Anybody know anything about parallelogram mounts

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the use of parallelogram mounts for binoculars, specifically the Orion 20x80 model. Users debate the merits of purchasing a commercial mount priced at approximately $230 versus constructing a DIY solution. The conversation highlights the advantages of counterweights over springs for balance, emphasizing the simplicity and adjustability of counterweights. Additionally, a user shares a custom mount design utilizing a 12" x 12" front-surface mirror, enhancing comfort and usability for stargazing.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of binocular specifications, particularly weight and stability.
  • Familiarity with mounting techniques for optical equipment.
  • Basic knowledge of mechanical balance principles, including counterweights.
  • Experience with DIY projects involving metal and woodwork.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the construction of DIY parallelogram mounts for binoculars.
  • Explore the benefits of using counterweights in optical mounts.
  • Investigate alternative materials for creating stable mounts, such as shelf brackets and mirrors.
  • Learn about ergonomic designs for observing celestial objects comfortably.
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, DIY hobbyists, and anyone interested in enhancing their binocular viewing experience will benefit from this discussion.

Saladsamurai
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My girlfriend bought me some sweet astro-binoculars from Orion for Christmas (20x80s) and I would love to use them but they are heavy as hell (and shaky). I was looking around for one of those parallelogram mounts. I found a couple like http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=bino_accessories/~pcategory=binoculars/~product_id=05374" for about $230. Is this the best price I can get on these? Or should I just get something like a small tripod for like $80?
 
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F it...I'll just build some. I was wondering though. . . why a counter weight? Why not a spring to balance the binos?

That is how I plan to make mine. . . with a nice spring.
 
The parallelogram mount is nice in that it gets you away from the tripod a bit, and gives you more flexibility than a standard tripod with photo-head.
 
turbo-1 said:
The parallelogram mount is nice in that it gets you away from the tripod a bit, and gives you more flexibility than a standard tripod with photo-head.

Cool. Thats what it looks like. Any thoughts on the spring idea?
 
Springs are not that great unless you are pretty darned clever in mounting them to keep them reasonably consistent in their tension over the range of motion that the mount will be used in. Counter-weights are very simple, easy to adjust, and can adjusted if you should decide to mount a simple spotter on your mount to facilitate finding fields more easily.

As an option to tripod mounts, here is a binocular mount that I made. I was tired of getting a stiff neck when looking at objects high in the sky and settling for shaky views when my arms and neck got fatigued. Plus, it was hard to show people what I was looking at when they asked. Here is the solution, using an adjustable 12" x 12" front-surface silvered mirror from an ophthomologist's/optometrist's exam room. I found the mirror at an insurance-salvage place nearby. You may be able to get one from an outfit that salvages and resells medical equipment. Ask your eye doctor and he or she may be able to tell you where to get one, or they may even have an unused one kicking around. The metal uprights are cut from a 12x12 shelf bracket. I fount metal tabs to hold the wooden platform and used bolts washers and wingnuts to make the platform pivot friction adjustable.

I put two strips of felt on the platform to protect the binos, and installed two dowels that are spaced so that the bino's objective tubes cannot slide backward should the platform be tipped backward, not can the binos slip out of the bungie and slide toward the mirror. All you have to do is set the mount/mirror base/binos on a picnic table, adjust the mirror angle to acquire the area you want, aim and focus. It's nice - you can sit comfortably at a table and look down at the reflected image, like using a microscope. No more "kinks" in the neck, and if someone wants to know what you are oohing and aahing about, just back off and let them take a look through the eyepieces.

http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/2990/binomount1iq1.jpg
 
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Very nice, simple and elegant mount. Most of the best views are at high angles anyway. Not sure if that's due to Murphy's law or haze/light pollution.
 
chemisttree said:
Very nice, simple and elegant mount. Most of the best views are at high angles anyway. Not sure if that's due to Murphy's law or haze/light pollution.
Thanks -that's why I built it.
 
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