Any feedback about Berlebach tripods ? - Forums

Topic starter

Dec 12, 2020

Hi all,

After the many feedbacks received for the CEM70(G), I am now wondering on which tripod or pier to put it :-)

I want to use my CEM70 at home but also have the freedom to bring it on week ends in the countryside whenever I can.

I have read that the Lite Roc tripods are not good enough for this mount. I also read the TriPier are good but not very user friendly + coating is damaged when moving the pier.

Many people are saying wood makes good tripods : no / limited dilatation during cold nights; vibration absorption etc…

So, for the happy or (previously) unhappy owners of tripods made of wood, and in particular the Berlebach ones, what is your feedback ? Are Berlebach tripods worth their price ?

Thanks for your help

Engaging

Astrochromata

Dec 12, 2020

Yea, they definately are. If you want to put heavy equipment on them, make sure that you get a double clamped one otherwise the clamping friction may not be enough.

Otherwise they are light weight, very sturdy, have great spiked feet which make sure your equipment is not going to move with every slight nod.
I surely never regretted mine.

andrea tasselli

Frequent contributor

Dec 12, 2020

I have used a common surveyor tripod (aluminium) bought second hand for very many long years and never had any issue with it. Very light, very stable and very cheap!

Frank Breslawski

Dec 12, 2020

Yea, they definately are. If you want to put heavy equipment on them, make sure that you get a double clamped one otherwise the clamping friction may not be enough.

Otherwise they are light weight, very sturdy, have great spiked feet which make sure your equipment is not going to move with every slight nod.
I surely never regretted mine.

+1

I‘m pretty sure, that you won't make a mistake with a tripod like this.

Frank

Björn Hoffmann

Dec 13, 2020

I have a small Berlebach for my Star Adventurer for many years now and I never regretted it. It is extremely well built, super sturdy, and supports my setup in the best way possible. Wood is a great material!

Well Written Concise

Jérémie

Topic starter

Dec 13, 2020

Thanks a lot for these first feedbacks !

Linwood Ferguson

Dec 20, 2020

I switched from an iOptron piece of junk 1.5" tripod to a Berlebach planet, and it is an incredible difference. It's not only dead, as in dampens vibrations nearly instantly, it does so without any of the odd stretching and straining people put on metal tripods (with spreader bars or hanging weights). I have one with spikes and observe in grass – you step on the provided foot to bury the spike and it's almost like having a pier in concrete. The spreader and/or tray on this is to keep the legs from over-spreading, not to put them under stress.

My CEM40 plate for the Berlebach planet also fit the CEM70, even though their web site lists a separate one.

I observe in extremely high humidity. So far (just a couple months) the soaking they get each night has not had an impact. I do worry a bit about wood in that environment, but so far so good. And to be fair, non-stainless parts of a metal tripod may actually fare worse.

It is a bit heavy. With the CEM40 on it I carried it (combined). WIth the CEM70 on it that's not impossible but is tough, I bolted a board to a handtruck and move it out with that. Note the CEM70 is NOT friendly to being removed and replaced each night, unrelated to the tripod, the two bolts are difficult to get to with a wrench and take a while to work out and in.

Overall could not be happier with the Planent. I've got a C11 plus fairly heavy imaging train, total about 40 pounds, with two 40 pound counterweights, plus the weight of the CEM70 on the Planet, and my impression is I could sit on top of it all and not bother it a bit (the tripod, that is; the CEM70 might not be happy).

Helpful Engaging Supportive

Paolo

Mar 17, 2021

I'm using a Berlebach Planet (long) with my CEM70. That tripod is a beast.
I bought that one because I had a super good experience with another Berlebach, the 312 astro (for my SkyGuider Pro).

Cant' recommend them enough

Jarrett Trezzo

Mar 17, 2021

I bought the Berlebach Planet to upgrade from the standard metal tripod on my Atlas Pro. It makes a big difference in stability. I image at 125% of the rated weight capacity and can still guide between 0.5-0.8". I'd recommend paying a little extra for the double clamp if you'll have a heavy load.

Well Written Helpful Concise

Jérémie

Topic starter

Mar 17, 2021

I can now recommand myself the Berlebach tripods !
I own the Planet one, with double clamps and replaced the tips by shock absorbers.
It is sturdy and well built. The head is well adapted to the CEM70. The little shelf is very useful as well.
I am quite happy with that setup.