Stable tripod for a Star Adventurer

Hi Spooky,

Well, the problem is that there are few really stable tripods with an 3/4" Screw which is needed as an adaption for the SA. What I did was that I took a eq5-type tripod and fashioned a wooden adapter plate, complete with proper Spirit level:


you could use this one, which is similar to mine. But if you don't intend to overload the SA like me, the Skywatcher tripodmight be stable enough.

Hi Spook,

In any case dont buy the Skywatcher star adventurer tripod.. the price may be attractive but its not worth the money.
Mine is very loose on all legs and it is not really portable.

Not really advice but its something to keep in mind.
Good luck on the search!

kr redbeard

I would recommend just a professional camera tripod. They are pricey but really stable and portable/ you can use for normal photography!

Hello Donnie,
@Donnie Barnett: Saw your setup, wow, I still have a C90 exactly as yours, but I never thought of saddling it on a mobile mount for AP, not only because of the small aperture, moreover because of focusing. Thanks a lot for the inspiration :-)
Cheers
Robert

I have Gitzo and Really Rite Stuff carbon fiber tripods that I am really happy with. Sturdy and light weight.

Donnie Barnett:

Hello Donnie,
@Donnie Barnett: Saw your setup, wow, I still have a C90 exactly as yours, but I never thought of saddling it on a mobile mount for AP, not only because of the small aperture, moreover because of focusing. Thanks a lot for the inspiration :-)
Cheers
Robert

Glad I could help. It works pretty well, still working on the kinks. Wouldnt recommend the dew heater, and instead just put a dew shield up as the c90 take in a LOT of stray light. Also use sharp cap to polar align before you autoguide... and you can get easily 4,5min exposures... probably more on some lucky nights.

Dew shield and PA - are remembered 👍

Donnie Barnett:
I would recommend just a professional camera tripod. They are pricey but really stable and portable/ you can use for normal photography!

@Donnie Barnett
I know this is a bit off topic here, but I noticed that you have your guide scope and camera mounted to the counter bar. I have the Sky Watcher Star Adventurer and I’m getting ready to get it setup with auto guiding. What adapter/part are you using to mount it that way? Thanks in advance! And by the way, nice setup!

@Donnie Barnett
oh, I’m sorry, I made a typo. I was referring to mounting the guide scope to the counter weight bar

Donnie Barnett:
Ozzi,

I had pieced together some random parts but really you just need to see if the counterweight bar has a female end, and get a 'panning base' to put there and your guidescope should attach to it.

Oh, ok. That makes sense. Thanks! The Star Adventurer counter weight bar does have a female end. I think it’s a m8 but, I’m not sure. Thanks again!

Frank Breslawski:
Hi Spooky,

I'm using a Berlebach Report 212 together with the SA and I'm very happy with that combination. The tripod is very lightweight and extremely stable with the SA.

KR
Frank

I agree with Frank, this really nice one and bonus eco friendly!

Best wishes,
Sigga

I have the SkyWatcher 3/8" model which is very similar to the one I have for my HEQ5:

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/sky-watcher-mount-accessories/sky-watcher-38-stainless-steel-tripod.html

Plus the mount extension tube:

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/sky-watcher-mount-accessories/sky-watcher-az5-deluxe-mount-extension-tube.html

Dan