Is this a Telescope Tripod/Goto Mount? Capable of holding a 20lb reflector telescope?
1514591
20 pounds would likely be a bit too much for this mount. Ideally this is better suited for cameras or smaller telescopes.
1514592
Yes, this is a GOTO mount, that can be used with reflector. I am not sure about the largest diameter OTA that it can handle, I have attached a 5 inch CAT (Celestron CG-5) with good results. The weight though of the OTA needs to be no more than than 10 lbs. If you mount a 20 lb OTA, the mount will not perform within specs, and you will most likely have gears slipping, you will increase the tension in return and will likely damage the mount. So I do not recommend it for anything heavier than 10lbs. Do not forget to include the eyepiece/mirror/camera/dew_shield or whatever you put on the OTA.
1000078
I suppose that you could take the optical tube off and have someone make a tripod mount, then mount it on a tripod, but that would defeat the whole purpose of the XT8, which comes with a yoke mount that can be easily be pointed in any direction, which can be "nudged" to easily follow a heavenly body's movement across the sky. Also, it would take a very heavy duty tripod, since this is a big piece of metal and glass. If you want a reflector telescope on a tripod, buy a reflector telescope that comes with its own dedicated mount (which is very different from, say, a camera tripod).My recommendation: forget about a tripod and use it as it is designed. It's a great, fun telescope! I suppose that you could take the optical tube off and have someone make a tripod mount, then mount it on a tripod, but that would defeat the whole purpose of the XT8, which comes with a yoke mount that can be easily be pointed in any direction, which can be "nudged" to easily follow a heavenly body's movement across the sky. Also, it would take a very heavy duty tripod, since this is a big piece of metal and glass. If you want a reflector telescope on a tripod, buy a reflector telescope that comes with its own dedicated mount (which is very different from, say, a camera... » Read More I suppose that you could take the optical tube off and have someone make a tripod mount, then mount it on a tripod, but that would defeat the whole purpose of the XT8, which comes with a yoke mount that can be easily be pointed in any direction, which can be "nudged" to easily follow a heavenly body's movement across the sky. Also, it would take a very heavy duty tripod, since this is a big piece of metal and glass. If you want a reflector telescope on a tripod, buy a reflector telescope that comes with its own dedicated mount (which is very different from, say, a camera tripod).My recommendation: forget about a tripod and use it as it is designed. It's a great, fun telescope! « Show Less
2100018
The mount is actually a dovetail mount, so if you have a tripod that uses a dovetail you should be good.
1964085
There is a considerable counter weight. With that said, I'm not sure how much your camera weighs. The other problem to consider is that this is a manual adjust telescope. If you are viewing Saturn, for example, you will need to constantly adjust to keep up with the rotation.
1857039
It all depends on the weight of the telescope, but I think it will hold. I had an 8" reflector telescope years ago and it was not that heavy. I am currently using my Dolica dolly to hold a heavy tripod, with a mediumn heavy rig, plus a DSLR camera, lens, mike and a few gizmos and it holds beautifully. I do not think your telescope will be heavier than this.
804753
You could but probably won't put this on a table. It's BIG. I suggest the following: http://www.telescope.com/Mounts-Tripods/Mount-Tripod-Accessories/Dob-Dolly-for-Orion-45-10-Dobsonian-Telescopes/pc/-1/c/2/sc/38/p/102784.uts http://www.telescope.com/Mounts-Tripods/Mount-Tripod-Accessories/Dob-Pod-for-Orion-45-10-Dobsonian-Telescopes/pc/-1/c/2/sc/38/p/102785.uts
597756
Absolutely it can hold an 8" Celestron SCT. I currently am using this mount to use my Meade 10" SCT without problems - I did have to add an additional 17# counter weight to the 10# weight that came with the mount. Just note, you may have to order and add an additional counter weight for an 8" SCT, I would go at least with an additional 10# weight for this telescope (total or 20#s). If you are piggy-backing a tracking camera and an SLR camera, you may need more weight, but don't buy more until you try it. But at least for the 8" Nexstar, add another 10" weight at least. I also believe the dovetail bar on the Nexstar 8SE will fit the mount without problem. My 6SE does.
1376102
The weight sounds about right. This is not a small telescope, the scope itself is about the size of small dog and has a 5 inch aperture, hence the number 5
1666900
No. This is a very large Dobsonian Scope. It is heavy and is meant to be mounted on the pedestal provided. Read the specs on it.
804758
You could but probably won't put this on a table. It's BIG. I suggest the following:http://www.telescope.com/Mounts-Tripods/Mount-Tripod-Accessories/Dob-Dolly-for-Orion-45-10-Dobsonian-Telescopes/pc/-1/c/2/sc/38/p/102784.utshttp://www.telescope.com/Mounts-Tripods/Mount-Tripod-Accessories/Dob-Pod-for-Orion-45-10-Dobsonian-Telescopes/pc/-1/c/2/sc/38/p/102785.uts
398509
Yes, it work just fine providing the spotting scope is not over 20 lbs. Some are big enough to weight that muchand more. I like this tripod because it is short and easy to pack. The locking legs are very secure and will notfold down on you by accident.Lee
2036431
Yes the tripod comes with it. The height with telescope mounted is 48 inches.
529184
I mount the celestron skymaster 15x70 on this tripod. It is very sturdy and would probably handle something heavier if I needed it to. The weakest link in the system was the tripod adapter that came with the binoculars. They are made of flimsy plastic. Which was easily fixed with some quick setting putty - http://www.loctiteproducts.com/p/13/6/epxy_putty/overview/Loctite-Repair-Putty-Multi-Purpose.htm
1693826
Judging from the pictures of an AstroMaster 70, I would say so. You could mount it right over the top of the tripod to minimize any balance issues.
1658456
Not very well. It's not sturdy enough. For 20 x 80s you should invest in the Paragon-Plus XHD. Or buy the 20 x 80 / XHD combo package Orion offers. The micro-motion feature is appealing but if it's on an inferior mount you wouldn't be happy. The 20 x 80s are only five pounds, but the tripod you're asking about won't even support that, let alone the 10 lbs it claims. I think you can trust me. I wrote Celestron's ads and publications for five years.
681688
No, you can get the same telescope on a tripod, but this set up would mean buying a lot of other pieces and disassembling this mount system. Look at this one instead Orion 9827 AstroView 6 Equatorial Reflector Telescope. Honestly, I would go with an 8".
1356714
It holds mine, I have a 400 power Galileo telescope with pointed tips on the tripod. However, you'd be better off of the tips weren't pointed.