Observing Tonight

[Roy]

For the first time in ages I've just had evenings observing (no imaging); saw the Blue Snowball Nebula (NGC7662) which I've never seen before, along with many of the usual Messier objects. Also I tried out my new Berlebach tripod under the HEQ5, and what a difference - the whole setup was so much more rigid and stable.
Roy

[MarkS]

For the first time in ages I've just had evenings observing (no imaging); saw the Blue Snowball Nebula (NGC7662) which I've never seen before, along with many of the usual Messier objects. Also I tried out my new Berlebach tripod under the HEQ5, and what a difference - the whole setup was so much more rigid and stable.
Roy

Excellent.  Just wait for a night without a full moon!

What makes the Berlebach tripod so much better?  Would it be a good choice for imaging?

Mark

[doug]

Well done Roy. It is really great to actually see objects with your own eye, rather than on a computer screen. It`s a magic thing... That`s why I like looking....


Doug

[Mike]

I always wanted one of those Berlebach tripods too. They look really nice and are meant to dampen vibrations much better than the metal tripod.

I remember seeing the Blue Snowball visually through Paul's 14" dobsonian many years ago. Interesting object.

[Roy]

Mark,
Based on just on last nights experience as well as talking to others especially Jim, I would say that the advantages of the Berlebach (Uni-18 in our case) over the standard Skywatcher tripod with 1.75" tubular steel legs, are:
1. the greater mass reduces the inverted pendulum effect one gets when putting a large mass on a lightweight tripod (though not so good for portability);
2. the legs are made of ash which has excellent damping properties;
3. when one tightens the spreader on a Skywatcher tripod, it splays the legs which can in turn upset levelling on uneven surfaces, this does not happen with the design of the Berlebach;
4. increased rigidity, as one can tighten everything up much better including locking the leg positions;
5. dare I say it, the Berlebach looks drop dead gorgeous and oozes quality.
In summary I would say that it would be a significant improvement over SW tripods for imaging where one does not have a permanent installation, for us that's all the time.
Roy

[Fay]

sounds like love at first sight Roy! lets hope you are kicking off the good observing and  imaging in the near future

Fay

[Fay]

i am wondering if it is the same as Robert had with his Paramount