What tripod do you recommend for this scope? Looks like it weighs 20lbs or so...And any other tips you might recommend. This is my first scope and want to bird watch, perhaps astronomy. Does anyone use a digital camera adapter and take pics? Thanks!!
622009
I would get a very sturdy tripod as this is a heavy scope. I used an existing tripod I had and it has adjustable legs and tilt. Works well but I would prefer one more sturdy. I use mine for bird watching and astronomy from my deck where I can move it around easily.
1609774
PD,Thanks for a really informative review. I'm in the process of trying to make this decision. I'm getting a 70-200. I just don't know which one. On your 2.8 w/o IS, and adding a 1.4 teleconverter, do you miss the IS? I know you said you use a tripod or monopod a lot. Is that how you overcome that? Or do you find yourself still able to shoot hand-held? I'd love to get that combination of the 200 + 1.4tc.Thanks!
963222
i throw away the tripod immediately , and use Creedmoor ,s scope stand . check out Creedmoor shooting supply , or shooters choice
1558964
I gave the tripod to my son-in-law who uses it primarily with a spotting scope. He says he is very happy with it. His scope has an angled eye piece.truwheels
948044
I use the 100mm for shore birds. It has a long reach to see far off birds. It's great to use when you have a car. If you're hiking, it'll be too cumbersome for any long distance. It's great when you're driving though a nature preserve or a park. It's quick to set up and you will see things no one else could think of seeing. I've had people ask me what are you looking at? I'm looking at that bird in the tree just past the lake. I can't even see the lake. That's why I have the 100mm, I can see the lake, the tree and the painted bunting in the tree.
1844557
This is a nice scope for the money. It is my second one. However, it does not have viewfinder if that is important to you. I use it for viewing wildlife and birds and take it with me everywhere.
1359187
You CAN'T use a tripod with this scope! It's not designed for one. Orion makes a similar scope (Orion Funscope) that will take a tripod. The Orion is a little bit more money. There is an outstanding comparison review of both the Firstscope and Funscope on Youtube. Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkgR_307OEo
1264828
I've purchased 2 of these about 6 six years apart. The one I purchased last summer did not come with a tripod. This first one I purchased, (before Meede acquired Coronado) came with the small tirpod pictured. The scope will actually function better on a standard camera tripod. I do have a slow motion control (purchased from Orion Telescopes) that sits between the camera trip on the scope.
2252883
I haven't had that problem but the supplied tripod is really cheap and flimsy. Just get yourself a more stable, inexpensive tripod. It will make your scope much more functional.
24640
I can tell you this scope has done a great job for me. I have used it hunting antelope in Wyoming! The closest was just under 650M that I shot from a mound overlooking a very large range. The wind was crossing from left to right and I adjusted for windage and elevation and it only took one shot for a 14in pronghorn. I hope this will make your choice.
1821518
Total weight is the key: Orion 8996 10 inch weight is 25.5 lbs. A set of rings and mounting plate will weigh ~ 5 lbs. Eypiece (1 1/4) ~ 1LB. So you are already at 30lb for a minimal visual (No Red dot finder, dew heater tapes or 2 inch eyepieces). Weight capacity listed for CG4 is 20lb. Typically that is the max for visual only with max photographic load being 60% of that. Both under no wind/breeze and good balance. My experience: I had mine initially on an Atlas EQ-G as well which is rated at ~ 40 lb max. Plan, plan plan if you try astrophotography. Depending on how heavy your guide scope/camera or off axis guider/camera, main camera, dew heater tapes any mis-balance can easily make things unguidable/unstable and/or make the Go-to off. Optics of my tube were good based on Ronchi eyepiece , collimation was stable (but bit touchy to set). If you get the EQ-G be sure to get the upgraded (larger) counterweight bar if you plan to take pictures. Much more stable, the original one my EQ-G came with could be wobbled. Also upgrade the azm/altitude knobs. (Google EQ-G knob enhancements.) The bolts that came with mine were hard to adjust and made of inferior steel. (You will also have to get a complete new SET of counterweights if you upgrade. The holes are bigger.)
1286453
You can download the nikon "spot on" app and check out how different loads match up using the BDC....its great and printable. I love that scope and utilizing the "spot on" app really helps better dial it in based on ammo using or if you ever decided to put it on a different rifle. But realistically depending on the ammo use its all about the fps as well as bullet weight and coeffocient, but download the app first and you will see what I mean. Enjoy
376023
I purchased an Orion Paragon-Plus XHD Extra Heavy-Duty Tripod, which I have found to be entirely adequate. It is in fact probably more tripod than needed, but I purchased it so that it could be used for astronomy binoculars in the future, and for other items that can be handled by a camera-type mount head. My answer assumes that you are not concerned with weight as the tripod is heavy for a small tripod, but so is the spotting scope you have presumably already purchased. It is not a lightweight carbon fiber tripod by any means. Sorry, but at $150 the price is up there too. The link to Amazon is Orion Paragon-Plus XHD Extra Heavy-Duty Tripod Stand for Binoculars (Black) I purchased an Orion Paragon-Plus XHD Extra Heavy-Duty Tripod, which I have found to be entirely adequate. It is in fact probably more tripod than needed, but I purchased it so that it could be used for astronomy binoculars in the future, and for other items that can be handled by a camera-type mount head. My answer assumes that you are not concerned with weight as the tripod is heavy for a small tripod, but so is the spotting scope you have presumably already purchased. It is not a lightweight carbon fiber tripod by any means. Sorry, but at $150 the price is up there too. The link to... » Read More I purchased an Orion Paragon-Plus XHD Extra Heavy-Duty Tripod, which I have found to be entirely adequate. It is in fact probably more tripod than needed, but I purchased it so that it could be used for astronomy binoculars in the future, and for other items that can be handled by a camera-type mount head. My answer assumes that you are not concerned with weight as the tripod is heavy for a small tripod, but so is the spotting scope you have presumably already purchased. It is not a lightweight carbon fiber tripod by any means. Sorry, but at $150 the price is up there too. The link to Amazon is Orion Paragon-Plus XHD Extra Heavy-Duty Tripod Stand for Binoculars (Black) « Show Less
1291919
I have had this scope since 2007. As Rita mentioned above, the total telescope kit weighs 42 lbs. It is NOT 60 lbs, or 65 lbs, or 95 lbs. IIRC, the tripod weighs 19 lbs and the forks/scope weighs 23 pounds. Both pieces are VERY manageable. The forks/scope is much easier to handle than the equivalent Meade. Both of the Meade's handles are mid-way up the fork arms, but on the CPC the "handle" for the left fork arm is under the base of the arm and this makes it much more steady to move and mount on the tripod.
709354
not a stupid question! i bought this for my parents who have a lake house and love to watch birds and wildlife down on the shore-100yds away. they love it and it was a great buy! tripod not great as other reviews stated, but my dad mounted on freestanding tripod he had laying around and works perfect! hope this helps!!
376024
You Ned a sturdybtripod matched to the weight of the scope. A video tripod with the longer handle works best
2061394
I would second the first response ... I have a 501 and have used it on this tripod to digiscope with a Vortex Spotting Scope and Nikon 1. Weight of the 501 head, plate, scope and camera is about the limit. Being about to balance the system with the 501 sliding plate helps but a little wind can start vibrations. I do hang a weight from the hook as well. I purchased this tripod primarily for macro work that takes advantage of the horizontal center post positions so the scope/501 combination was returned to a heavier tripod.