![]() ![]() The optional “ leveling feet” allows for fine adjustments on uneven ground. This is the simplest and quickest mechanism for setting up a rock-solid tripod that we have ever seen. With the levers, the locked legs may be quickly loosen, rotated, and locked back into place. These pins ensure that the legs will never slip once locked. Note the pin for locking the leg into place in both the opened and closed positions. These cylindrical legs rotate back along the central post for transport, and forward for deployment. The legs of the Tristand are different than that of other tripods. This is convenient because cameras, spotting scopes, and other such items can be used with the Tristand as well. The mounting screw has the standard 1/4-20 thread. The platform even has an integrated grab handle on the right side for easier transport of the head, even with a telescope mounted. There is also a knob for azimuth adjustment (left or right) of +/-30º from center. ![]() The telescope platform has the typical latitude range from 26º to 90º (note the brass teeth in the gear). Knobs and levers are made with stainless steel. The Tristand head weighs about four pounds and is made mostly of machined aluminum. If you know, feel free to drop us a note! There may be a functional reason for Questar’s decision. This is not to say that it is bad, just unexpected. We were, however, a little surprised to find the accessories tray to be made out of some kind of plastic and not of aluminum. The Tristand exudes quality in every way. The feel of the knobs, the fit of the pieces, and the quality of the finish were absolutely first rate. Detachable telescope platform – anodized aluminum and stainless steelĪlmost all of the components of the Tristand were made with machined parts out of aluminum or stainless steel.Central pier with folding legs – anodized aluminum and stainless steel.The Questar Tristand is made of the following three pieces: Today, we would like to correct that situation and provide a more complete look at this very remarkable telescope accessory. When we were doing background research on the Tristand, we could not find many detailed photos or reviews of the unit, at least not to the level which we would have liked. It even had the optional “ leveling feet” already installed! A few weeks ago, we found exactly what we were searching for…a used Tristand in almost perfect condition. We would estimate that only a few hundred of them have ever been made. As a Tristand is made only when it is ordered, there aren’t a lot of them around and they don’t show up for sale too often (maybe a few times a year). Recalling our positive impressions of the Questar Tristand, we began keeping our tabs on EBay, Astromart, and Craigslist for a used one. Also, we realized that with the fast f/2 Hyperstar lens, we didn’t need to track. The ASGT tripod, though, while extremely stable turned out to be less portable than we wanted. Our current PDSI setup consists of the following: When we started putting together our portable deep-sky astro-imaging system, we looked for components which were easy to transport, quick to set up, and simple to use. Everything we would want in a telescope stand. They were compact, very portable, and rock stable. We had never seen anything like them before. While we were certainly impressed with the quality of the telescope’s optics, we were also struck by their tripods that supported their scopes. We had a chance to see them first hand at the NEAF conference in 2011. Questar telescopes are known the world over for their quality instruments. Heimdall’s Workshop: Vegvisir Adventure FirstUse Yesterday’s Tech: Wacom Cintiq 21UX FirstLookīoxster Project: Dashboard Speaker Replacement Yesterday’s Tech: Wacom Cintiq 21UX Setup Urban Safari: Boston to New London – by train Yesterday’s Tech: the Nikon LS-4000 Slide Scanner ![]() Urban Safari: Manual Cinema’s Frankensteinīoxster Project: Convertible Top Switch Hack Urban Safari : Toni Lynn Washingin RainyDayDestinations: The Book: The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding a Civilization ![]()
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