Tripod slow motion adapters

I would like information on tripod slow motion adapters. Orion and Celestron sell one for $29 and Celestron also has a second more costly model that says it limits backlash. I have pentax 20 by 70's binoculars.

Do these help inexpensive tripods as opposed to a $100 or more fluid tripod? Would a $100 plus tripod benefit?

Gail,

I purchased the Celestron(deluxe?) slow motion tripod adapter in the last 1980s. It works very well for my 60mm spotting scope and 80mmF5 refractro up to 88X. Celestron only had one model back then and the asking price was much less than the Celestron Deluxe today. I think I paid less than $40. Purchased the Orion version about two years ago and it works too. However, backlask is noticeable in the less expensive Orion model.

Two years ago this week I purchased my first pair of 20X80 giant bino from Orion. A week after the arrival of the 20X80s I ordered the Bogen 501 fluid head and 3246 tripod. My old Bogen 3001 tripod was too short for standing observation and 3126 head was barely adquate. I have been using the Bogen 501 head ever since. The 501 head is rated for 13 lb load with adjustable tension knobs and is very smooth. It can handle my 25X100mm 8.5 lb binos without any problem. I found the slow motion adapter is not needed with the Bogen 501 head. I like it so much I purchased a second Bogen tripod(3221WN) and 501 head combo last year. I also purchsed additional pan handles(3433HK) for the 501 head and it works even better now. This combo can handle my friend's 17" long Oberwerk 22X100 jumobo binos as well.

Street price for the Bogen 501 head is about $135 these days. It more expensive than the 3130/3126 head but IMO it's worth every penny. I'd recommend getting the 501 head and forget about the slow motion adapter. A good bino mount makes giant bino astronomy a real pleasure.

Erik D