AM3 mount

vidzagreb

Does anyone use a AM3/5 mount with a regular photo tripod, like manfrotto ? Trying to build a air travel setup, the TC40 is a little too long for my carry on luggage suitcase...
Any pics of the setup maybe ?

Thanks,
Vid

Astrop

Basically because you're not using counterweights you need to have a decent length tripod which allows the legs to spread enough to keep the setup planted without your unbalanced load going over the tripods tipping point. You can also weigh the tripod down. I used to use a very short nice travel friendly tripod with my azgti, it worked because of the counterweights, with a harmonic mount it has no chance because it's too short, unless if you use counterweights which defeats the purpose for using that type of mount in the first place.

Sonixx

Astrop is right.
I used the TC40 + AM3 + Fully equipped Askar FRA300 on my Astro Holiday in Namibia.
Only the telescope and Camera were in the carry on luggage. Tripod and mount traveled in the normal luggage. Tohether with Asiair, Laptop, guidescope and travel essentials I was already over the allowed 8kg. But nobody cared for the weight of my compact, but very heavy, backpack.

The tripod needs to be sturdy, normal photo tripods will not be up to the task.

If the TC40 is a bit to long, it cannot be much. Will disassemble the tripod do the trick? The spikes need to be removed anyway, or security might take away you tripod anyway.

Cheers,

Stephan

Vid

Thanks for all the answers. I bought the TC40 tripod, its really stabile and sturdy. I have a AM5+ASiAir mini+Redcat51WIFD+ZEO2600MC Duo, as a air travel setup. I guess I will put the mount and tripod as a check in and the rest goes in my backpack as a carry on. I was thinking to buy a AM3 as a travel mount, but 1.5 kg difference cannot justify the price hehe...