I've been playing around with my Megrez II ED on the Microstar using an old pair of tube rings. The tripod I'm mounting on is a used Manfrotto 3011 which I picked up for $99 cdn.
I've played with several other alt/az mounts, the tele-vue telepod and Wimberly Gimbal mount topped my list when I first began looking for this type of mount. There is one problem which seemed to persist with these mounts and several others I researched, they all have trouble getting to the zenith without hitting the tripod or mount. I am happy to report that the Microstar passes this test and currently my scope is pointed straight up at the ceiling. I had to raise the center column 4-inches to clear the handle, but this places the eyepiece at such a height that I can use my WO rotatable focuser to manipulate the scope so that I can observe anywhere in the sky without having to hunch down.
I can't wait to get my new rings and finder, not to mention clear sky
-Chris
I've played with several other alt/az mounts, the tele-vue telepod and Wimberly Gimbal mount topped my list when I first began looking for this type of mount. There is one problem which seemed to persist with these mounts and several others I researched, they all have trouble getting to the zenith without hitting the tripod or mount. I am happy to report that the Microstar passes this test and currently my scope is pointed straight up at the ceiling. I had to raise the center column 4-inches to clear the handle, but this places the eyepiece at such a height that I can use my WO rotatable focuser to manipulate the scope so that I can observe anywhere in the sky without having to hunch down.
I can't wait to get my new rings and finder, not to mention clear sky
-Chris