HD-F2 Tripod?

Does anyone have any comments on this tripod from Orion? I would getting it for an ST-80. Lots of daytime spotting use, where I would be carrying it around quite a bit. Will it be transportable enough? Or beefy enough for daytime photos? But also for astro use, how would it be pointing to zenith as far as ballance and holding position?

Also, what about Orion's slow motion adapter? Are those worth it?

Thanks,
Charlie

Charlie,

I use this HD-F2, the smaller of the two paragon tripods, with my 7.75# binoculars. The binoc weight is shaky if I have the center post extended to a full 6'6" height, but is just fine if the center post is down. The center crank friction knob holds just fine. The Altitude friction knob, I have tightened down probably way past the point it is intended to be used. I have taken two hands and twisted this thing as tight as it will possibly go. This allows me to point the binocs to any altitude in the sky I desire. .
I have two beefs with this tripod. 1st the helical leg locks. Almost impossible to loosen in cold weather. So on numerous occasions when breaking down, I've had to put this tripod in the back of the van fully extended. 2nd, if you have the azimuth lock tightened down and you grab the pan handle to swing left or right, the head will begin to unscrew.
I like this tripod because it's tall, sturdy and inexpensive. I've never had an accident with it because I'm aware of it's features. It serves me well for my heavy binocs and I continue to use it for that purpose. I used to mount my ST90 on this tripod and still do sometimes, like this past week on vacation up in ski country. It's more than enough tripod for the 5# ST90. Just like the binocs, if you mount your scope with the pan handle facing forward towards the objective lens, you can point this thing up to zenith. You can control the spread of the legs on this tripod. I bought the Orion pouch for this tripod, makes it easy to carry around. I have the pouch for the ST90. I can throw the 2 pouches over my shoulder and comfortably hike a half mile up the raod to a high field.

I've been using the Orion Slo Mo for a few years. I originally bought it to mount a small 2# 60mm refractor on a camera tripod to give me some control. I now use it much more often to mount binoculars for the same control motions. Works great, except for the last few weeks in zero degree temps. the dials are nearly impossible to turn, but it still worked with difficulty. Otherwise this is a great accessory.

edz

I concur with Ed's remarks on this tripod. I use mine for 11x70 and 20x80 binoculars, and also with an 80mm f/5 shortube. It's a pretty stable setup overall, particularly for the money.