Smooth, stable, high quality
By Augustus B Wright III on October, 17th 2009
I recently ordered the Lapides modified Teegul with my Tak FS60C for daytime solar viewing. This is a substantial mount, and requires a solid tripod (circular section aluminium [Bogen] or wood [Berlebach]) for optimal use. The dual motion capability (i.e., make large movements by pushing the scope, fine movements with alt/az knobs) makes locating objects in the finder very easy, and the fluid movements achieved with the alt/az knobs are simply a pleasure to use...just like the Tak focuser...so keeping objects in view is accomplished with ease. My unit carries the FS60C, a Scopetronix Maxview DSLR eyepiece projection unit with a 12mm T4 Nagler, and a Canon EOS 1D (a heavy camera) with absolutely no ill-effects...what little vibration there is dampens out quicky, and the unit does not bind up carrying this large weight out at long lever-arms. Ive begun using the Baby-Tak with this unit (and at obscenely high-power) to grab quick views of the gas giants as well as wide field deep sky work when the cloud-gods cooperate. Minimal vibration while focusing, then a silent, steady view. I find myself out under the stars a lot more simply because the ease of set-up and use makes more of my observing time, and with a zero frustration quotient! Not the cheapest way to go, but as with all things Takahashi, you get what you pay for.
By Steuart Dewar on October, 17th 2009
This is an exceptionally fine mount. I have used it on a Bogen 3068 tripod and most recently on a Gitzo 5530 with a TMB105/650 and TMB92SS - the slow motion controls are smooth and the variable tension adjustments quick and easy to use. On the Gitzo with the TMB92SS, the settling time is 1/2 second. Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.