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Tripods for star trackers

Unspecified/unknown company Tripod Equipment Star Tracker Buying Advice
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Ian Campbell avatar
Ian Campbell avatar
It seems like there isn't a lot of talk about tripods, but everyone has a preference/favorite. I'm looking to upgrade from a flimsy $30 tripod to something more robust (mine screams under the weight of even the Sky Guider). Is anybody using a tripod with a star tracker for <$200? If so, what do you like or dislike about it? (Also, I have heard something about tripods with center columns being bad for star trackers. Can anyone weigh in?)

Thanks!
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Abell1689 avatar
Abell1689 avatar
Hi Ian,

i'm using the skyguider pro plus the William Optics add-ons. I bought a Berlebach Report 312 wooden tripod with a deposit tray in a black friday sale here in Germany. It is easy to setup and the deposit tray is extremely comfortable. The maximum heigth is 139cm and it has a weigth tolerance of around 20kg. I also love the look of it smile It is slightly above your given budget, though.
The choice would also depend on whether you go backpacking or if you use it mainly in the backyard like me. In general, it is not recommended to extend the central column of the tripod in order maximise the stability.

Cheers, Jean-Claude
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Christophe Perroud avatar
Christophe Perroud avatar
Hello Ian,

Like Jean-Claude, I'm using a iOptron SkyGuider Pro with WO latitude base on a Berlebach wooden tripod. Mine is the Report 122 I configured with extra short column (10cm), tray bag and MonkeyGrip clamp to attach a plate (useful for iPad, star charts, power banks, etc…smile. I set up the tripod on the field or on the terrace, as there are rubber feet with recessed spike to suite the ground material. This lightweight tripod works perfectly with my photographic gear and I never encounter any problem with center column. Vibration damping is very good and weight is about 2.4 kg which is very nice while travelling. The only downside : basic price is about $250.

Clear skies and take time to chose the right one for your needs  smile
Christophe
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Sigga avatar
Sigga avatar
Hi Ian,

I have Manfrotto Befree Advanced Tripod MKBFRTA4BK-BH Befree Advanced Travel Tripod, Twist Lock with Ball Head (150€). I use with Skyguider Pro and DSLR with light lens. Is fine but now wish would have gotten Berlebach or a heavier Manfrotto

Sigga
Björn Hoffmann avatar
Björn Hoffmann avatar
I also use a Berlebach wooden tripod. It is a Report 112. Perfect for my Star Adventurer!
https://www.astrobin.com/290999/B/
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astropical avatar
astropical avatar
Hello Ian,
Since I can only recommend what I am using: Vixen SXG-AL130 with Star Adventurer Pro and AZ-GTi (with extension pillar).
The center bolt can be replaced with a 3/8 bolt. It does not come with a tray though.
It is quite sturdy, light-weight, and well within your budget.
Cheers
Robert
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CrossoverManiac avatar
CrossoverManiac avatar
Claudio Tenreiro avatar
Claudio Tenreiro avatar
Hi, I used for a long period my iOptron SkyGuider on a Benro Aero 6, no problem at all. Now I changed to the specific tripod from iOptron only to get back the Benro to the camera, for the other photography themes I like.
Tim Hutchison avatar
Tim Hutchison avatar
This is the one I use with my skyguider pro as well as with my RST-135. Carbon fiber,  light,  strong,  and rock solid.

Inorel Tripod