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extendable center columns for long refractors?

Started by yahganlang, 01/20/2006 05:09PM
Posted 01/20/2006 05:09PM Opening Post
Hi. I've noticed that many late 19th and early 20th century refractors were mounted on tripods that had extendable (crankable) center columns, even sometimes when the mount head itself was equatorial. My question is, given the low positions many viewers are forced into with tripods commonly available these days, even with extentions, why more manufacturers haven't taken a lesson from the history books? This isn't brain science!

Does anyone know of modern models with such a feature, for long focus refractors, so that the viewer can remain standing? Thanks.

Jess Tauber