1
$\begingroup$

I have received a new Celestron Powerseeker 127 (a 5' short Newtonian), however it came without a tripod mount.

Ideas or suggestions on how to procure the right mount our a suitable alternative would be most welcome.

I am looking for sourcing tips rather than advice on how to choose a tripod.

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
5
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Did you buy it yourself from a dealer, was it given as a gift, etc? (For a new scope I would always recommend getting the right part from the dealer, as you wouldn't want to invalidate a warranty by fitting an equivalent part.) $\endgroup$
    – Andy
    Commented May 12, 2016 at 14:37
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Possible duplicate of What should I look for in an astronomy tripod? $\endgroup$
    – Sir Cumference
    Commented May 12, 2016 at 23:30
  • $\begingroup$ @sir Not really asking for technical advice on how to choose a good tripod as much as wondering where do I find the part? :) $\endgroup$
    – 0xF2
    Commented May 13, 2016 at 4:24
  • $\begingroup$ @andy it was a gift... no seller to go back to. $\endgroup$
    – 0xF2
    Commented May 13, 2016 at 4:24
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ If you've been given the tube (the optical tube assembly) and need a tripod or mount, you could always search for the current Celestron catalog and see if it's possible to buy the bits you need. Otherwise, I'd suggest Amateur Telescope Making (ATM) - build a simple but solid Dobsonian mount out of wood... (lots of design ideas online.) (Also - the answer James has just posted mentions a few of the common mounts well known to the astronomical community which you could search for.) $\endgroup$
    – Andy
    Commented May 13, 2016 at 7:41

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
3
$\begingroup$

A high end photographic tripod would probably work but it will be difficult to make small tracking adjustments. So a proper astronomical mount would be much better.

An EQ2 mount would just about manage a scope of that size however an EQ3-2 would be a lot more stable and have the advantage that you can either get a goto version initially or upgrade at a later date.

If you are on a tighter budget and/or don't want an equatorial mount then something like a Celestron Heavy Duty Alt/Az Tripod or Skywatcher AZ3 Alt Az Mount would be suitable.

All of the mounts mentioned are available from numerous online retailers but shop around as prices can vary.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
3
  • $\begingroup$ There are a lot of Celestron go-to AZ mounts on eBay presently, but I am not sure how or if those could be mated to this optical tube. $\endgroup$
    – 0xF2
    Commented May 13, 2016 at 23:25
  • $\begingroup$ 0xF2 - what mounting hardware does it have - in particular do you have the rings that go round the tube, which are needed to attach the scope to most types of mount. $\endgroup$
    – Dr Chuck
    Commented May 15, 2016 at 20:46
  • $\begingroup$ @DrChuck: thankfully it did come with the rings that grip the tube, and a mounting plate joining the two that has screw holes. $\endgroup$
    – 0xF2
    Commented May 21, 2016 at 20:33
1
$\begingroup$

If you search for "vixen/synta mounts" you should find lots of compatible mounts and tripods. There is a huge range of prices and level of features. Check out what the specifications say about their load capacity, relative to the weight of your scope.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .