10MICRON ARIES TRIPOD

Aries Tripod Review: Zero Vibration, Maximum Portability

After using the Aries tripod with my 10 Micron GM1000 HPS EP at multiple imaging sites including Curramore (Bortle 2-3) and Blackall (Bortle 1), I can recommend it as a serious portable solution for premium mounts. STABILITY UNDER LOAD The Aries tripod handles my dual-scope imaging configuration without any detectable vibration, flexure, or settling issues. Carrying the GM1000 HPS plus 28kg of imaging payload (Esprit 150 with ASI6200MM Pro and a secondary scope), the tripod remains rock-solid throughout extended imaging sessions. PHD2 guiding performance of 0.19" to 0.29" total RMS at 1050mm focal length is only achievable when the tripod underneath the mount is genuinely contributing zero noise to the system - the Aries delivers exactly that. PORTABILITY Despite its load capacity, the Aries is genuinely portable. Setup at Curramore took only minutes before I was levelled and ready for polar alignment, and breakdown at end of session is equally quick. For an imager travelling between multiple sites - in my case Brisbane suburban, Curramore, and Blackall (900km from home) - tripod portability is not optional, and the Aries makes this practical without compromising performance. BUILD QUALITY The build quality is excellent. ALL ASPECTS OF THE TRIPOD ALLOW EASY SETUP Locking mechanisms, height adjustment mechanism, leg deployment mechanism, Levelling and Polar Alignment After multiple deployments across varied conditions, there are no signs of wear or mechanical degradation. VERDICT The Aries tripod is the right foundation for a premium mount like the GM1000 HPS. Stable, portable, well-built, and well-engineered for serious imaging work. Recommended for imagers running mounts in the GM1000 class who need a tripod that genuinely matches the precision of the mount above it