Hi Bill,
You may very well want to add a 12" Pier Extension.
It was a great accessory that also allowed me to extend my safety limits, for greater range of movement, as well as a very convenient place to attach stuff...
(I used home-depot 2" wide double sided non-sticky velcro, wrapped tightly with the hook side against the mount) wrapped edge to edge,
giving me velcro loops over nearly the entire height of the extension, to place nearly everything I needed to attach, anywhere around the?
extension.) It doesn't slip, and leaves no adhesive residue to clean off.
You *CAN* also remove the standard 4" (extension ?) that comes with the tripod, and actually only have the 12" extension, or simply add it to the top and get 16" of height between the tripod and bottom of RA.
I would be concerned however with a long(er) heavier scope using the tripod without extending the legs at least a little, for a wider footprint to prevent any possibly of tipping.
I usually extend my tripod legs about 12-16 inches, that accomplishes two things, it provides a wider footprint and raises the leg adjustment knobs so I don't have to bend over as much.
The legs extend a long way. Most of the height of the tripod.
I have used a 12" LX200 with metal dewshield, 120mm guide scope and all the trimmings, using (3)? 21# counterweights with absolute stability. The FHD tripods are incredibly sturdy and stable.
Thanks,
Astronut Tim
