Following many glowing comments on Berlebach tripods and adverse comments on the Losmandy GM-8 tripod I managed to pick up a used UNI 5. This is an older model but is rated for up to 132 lb., which is as much as for any of their models other than the very top ones such as the Planet. I've added one of the Berlebach trays which is supposed to further stiffen it up.
My question is what a realistic maximum all-up weight should be to put on such a tripod when using it for astrophotography (assuming not constrained by the mount)? Do I need to reduce from the 132 lb., as I would expect from the mount's maximum carrying capacity or could I load it up to the limit without degrading performance?
My question is what a realistic maximum all-up weight should be to put on such a tripod when using it for astrophotography (assuming not constrained by the mount)? Do I need to reduce from the 132 lb., as I would expect from the mount's maximum carrying capacity or could I load it up to the limit without degrading performance?
