RDF on big binos?

[KathyNS]

I have a red-dot finder that is more or less surplus to my C-8. I have been thinking of mounting it on my Celestron 20x80 binos. Has anyone tried this? Any suggestions of where or how?

I am thinking that the best place would be on the central rail. Perhaps mounting the base of the RDF onto a block of wood or something, and then mounting that to the rail with pipe clamps?

[EAGLE 5]

The RDF should fit on a piece of 1/2"x3/4" aluminum strip available at Canadian Tire in 48" lengths. That would get you started if you wanted a all-metal construction. The strip could be attached to the center rails with a couple of stand-offs and screws.

A 3/4" piece of wood as you mentioned, would work well too. A hole the same diameter as the silver pipe could be drilled first, then cut off the bottom part of the hole leaving an arc shape. Drill two more smaller holes up higher and 90 degrees to that, for accommodating zip-ties to attach it to the silver pipe. The RDF can just clamp on to the top of the 3/4" wide piece of wood.

Another option is if you know someone local with a 3D printer and rudimentary drawing skills, it would be an easy part to make. If you can draw the part yourself in software, but lack a printer, then just have it printed online and sent to you.

[Refractordude]

I used this Celestron tripod adapter. However, I could never align it with the binoculars. I would aim at an objects location and drop down about two inches. But it works, just attach it to the central rail/balance bar.

[JayTee]

Me, I'm cheap. I would use the central metal bar and duct tape.

Cheers,
JT

[KathyNS]

Thanks for all the ideas.

There's another mod I want to make to these binos that I realized will simplify mounting an RDF.

That stupid knurled knob that connects the vertical tripod mounting post to the centre rail is a pain in the butt. There is no reason for that connection to be adjustable. The binos are always tilting on the tripod, which is annoying. And there is only one position along the rail that achieves a balance.

So, I think I am going to use some JB Weld metal epoxy to glue the post permanently to the rail in the correct position. Then, I won't need that big knob. I can use the flat top of the tripod post and the tapped hole in it to mount a standoff for the RDF.

[pakarinen]

Sounds like you have a plan, but I'm a big fan of nylon cable ties - either for semi-permanent mounting or to do a removable mock-up before I start cutting and drilling stuff.

If the weight is low and I want to be able to pull the item off quickly, I use 3M Command Strips or whatever they're called. YMMV.

[KathyNS]

I may end up going with the cable ties or something similar after all. I realized that it is good to be able to adjust the balance point when aiming the binos upwards. So the knob will remain, and I can't use the back portion of the centre rail. The RDF will have to attach to the front half of the rail.

[JayTee]

I have found that duct tape is a better adherent than cable ties on a round surface like that metal bar. Yes, it is ugly and "trashy" looking, but it works!

JT

[kt4hx]

Like what RD mentioned, but without the tripod adapter, is the Bino Brac from Astronomy-Shoppe. The downside is that its nearly twice the price of the Celestron offering at $60. As for the cheaper DIY path, that seems to have been covered already.

http://astronomy-shoppe.com/?page_id=192

[pakarinen]

Somebody over on CN just wrote about a ballhead thingy with a clamp attached. Of course, I can't remember the brand because I bought something similar a few months ago for a Sironek bino mount (which I still haven't attempted to build). Duh.

Anyway, they're on Amazon. Clamp the thingy to the central bar, mount an RDF or monocular on the ballhead and Bob's your uncle. Or, "Boom! Dey it is" if you prefer.

Ok, found it. The brand is Smallrig, but one of these might work better:

https://www.amazon.com/CAMVATE-Super-Cl ... 000&sr=8-2

[pakarinen]

@Kathy - Please do post details once you get something rigged up. Useful info if I ever go big.

[KathyNS]

@Kathy - Please do post details once you get something rigged up. Useful info if I ever go big.

Oh, for sure! I wouldn't leave you all hanging. At this moment, I am leaning towards the Celestron solution, rather than a DIY version.

[ARock]

There are also some 3D printable designs on Thingiverse like

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3310755