Shankar Bhattacharyya wrote in message . ..
I would like to find an inexpensive alt-az head to go on a conventional
photographic tripod. It will carry an Orion ST-80.
The Orion AZ-3 is way too much in the context. I am really looking for
something in the same range as a moderately priced photographic tripod
head.
I would appreciate any suggestions anyone might have. The Orion AZ-3 is
way too much in the context. I am really looking for something in the
same range as a moderately priced photographic tripod head.

- Shankar

Avoid ANY photographic pan-tilt heads & tripods with any telescope.
I very occasionally use a large & very heavy double-legged Bogen #3047
tripod with its own pan-tilt head for my 90mm f/11 Vixen refractor.
Putting it as mildly as possible: It's a complete disaster at any
power! Use a proper telescope tripod with an altaz head (preferably
with slow motions) designed for the purpose. Or put an altaz head on a
firmly fixed pipe or rigid pier. You will not regret it for a moment.
A photographic tripod is only suitable for binoculars in my opinion.
How birdwatchers ever see anything through their telescopes is beyond
comprehension. It's no wonder they're twitchy!

I envy you your view. Even if it is upside down. grin

Chris.B