Lightweight Clamp/Rings for Sky 90?

Hi,

I just received my "New generation" Williams Optics "2 inch diagonal. It is a work of art but boy is it huge. It makes the 2" TV that I had on my old Pronto look like a toy. My problem now is that the scope is getting too heavy for my original purpose which was travel/easy setup using a photo tripod with some type of Alt/Az head. I think that I may back off and go with a 1.25" diag. I am also looking for a lighter weight alternative to the stock Tak clamshell which is way over-built, and heavy for my purpose. Anyone know of a light weight alternative?

Thanks,

Paul

Paul,

Borg makes some lightweight tube rings, but I don't know if they make any that fit the Tak Sky 90. You can take a look at http://www.sciencecenter.net/hutech/

Also, Parallax makes various sizes of tube rings, but a bit pricey, and I am not sure that a pair of them weigh any less than the Tak tube ring. I have a pair of Parallax rings, but I am in the process of buying a Tak ring for my FS 102, as it will work better for my needs. However, I haven't gotten it, so I can't do a side by side yet!

BTW, if you haven't decided on an alt/az mount yet, I just received the Unistar Deluxe from Universal Astronomics (Amart sponsor) and I am very happy with it. It weighs in at around six lbs, and doesn't require any counterweights for balance. There is also a Unistar Light, which only weighs a couple of pounds, and may do just fine for the Sky 90. Larry will drill and tap the base to fit pretty much any thread you need it to fit. Just an idea...

Doug
Midway, FL