What tripod do you recommend for this scope? Looks like it weighs 20lbs or so...And any other tips you might recommend. This is my first scope and want to bird watch, perhaps astronomy. Does anyone use a digital camera adapter and take pics? Thanks!! What tripod do you recommend for this scope? Looks like it weighs 20lbs or so...And any other tips you might recommend. This is my first scope and want to bird watch, perhaps astronomy. Does... » Read More What tripod do you recommend for this scope? Looks like it weighs 20lbs or so...And any other tips you might recommend. This is my first scope and want to bird watch, perhaps astronomy. Does anyone use a digital camera adapter and take pics? Thanks!! « Show Less
622008
I neglected to tell you to make sure that the tripod you get has a 1/4 inch bolt to mount the camera to the tripod,Some of the larger/sturdier tripods use a 3/8 inch mounting bolt and that will not work for the normal tripod/camera arrangement/spotting scope.This scope is a 1/4 inch mounting hole.
622009
I would get a very sturdy tripod as this is a heavy scope. I used an existing tripod I had and it has adjustable legs and tilt. Works well but I would prefer one more sturdy. I use mine for bird watching and astronomy from my deck where I can move it around easily.
622010
It weighs 7 pounds. not 20. Go to wal-mart and buy an inexpensive tripod, return it if not satisfied
622011
I use a Revelli, don't know the model but probably got it from Amazon, but don't necessarily recommend it for birdwatching because it is heavy. Birdwatching usually involves a lot of walking & a telescope/tripod combination has to be a compromise between steadiness & portability. Because of my age I don't go on long walks any more & confine birdwatching to my back yard. I also use the tripod for photography & it is good & steady for that.
708982
That really depends on what you are going to use them for. I bought the Orion Paragon-Plus XHD Extra Heavy-Duty Tripod Stand for Binoculars (Black) for my set. I originally got the binoculars for checking out the moon and some entry level astronomy. But I mostly use them for bird watching on the pond in my backyard. That tripod works pretty well for both - much better for the birds than planets.
1063903
Tripod is not a good tripod. It is unsteady at all levels except for the lowest (base) position. It does perform all the functions (rotate, pan, etc.); but, I have already upgraded the tripod to one I use when doing photo work. Instability of the tripod is the only bad thing about the tripod. Scope works fine.
1968793
1st, there is an adapter you will need to mount them on a tripod. More specific to your question, we have been using them with a very cheap tripod that came free with a camera purchase, our heavy-duty tripos being tied up with a small telescope at the moment. The cheap tripod holds the binoculars just fine (well, as steady as that cheap tripod will allow for at least), no weight issues. I would say you can spend as little as you'd like on a tripod for these. We have found that the stability of the tripod head is really the only issue...you can buy a step up or so in quality to alleviate that issue, but the cheap little one we're using allows us to just grab it an go...and, we have no issues with weight of the binoculars.
124363
I use them for bird watching and I think that they are great. For compact binoculars they have a good field of view. The zoom is good. Some birders prefer 6 or 8 zoom instead (which is lower). That is just your call. Lower zoom will be less shaky and will give you some more context in what you see. However, I prefer zooming in more. I just think I can get context without binoculars and I can handle the shake.
1300683
CELESTRON sells an inexpensive tripod for these binoculars at their main site. See the tripods at : http://www.celestron.com/browse-shop/astronomy/astronomy-binoculars/skymaster-20-100x70-zoom-binocular Its the main web site for CELESTRON binoculars. Its the Tripod, Photographic and Video item #93606 for $34.95 but appears to need the binocular tripod adaptor for $15.95
503068
Please visit this very informative website: http://www.birdwatching-bliss.com/nikon-monarch-binoculars.htmlThey have a good comparison of several Nikon Monarch binos, charts and videos. Happy birding!
1291918
I believe the combined wight of the scope with the tripod is about 65 pounds, the scope weighing more than the tripod, but each manageable. I bought a big "husky" toolbox with wheels from one of the large box hardware stores for about $60 and put foam in it to transport the scope, can carry the tripod separately. (my eyepiece case and the power supply fit in the box as well).From the celestron site: Total Telescope Kit Weight 42 lbs (19 kg)
1291919
I have had this scope since 2007. As Rita mentioned above, the total telescope kit weighs 42 lbs. It is NOT 60 lbs, or 65 lbs, or 95 lbs. IIRC, the tripod weighs 19 lbs and the forks/scope weighs 23 pounds. Both pieces are VERY manageable. The forks/scope is much easier to handle than the equivalent Meade. Both of the Meade's handles are mid-way up the fork arms, but on the CPC the "handle" for the left fork arm is under the base of the arm and this makes it much more steady to move and mount on the tripod.
941562
The scope itself or optical tube assembly (OTA) is 20 lbs. The dobsonian base is about 40 lbs. It stands maybe short off 5 foot when upright. I dont know how strong your dad is but its quite hefty and ungainly to move in 1 piece. As a rule, you are more likely to use it if it isn't too much of a hassle to bring out in the backyard. But the good thing is you can separate the base from the OTA quite easily, but you'll just have to make 2 trips :) There is also the issue of bending a lot to use the EZ starfinder. Some people readily upgrade to a finder scope that is angled so you don't need to crane your neck or even get down on your knees to align with your target. Its a good beginner scope, but you have to put in the effort, time and money (for upgrades).
954524
This is the tripod that I use with this scope and it's very sturdy: Bushnell Advanced TripodIt's a little heavy and the legs aren't quick release, but is definitely stable enough to take advantage of the wonderful optics of the scope. I use this all the time while birding in grassland areas and at the shore. Not great for hiking with as it is heavy.
1570483
I've used a table top tripod with this and had good luck, like for target shooting, etc.. For star gazing, a regular tripod where you stand up, worked better for me. If the wind is blowing, it will probably shake some no matter what one you use. Outside of that, I think it's a great spotting scope. Hope I helped.
1777821
I'm an "entry level" bird watcher. I'm very happy with the binoculars. They are very good even in low light situations. They weigh 22.4 ounces.
290831
Hello, how are you? I did some research on your question. So far I found this web site where you can get an adapter you can use to attach your camera to your telescope. If you buy one please let me know if it works or not. My email address is snban4@aol.com thanks and take care Sue Banks
948044
I use the 100mm for shore birds. It has a long reach to see far off birds. It's great to use when you have a car. If you're hiking, it'll be too cumbersome for any long distance. It's great when you're driving though a nature preserve or a park. It's quick to set up and you will see things no one else could think of seeing. I've had people ask me what are you looking at? I'm looking at that bird in the tree just past the lake. I can't even see the lake. That's why I have the 100mm, I can see the lake, the tree and the painted bunting in the tree.
1692266
I have no experience with Tele-Vue products. There is no built in tripod mount for these binoculars, but there is an adapter available http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Binocular-Tripod-Adapter-Action/dp/B00006LS6D/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356633951&sr=8-1&keywords=Tripod+Adaptor-+Action%2FAction+EX%2FMarine+Series I suggest a Manfrotto camera tripod if you have the money or one of the high rated, but cheaper ones listed on Amazon. Make sure the tripod is tall enough for you! Anyway, you're probably best just using them in a reclining chair position instead of a tripod! I don't think these binoculars are good enough for astronomical use. I prefer the Orion binoculars or perhaps, certain Celestron binoculars. Phil Harrington has a great book with lots of suggestions. http://www.amazon.com/Star-Ware-Astronomers-Telescopes-Accessories/dp/0471750638/ref=dp_ob_title_bk Harrington gives his opinion here on a pair of Celestron's http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-SkyMaster-Binoculars-Tripod-Adapter/dp/B00008Y0VN/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t
1821518
Total weight is the key: Orion 8996 10 inch weight is 25.5 lbs. A set of rings and mounting plate will weigh ~ 5 lbs. Eypiece (1 1/4) ~ 1LB. So you are already at 30lb for a minimal visual (No Red dot finder, dew heater tapes or 2 inch eyepieces). Weight capacity listed for CG4 is 20lb. Typically that is the max for visual only with max photographic load being 60% of that. Both under no wind/breeze and good balance. My experience: I had mine initially on an Atlas EQ-G as well which is rated at ~ 40 lb max. Plan, plan plan if you try astrophotography. Depending on how heavy your guide scope/camera or off axis guider/camera, main camera, dew heater tapes any mis-balance can easily make things unguidable/unstable and/or make the Go-to off. Optics of my tube were good based on Ronchi eyepiece , collimation was stable (but bit touchy to set). If you get the EQ-G be sure to get the upgraded (larger) counterweight bar if you plan to take pictures. Much more stable, the original one my EQ-G came with could be wobbled. Also upgrade the azm/altitude knobs. (Google EQ-G knob enhancements.) The bolts that came with mine were hard to adjust and made of inferior steel. (You will also have to get a complete new SET of counterweights if you upgrade. The holes are bigger.)