Low Tripod

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hatflyer
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Low Tripod

#1

Post by hatflyer »


I'm looking for a tripod that can hold ~12 lbs at a height of only about 2 feet, without using a center column raised upward. Some of the ones I have seen can spread legs out, but in that position they are not strong or stable enough.

Thanks.
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Re: Low Tripod

#2

Post by Lady Fraktor »


Tripods that can do this are usually photo tripods, is there a specific reason for wanting the short tripod?
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
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Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
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Re: Low Tripod

#3

Post by hatflyer »


Lady Fraktor wrote: Sat Oct 29, 2022 5:34 pm Tripods that can do this are usually photo tripods, is there a specific reason for wanting the short tripod?
Yes, I will be positioned low so need it in reach.

What do u mean by a photo tripod? You mean a DSLR one? Been looking through many and not much luck yet. They seem limited in the angle u can set the legs to.
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Re: Low Tripod

#4

Post by Lady Fraktor »


My Manfrotto 055Pro can spread the legs out almost flat 88°.
What equipment will you be using with this?
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
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Re: Low Tripod

#5

Post by hatflyer »


Lady Fraktor wrote: Sat Oct 29, 2022 6:05 pm My Manfrotto 055Pro can spread the legs out almost flat 88°.
What equipment will you be using with this?
Currently a wedge, AZ-GTi mount, and a DSLR with a 400mm lens. Maybe get a 72mm telescope to replace camera. So, about 10-12 lbs.
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Re: Low Tripod

#6

Post by Lady Fraktor »


This is a very stable tripod that may do what you need.
https://www.berlebach.de/en/?bereich=details&id=98
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
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Re: Low Tripod

#7

Post by hatflyer »


Lady Fraktor wrote: Sat Oct 29, 2022 6:15 pm This is a very stable tripod that may do what you need.
https://www.berlebach.de/en/?bereich=details&id=98
Would be good except for the height...16".
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Re: Low Tripod

#8

Post by Lady Fraktor »


They have many different sizes, that is just one of them. I use Planet and a Report tripods.
Still not understanding why such a short tripod is required though.
If you require exactly 24", it would probably be better to find a good used tripod and cut the legs to required height.
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
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Re: Low Tripod

#9

Post by hatflyer »


Lady Fraktor wrote: Sat Oct 29, 2022 6:42 pm They have many different sizes, that is just one of them. I use Planet and a Report tripods.
Still not understanding why such a short tripod is required though.
If you require exactly 24", it would probably be better to find a good used tripod and cut the legs to required height.
I need the legs at a certain angle in order to be wide enough for stability for such a low height. Will check the other ones. Thanks.
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Re: Low Tripod

#10

Post by SkyHiker »


If you mount a small scope on an az/gti you need clearance so I don't see how a tripod can work. You need a pier at least for the top part. I see some piers by IOptron and WO but they are slightly too large. Check if WO can make one to fit your size, all you need is a shorter tube. Otherwise, see if you can DIY something from abs pipe, bookshelf braces and wingnuts.
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Re: Low Tripod

#11

Post by pakarinen »


You might want to check Innorel and / or Artcise tripods. I have an RT90C that is about 14 inches high at 37 degrees with leg sections retracted. It's light but sturdy. I might be adding a Stellarvue riser column to it - we'll see.
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Re: Low Tripod

#12

Post by hatflyer »


Thanks for the suggestions. I think I will likely go with the Carbon Fiber Tripod INNOREL NT75C, considering load capacity, angle of legs, weight, and cost.

It can handle 33 pounds, but I asked the manufacturer if it could handle 12 pounds with the legs at 45 degrees. They said yes. I'm not fully convinced, but it is returnable.
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Re: Low Tripod

#13

Post by Lady Fraktor »


If the memory is functioning remotely well you should lose 4.95 lb of capacity at the 42° setting.
Capacity will drop off faster as you angle the legs more. The connection point may get more unstable the lower the tripod goes past 42°
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
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Re: Low Tripod

#14

Post by hatflyer »


Lady Fraktor wrote: Mon Oct 31, 2022 5:33 pm If the memory is functioning remotely well you should lose 4.95 lb of capacity at the 42° setting.
Capacity will drop off faster as you angle the legs more. The connection point may get more unstable the lower the tripod goes past 42°
So u think this should work then?
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Re: Low Tripod

#15

Post by Lady Fraktor »


It should work if the factory rating is correct.
The lower you spread the legs though the less weight it will support and the more vibration will be apparent.
The best angle is 30° for solid support, at the 42° setting of the tripod you are losing about 15% of capacity.
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
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Re: Low Tripod

#16

Post by hatflyer »


Lady Fraktor wrote: Mon Oct 31, 2022 5:46 pm It should work if the factory rating is correct.
The lower you spread the legs though the less weight it will support and the more vibration will be apparent.
The best angle is 30° for solid support, at the 42° setting of the tripod you are losing about 15% of capacity.
Yeah, it's the vibration that is a concern, especially when the mount is slewing. I don't doubt it's strong enough to hold 12 pounds without breaking.

Anyway, will give it a go.

Thanks.
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Re: Low Tripod

#17

Post by notFritzArgelander »


hatflyer wrote: Mon Oct 31, 2022 5:54 pm
Lady Fraktor wrote: Mon Oct 31, 2022 5:46 pm It should work if the factory rating is correct.
The lower you spread the legs though the less weight it will support and the more vibration will be apparent.
The best angle is 30° for solid support, at the 42° setting of the tripod you are losing about 15% of capacity.
Yeah, it's the vibration that is a concern, especially when the mount is slewing. I don't doubt it's strong enough to hold 12 pounds without breaking.

Anyway, will give it a go.

Thanks.
Let us know how it goes. BTW the weight rating isn’t for failure, it’s for adequate support, just in case.
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Re: Low Tripod

#18

Post by OzEclipse »


I've used the little aluminium tripod for solar eclipse chasing for many years. It's very strong, I put a board on it and sat on it once just to test it out.

The top is the casting from a surveyors tripod. I then cut sections of 1" aluminium tube 1mm wall to make the legs. Central leg brace is made from a piece of triangular sheet and more 1" tube.

The tripod weighs 400 grams. In the field after flying to my solar eclipse observing country/location, I buy 1.5L bottles of water and tape then to each leg for stability. I have attached my Losmandy Starlapse, or a home made EQ mount on top with up to an ED80 refractor. I can also bolt a ball head to one or two of the legs to hold other cameras.

The short tripod is sitting under a bigger wooden tripod (bareback).
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short tripod.jpg
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In this photo, the tripod is on a sea wall in Shanghai for the 2009 total solar eclipse. My single arm EQ mount (1.5kg) is on top supporting a William Optics M70 & DSLR (3.5kg). The water bottles were removed for the photo and the centre brace seen in the first image had not yet been added to the mount.
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Re: Low Tripod

#19

Post by hatflyer »


notFritzArgelander wrote: Mon Oct 31, 2022 10:13 pm
hatflyer wrote: Mon Oct 31, 2022 5:54 pm
Lady Fraktor wrote: Mon Oct 31, 2022 5:46 pm It should work if the factory rating is correct.
The lower you spread the legs though the less weight it will support and the more vibration will be apparent.
The best angle is 30° for solid support, at the 42° setting of the tripod you are losing about 15% of capacity.
Yeah, it's the vibration that is a concern, especially when the mount is slewing. I don't doubt it's strong enough to hold 12 pounds without breaking.

Anyway, will give it a go.

Thanks.
Let us know how it goes. BTW the weight rating isn’t for failure, it’s for adequate support, just in case.
Went for the Carbon Fiber Tripod INNOREL NT75C. Works well. Well, except the 3/8" bolt is too lonfor my wedge. Hopefully a washer will solve that.
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