Berlebach 18L

Ratings:Top:Astronomy:Equipment Reviews:Mounts:Berlebach 18L

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Brand and Model:Berlebach 18L
Price ($USD):$270.00
Type:Tripod
Attributes:un-checkedMotorized un-checkedPEC un-checkedGoto
Electric Power:
Weight (lbs.):15
Description:High quality, rock steady tripod for use with Vixen GP, GP-DX or CG-5 type heads. Made in Germany.

Vote Highlights Vote
Berlebach 18L
This is the first piece of equipment I have ever considered to be worthy of a solid 10 rating. I have not found a single down side to this tripod, and I have used and modified plenty. Nothing comes close to stability and damping. Mechanics are excellent, especially the snap-in accy tray and indexable leg clamps at the platform. Now with the optional Losmandy adapter, I use the same tripod for my critical alt/az observing and for use with my GM8. It makes the GM8 finally act like it is capable of it's 30lb payload rating. I'm actually using the UNI 24, not the 18. Worth every penny, and then some.

Overall Rating: 10
Performance:10 Ease of Use:10 Value:10
Weight: 10 (Trustworthy Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=581345

Berlebach 18L
I have the Berlebach UNI-15 tripod and it is really wonderful. I have now ordered three of the UNI-15 tripods. I use with my AP Stowaway. With two tightening clamps installed on each leg it is almost as stable as the near-perfect AP/Baader wood tripod, but it is much lighter and easier to carry around. Berlebach does not charge very much for this option and it increases the stability and lowers the damp-out time. The damp-out time is about 1/2 to 1 second longer than the AP wood tripod but I appreciate how light and easy to use this tripod is!!! I use the stabilized Takahashi TeeGull mount on this tripod and I am able to carry my scope, mount, tripod, and all my eyepieces outside in just one trip. If you plan to use it on just grass and dirt I recomend that you order the old-style spike-only feet. The combination rubber/spike feet have more flexibility so you can use the tripod on a wood or cement surface as well but these don't work as well on the grass or dirt. I odrered mine with the combination rubber/spike feet and also ordered the old-style spike-only feet in case I wanted to later make the change, although this is not something you would want to regularly do. You also have a choice of 4 different stains, and I like the "Nutwood" color so much that I leave everything set-up and the whole thing displayed in my office -- ready to carry outside at a moment's notice.
A very dependabel and trustworthy company too!!
Richard Lapides in California

Overall Rating: 10
Performance:10 Ease of Use:10 Value:10
Weight: 3 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=210067

Berlebach 18L
I have a Berlebach 18L that I have my GP-DX mounted on supporting a TV 102.
Highlights include: All the height adjustment one could ever want. Hell for stout construction of heavy ash. Easy to use clamping levers to tighten the joint where the legs meet the top plate. A HUGE tray that will spoil you. Bubble level built in. Superb build quality.
Nits: The tray is not always the easiest thing to take off and put on. There are spring metal tabs that are formed to snap on horizontal pins on each leg and can be awkward at best getting these on and off.
Overall, this is the way to go with a GP-DX head. Probably overkill with the std. GP.

Overall Rating: 10
Performance:10 Ease of Use:8 Value:9
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=282784

Berlebach 18L
This tripod is worth every cent! I replaced my HAL 110 with this tripod, and it reduced the vibrations of my GP-DX to a minimum. It should also be a good choice for users of other mounts like H-EQ 5, EQ-6 etc.

Overall Rating: 10
Performance:10 Ease of Use:10 Value:10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=179631

Berlebach 18L
For anyone with a Vixen GP, GP-DX, or one of it's clones (CG5, EQ4... etc.) This is the perfect upgrade. Solid and beautifully made of gorgeous straight grained ash, clean nicely machined aluminum castings, and the head (with bubble level and “north pin”) is specifically designed to mesh (perfectly!) with the Vixen head. Made in Germany by a company that has been in business for over 100 years. (And Berlebach has a web site!)

They have a lighter and less expensive version as well, but at this price, the big one is a steal. One of the best purchases I have ever made.

Overall Rating: 10
Performance:10 Ease of Use:10 Value:10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=133470

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