Celestron Heavy Duty Alt-Azimuth 2-Section Aluminum Tripod for Binoculars and Spotting Scopes

2021-01-08T07:12:52

This tripod came quickly just before christmas. It is also fine for lightweight telescopes. We have a Gskyer starter scope that weighs but a few pounds, and the slo-mo cables, make this tripod a great deal at just around $100. You do need a pair of large sockets to adjust the friction tension on the pan and tilt, but once set, it is a very workable option, versus spending 2 or three times this amount for a fancier one with fewer workarounds. I did have to order a new cable set screw, as I broke one tightening it up with too big a screwdriver, but the replacemenets came under warranty.

JAMES F.

2021-01-06T07:08:37

Does not extend enough to view comfortably with Celestron Skymaster Pro binoculars - have to sit to view, which is very cumbersome. I think it is designed for telescope viewing where you look down to view rather than binoculars where you look up. Otherwise liked the tripod very much. We purchased a second tripod that was a longer tripod but unfortunately lost the Alt-Azimuth.

LINDA M.

2017-06-18T14:59:14

Very limited range of motion. You can adjust it ... with a wrench. Worst design I have ever seen. In order to make it usable, I had to mount my camera pan head on top, and then mount scope on top of that. It is very cumbersome!

RAYMOND S.

2017-01-31T12:53:11

The Celestron Heavy Duty Alt-Azimuth Binocular & Spotting Scope Tripod is a great tripod for spotting scope mounting. It's steady, strong, and is perfect for horizontal viewing. Only issue I've had is pointing it up.

THOMAS L.

2016-02-09T07:06:44

I wanted something light weight and very portable. I am using this with my Vixen Polarie for astrophotography. The adjustments make alignment a piece of cake. Other mounts can certainly be used but I like the precision of this. The tripod is lightweight aluminum. Initial assembly takes all of 5 minutes. Instructions are a little lacking but it is pretty intuitive. Others have commented in the tray being flimsy and cheap. Part of me agrees but honestly its just fine. Again weight is a consideration for me. I really like the setup. It is perfect for me. I do recommend it.

RICHARD C.

2013-05-06T21:00:00

Great spotting scope stand for the range and doubles as an astronomy telescope stand for involving my grandkids in astronomy.

The W.

2012-06-26T21:00:00

It is important to know that this unit has a limited travel range for both the fine / slow motion adjustments. (altitude and azimuth) The fine adjustments are not infinite (or 360 degree) and limit the amount of the adjustment using the cables on both axis. What this means is that once you "close in" on your subject- the fine adjustment while using the flex knobs is limited to a fixed range. Therefore, if you are near the end of the range and want to go beyond the "limit", you must first "back off" the fine adjustment, re-center the scope/binoculars, and then continue using the flex cables. The other limitations of this tripod are it's 45" height (perfect for use with a stool- though,) it's tendancy to creep slightly if the load is unbalanced, and it's inability to tilt straight up. That being said, this is a sturdy platform tripod- and if your scope/binocular/camera is properly balanced- it is a accurate means of fine tracking and control while viewing or taking photos. I have used it for spotting distant wildlife and it works very well for this purpose as well as a solid photographic tripod.

Nick

2010-12-01T19:00:00

I wanted to use this product for astronomical use. The vertical view stops at about 45 degrees. Its the worst idea ever to limit the vertical range so drastically. My height is 5'6 and it was a bit short for me after the legs were extended. Screws come loose every couple of turns. It is light. Easy to set up.

Gerardo

2008-07-13T21:00:00

This is certainly not a tripod for use binoculars. It is sturdy enough just not high enough and very limited vertical angle adjustment.

Mark M.

2008-02-26T19:00:00

The primary use for this tripod will be with the C-90 Celestron spotting scope . It will be used for target spotting and bird watching . The tripod provides a very stable platform for the C90 and is easy to set up . As for cons it could be a bit taller and the leg adjustment would be easier if they were a clamp style rather than set screw . It's well worth the money[...]

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