounting a 10Micron GM1000 HPS mount head, although I don't know what mount you have.

Regards,
Chris

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Adam

Topic starter

Apr 30, 2023

Thanks Chris

I’m amazed I found someone with both tripods. I use an ioptron now and all three have ioptron adapters.

It love to get the tpod but the Hercules is roughly US$300 cheaper. If the performance is the same it shines like I need to consider if the added weight is a reasonable order for the price.

Did your Hercules come with a carry case?

i wish the tpods were easier to get here in the U.S. as I value the portability.

morrienz

Apr 30, 2023

I'm pleased I could help since I have them both. i don't think you'd be disappointed with either tripod in use, and yes my Hercules came with a carry bag of good thick/strong material, but I don't know if the carry bag was one that 10Micron added, or if they come with a bag from Geoptik.

The Hercules is definitely significantly bulkier/longer for getting in and out of a vehicle since the wooden legs even at minimum length are still long and are wide too at the top, as well as the tripod being a lot heavier than the TPod, if you are going to use it portably a lot. The TPod packs up much shorter, more compactly, and lighter. The TPod came with a padded carry bag too.

Good luck with your choice.

My Hercules was shipped from Italy all the way here to NZ on the pallet with my 10Micron mount, counterweights, big resin transport cases, etc, but I got my TPod later from the much nearer Australia.

Cheers,
Chris

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