Binocular tripod for child

Lexie_Karas

Hi again,

Think we've decided on these binoculars as a starting point for our budding astronomer https://www.opticron.co.uk/our-products/binoculars/adventurer-t-wp-binoculars/adventurer-t-wp-10x50 (mainly because of the 53mm min IPD). Just wondering can anyone suggest a good tripod? And do I need to buy anything else to use the binoculars on a tripod? (This astronomy business has been a steep learning curve 😂).

Thanks

ThunderCat

Lexie_Karas wrote: »

Hi again,

Think we've decided on these binoculars as a starting point for our budding astronomer https://www.opticron.co.uk/our-products/binoculars/adventurer-t-wp-binoculars/adventurer-t-wp-10x50 (mainly because of the 53mm min IPD). Just wondering can anyone suggest a good tripod? And do I need to buy anything else to use the binoculars on a tripod? (This astronomy business has been a steep learning curve ��).

Thanks

Perhaps you already have reached a solution to your question but given that those binoculars are small (relative to some of the much larger astronomy binoculars) then pretty much any tripod will do the job. What is in your favor is that they are only 10x magnification. The higher the magnification the more the view will wobble if not held steady so for something like a 20x binocular you would need a heavy duty tripod with a lot of weight to it in order to keep the binoculars steady. You don't have that issue. Also the objective lens of 50mm is small (again relatively speaking) and as a result the binoculars physically aren't that big. The smaller size usually equates to lesser weight which again a cheaper tripod can handle. So you really wouldn't need to go beyond 30 euro or so for one I'm guessing.

And yes you will need what is called a binocular tripod adapter which links the binocular to the tripod. Between both barrels of the binocular you will see the small circular piece that you basically have to screw off to attach that binocular tripod adapter. This would do the job just fine and there is a photo on the page that shows you how it looks attached which is what I just explained:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/USCAMEL-Tripod-Mounting-Adapter-Binoculars/dp/B07JR5YNSC/ref=sr_1_3?crid=4YFUIG3U5RJX&dchild=1&keywords=binocular+tripod+adapter&qid=1607714950&sprefix=binocualr+%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-3

You will really notice the difference of mounting the binoculars on the tripod vs handheld when looking at the Moon for example. You need that steady view to properly view the craters. And show your child Jupiter through them too. Mounted to the tripod you should be able to see the Galilean Moons no problem - don't expect much, they will just be pinpricks but it's the knowledge of what you are viewing that is just as rewarding.

Good choice by the way, perfect way to get your child interested. I'd also recommend getting a book about Garden Birds so that you can have fun and use the binoculars during the daytime aswell trying to spot the different species. Good way to get them into Nature and view what's going on around them up close.