{"product_id":"tele-vue-tele-pod-head-only","title":"Tele Vue Tele-Pod - Head Only","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMount Type: Alt-Azimuth Head\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePayload Capacity: Recommended for Tele Vue 60, 76, 85, and Pronto telescopes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMotion Control: Manual with adjustable tension knobs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTelescope Mounting: Direct via cradle holes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTripod Mounting: Standard 1\/4\"-20 and 3\/8\"-16 threaded holes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 3 lbs (1.4 kg)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eManual\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Foundation for Your Grab-and-Go Telescope: The Tele-Pod Head\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tele Vue Tele-Pod Head is a compact, lightweight alt-azimuth mount head engineered for observers who prioritize speed, stability, and simplicity. Designed as the core of a modular \"grab-and-go\" system, it provides the essential fluid motions and secure telescope interface needed for small refractors, leaving the choice of tripod entirely up to you. It transforms any suitable photo tripod into a capable astronomical platform.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeather-Light and Rock-Solid Alt-Azimuth Yoke\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe heart of the Tele-Pod Head is its elegant and rigid yoke-style mount. This design cradles your telescope low and centered over the tripod's axis, a geometry that enhances stability and minimizes vibrations compared to single-arm mounts. The motions are smooth and intuitive, allowing you to pan across the sky or track a planet with gentle hand pressure on the telescope itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis simplicity is the Tele-Pod's greatest strength. With no locks to engage or slow-motion controls to fumble with in the dark, you move from target to target as quickly as you can think of them. It is an ideal platform for wide-field sweeping of the Milky Way or for quick looks at the Moon and planets when you only have a few minutes to observe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePrecise and Repeatable Tension Control\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo accommodate different telescope weights and eyepiece loads, the Tele-Pod Head features large, knurled tension adjustment knobs on both the altitude and azimuth axes. This system allows you to dial in the perfect amount of friction, creating a \"fluid-pan\" feel that holds the telescope in position when you let go, yet yields with minimal effort when you guide it. Once set for your specific telescope and eyepiece combination, you rarely need to touch it again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ability to fine-tune this tension is critical for a positive observing experience. It prevents the sudden altitude drops or stiff panning that can plague simpler mounts. This means you can track Jupiter's moons at high power without overshoot or keep a delicate double star perfectly centered while you switch eyepieces, all without the need for cumbersome counterweights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDirect Mounting for Tele Vue Telescopes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tele-Pod Head is designed for a direct, secure connection with Tele Vue's smaller refractors, including the TV-60, TV-76, TV-85, and original Pronto. The cradle is pre-drilled to match the mounting blocks on these telescopes, allowing you to bolt the optical tube directly to the head. This hardware-on-hardware connection is more rigid and compact than using a dovetail bar and saddle, further reducing potential vibration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile this direct-mount system is a significant advantage for Tele Vue scope owners, it is also a limitation. The head does not include a standard dovetail saddle, so using it with non-Tele Vue telescopes requires purchasing an optional adapter plate. For those already invested in the Tele Vue ecosystem, however, it creates an unmatched, integrated setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUniversal Tripod Compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe base of the Tele-Pod Head features a standard 3\/8-16 threaded socket, the same size used by most high-quality photographic and surveyor's tripods. This universal interface gives you the freedom to build your ideal portable setup. You can pair it with a lightweight carbon fiber tripod for backpacking or a heavy-duty surveyor's tripod for maximum stability at a permanent location.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImagine setting up your TV-76 on a compact photo tripod for a quick flight to a dark-sky site. With your eyepiece, diagonal, and telescope attached to the 3-pound head, the entire optical system can be mounted or removed from the tripod in seconds. This modularity makes the Tele-Pod Head the perfect choice for observers who need their equipment to adapt to different situations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eChoosing Your System: Tele-Pod Head vs. Other Mounts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTele Vue offers several lightweight mounting solutions, and the Tele-Pod Head is the most fundamental building block. Understanding its place in the lineup helps in making the right choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs. Complete Tele-Pod Mount:\u003c\/strong\u003e The complete Tele-Pod mount includes this head plus Tele Vue's own custom tripod. Buying the head-only version is the right choice if you already own a high-quality photo tripod or want to select one with specific features (e.g., carbon fiber construction, different height range) that the standard Tele Vue tripod doesn't offer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs. Gibraltar HD Mounts:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Gibraltar HD4 or HD5 mounts are a significant step up in size, weight, and payload capacity. They are designed for larger Tele Vue refractors (like the NP101is or NP127is) and include the Sky Tour computer option. The Tele-Pod is for when portability and simplicity are the absolute top priorities, and your telescope is 3 inches or smaller.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat do I need to attach a non-Tele Vue telescope to the Tele-Pod Head?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo use a telescope with a standard Vixen-style dovetail bar, you will need to purchase the Tele Vue AVT-1011 Vixen-Tele Vue Mount Adapter. This accessory bolts onto the Tele-Pod cradle and provides a compatible saddle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat kind of tripod works best with the Tele-Pod Head?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny sturdy photographic tripod with a standard 3\/8-16 mounting stud will work. For best performance, choose a tripod rated for at least 15-20 pounds to ensure stability, even though the head and telescope weigh less.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan the Tele-Pod Head be used for astrophotography?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tele-Pod Head is an alt-azimuth mount and does not track the stars' arc across the sky, so it is not suitable for long-exposure astrophotography. It works well for afocal photography of the Moon and planets where very short exposures are used.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs there a way to add slow-motion controls to this mount?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo, the Tele-Pod Head is designed for purely manual, push-to operation. Its design philosophy prioritizes simplicity and light weight over adding the mechanical complexity of slow-motion controls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the Tele-Pod Head compare to the Tele Vue Panoramic mount head?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Panoramic mount uses a similar yoke design but is a heavier-duty head intended for the Gibraltar tripods and larger telescopes. The Tele-Pod head is significantly lighter (3 lbs vs. 8.5 lbs) and is the more portable option for smaller refractors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct Number\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTPH-1016\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMount Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAlt-Azimuth Head\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3 lbs (1.4 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTripod Connection\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/4\"-20 and 3\/8\"-16 threaded holes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTelescope Compatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDirect mount for TV-60, TV-76, TV-85, Pronto. Others require optional adapter.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterials\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMachined aluminum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMotion Control\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eManual push-to with adjustable tension\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eTele-Pod Mount Head\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Tele_Vue_Tele-Pod_Head_Manual.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"DAV-img-box\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M0 64C0 28.7 28.7 0 64 0L224 0l0 128c0 17.7 14.3 32 32 32l128 0 0 144-208 0c-35.3 0-64 28.7-64 64l0 144-48 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 64zm384 64l-128 0L256 0 384 128zM176 352l32 0c30.9 0 56 25.1 56 56s-25.1 56-56 56l-16 0 0 32c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-48 0-80c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 80c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-16 0 0 48 16 0zm96-80l32 0c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48l0 64c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48l-32 0c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16l0-128c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 128c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-64c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-16 0 0 96 16 0zm80-112c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16l48 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 32 32 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 48c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-64 0-64z\" fill=\"#0047a7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDownload Manual\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/tele-vue-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTele Vue 5-Year Limited Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TeleVue","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51223881548061,"sku":"TV-TPH-1016","price":425.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Tele_Vue_Tele-Pod_Head_Only_1.jpg?v=1777515030","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/en-us\/products\/tele-vue-tele-pod-head-only","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}