The solid and stable Explore Scientific Twilight I light-to-medium-duty altazimuth mount and tripod has geared slow motion controls. It weighs only 17.6 pounds, yet has a payload capacity of 18 pounds.
The Explore Scientific Twilight I is a solid and low-vibration light-to-medium-duty altazimuth mount and tripod designed to quickly and easily accept small to medium sized refractors in the 80mm to 127mm range. With a payload capacity of 18 pounds (8.2 kg), even light weight, fast focal ratio Newtonians will match up nicely with the Explore Scientific Twilight I mount. For payloads greater than 18 pounds, consider the bigger Explore Scientific Twilight II mount.
The Twilight I alt-azimuth mount head is made of powder-coated aluminum. There are worm gear slow motion controls on both axes to let you smoothly follow the motion of the Moon, planets, and deep space objects across the heavens. The adjustable angle head can tilt forward or back at a 45° angle, as well as point straight up, depending on the length of your optical tube and your observing preferences. The slow motion control cables on the vertical and horizontal axes are easy to turn smoothly, even with gloves on in cold weather, due to their over-sized knurled control knobs.
A small wrench is included with this package If you need to make quick adjustments to your mount in the field. It is stored in the fork arm and held in place with a magnet, so it is a snap to access the wrench and then store it safely away when done. It is a small thing, but an adjustment wrench is one less tool you will need to remember to bring with you on observing sessions.
The chrome-plated steel tripod of the Explore Scientific Twilight I mount has adjustable height legs. It has a wide foot print of 42 inches with the legs fully extended, which makes the tripod very stable. A spreader bar locks against the inside of the legs for maximum rigidity to keep vibrations to a minimum. With the legs fully retracted, the tripod is 38.5" high at highest point, and 36" to the center of the mounting bracket. With the legs fully extended, the tripod is 55.5" high at highest point, and 53" to the center of the mounting bracket.
The Explore Scientific Twilight 1 tripod weighs 11 pounds (5 kg), the head weighs 6.6 pounds (3 kg), for a total weight of 17.6 pounds (8 kg).
