The perfect tripod should be stable yet lightweight and easy to use, requiring few clamps and screws. The Celestron Regal Tripod was designed with these requirements in mind. It weighs less than 3 kg and can be stored very compactly, yet it can carry instruments weighing up to 4 kg.
The Regal tripod comes with a two-way fluid tilt head. The long handle makes it easy to move, and two adjustment screws on the same side of the tilt head allow you to fine-tune the resistance for tilting and panning.
A quick release plate with a 1/4" photo thread allows spotting scopes, binoculars, cameras or even smaller telescopes to be easily attached to the tripod. It can also be used to balance the instrument on the tripod. A safety mechanism prevents the plate from slipping completely out of the tilt head without the safety button being pressed.
The aluminium legs of the tripod can be adjusted in height and spread angle. Each leg consists of four segments, the length of which can be conveniently adjusted using clamping levers, so that the tripod stands straight even on uneven ground. Each leg can also be fixed at three different spread angles – this is very helpful when the terrain has larger differences in height.
When you extend the centre column fully, the tripod is almost 1.75 m high – and 1.5 m when not extended. But the centre column offers more than just height adjustment: a hook can be pulled out at the bottom, to which weights can be attached for additional stability. The additional weight further stabilises the tripod, especially on windy days, without you having to carry extra weight – just hang your rucksack or camera bag on this hook and you will feel the difference. When not in use, the hook disappears into the centre column, where it does not get in the way.
Two legs have padded grip cuffs so that you can not only use the tripod comfortably in cold weather, but also carry it on your shoulder.
The tripod legs have spikes for uneven ground, which disappear behind rubber feet when used on sensitive surfaces – simply unscrew the rubber feet to switch between metal spikes and rubber feet.
Other features include two spirit levels (one on the tripod and one on the tilt head) and a carrying bag. The bag allows you to store it safely and transport it comfortably.
