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Portable Pier Advice

Started by swsands, 06/26/2011 11:15PM
Posted 06/26/2011 11:15PM | Edited 06/26/2011 11:16PM Opening Post
I am looking for a portable pier to use with my Losmandy G11 and G8 mounts. I currently have the Losmandy HD tripod, but the legs do not fold, it is very heavy, it has to be disassembled and I don't like the way I have to adjust the height...it is difficult to get it exactly where you want it. Losmandy makes a folding tripod, but it also looks very heavy.

The other only choices I see out there is the Astro-Physics Eagle 6/8 (looks awesome!) and PWT, but PWT doesn't appear to be around anymore?

Are there any other manufacturers of higher end portable tripods out there?
Posted 06/27/2011 12:48AM #1
There are always these:

http://antennasystems.com/product/quickset_gibraltar_tripods/4-60450-0.html

My suggestion is not really a joke, obviously new they are out of the question but these are current models of the original tripods from the 1950s that were used by TV Studio and in Hollywood to support those big cameras. They were sold under the various names, the one I have is a Houston-Fearless and show up every so often used in various places.

I am not really sure if these are sufficient for your needs, I know that Jerry Lodriguss used one for years.

Jon



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Posted 06/27/2011 05:32PM #2
Take a look at the Binoscope tripods. I have one for my G-11. It relatively lightweight, folds up for travel and can support upto 100lbs. Even allow fro 360deg swivel in azimuth for when you setup outside your G-11's maximum azimuth adjustments.


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Scott Busby
A.K.A. Reconair

Carpe Noctum

Mortal as I am, I know that I am born for a day. But when I follow at my pleasure the serried multitude of the stars in their circular course, my feet no longer touch the earth.
- Ptolemy,c.150 AD
Posted 06/27/2011 08:01PM #3
Steve Sands said:

The other only choices I see out there is the Astro-Physics Eagle 6/8 (looks awesome!) and PWT, but PWT doesn't appear to be around anymore?

Even when PWT was "in business", they were barely around. 8)

You can't go wrong with the AP portable piers, I've seen them at many star parties and the quality is top notch.

Jim McSheehy
Posted 06/28/2011 03:54PM #4
Thank you for the replies, guys! I think I am going to go the AP route. They ain't cheap, but it will meet the requirements I am looking to satisfy...weight, stability, portability, etc. I had heard quite a bit of buzz regarding PWT and their availability, so that was never really an option for me. That's too bad because it looks like they manufactured some nice equipment.