IN 129 Rev. A 0999
Congratulations on your purchase of a quality Orion product!
This sturdy aluminum tripod provides solid support for binoc-
ulars, small telescopes, still cameras, or video cameras up to
about 10 lbs. (4.5 kg). Designed for use either indoors or out-
doors, the Paragon HD-F2 features a smooth, two-way pan
head and quick-release shoe for convenient operation.
To get the most from your new tripod, please take a few min-
utes to read these instructions and operating tips. Refer to the
labeled figure for the names of specific parts of the tripod.
Adjusting the Legs
The Paragon tripod comes fully assembled. Note that each
leg has two telescoping sections. To extend the leg, loosen
the ridged helical lock knob by turning it counterclockwise,
then extend the leg. When it has been extended to the
desired length, turn the lock knob clockwise until tight. Before
mounting an instrument on the tripod it is a good idea to press
down on the pan head to make sure the legs are locked
securely and will not give way under the instrument’s weight.
Dual Rubber/Spike Feet
The Paragon is equipped with dual-purpose feet that consist
of a retractable rubber foot and a metal spike. The rubber
feet are intended for use of the tripod indoors or on a smooth
paved surface. The metal spikes are desirable for achieving
a firm grip on soft surfaces. To use the rubber feet, thread the
foot counterclockwise until it stops. In this position, the metal
spike will be well recessed within the rubber. Be sure all
three rubber feet are flat on the floor, not tipped sideways.
To expose the spike feet, thread the rubber foot clockwise
until the spike protrudes from the rubber. In some instances
you may wish to remove the rubber feet altogether so more
of the metal spike is exposed. This can be done by just
pulling the rubber feet off their anchors. They can be pressed
on again at any time.
Adjusting the Tripod’s Stance
The Paragon HD-F2 has a very wide stance for enhanced
stability. The widest stance is achieved when the tri-brace is
as far down as it will go on the elevator shaft housing. The
brace lock knob should be tightened to secure the stance.
If you are using the tripod in a confined space, the stance
can be narrowed by loosening the tri-brace lock knob, and
pushing the legs closer together. The tri-brace will move up
on the elevator shaft housing. Retighten the lock knob to
secure the legs in the new position. Be aware that the tripod
will become more “tippy” as its stance is narrowed. Be very
careful when mounting an instrument with an unwieldy cen-
ter of gravity on the tripod, especially if it begins to approach
the 10 lb. weight limit.
Approximate leveling of the tripod should suffice for use with
binoculars or spotting scopes. For photographic use, the
built-in bubble level aids in achieving more precise leveling.
Using the Fluid Pan Head
The Paragon HD-F2 features a precision fluid-type pan
head, which has a range of motion of 180° on the vertical
axis and 360° on the horizontal axis. Both axes are equipped
with a large tension-adjustment knob and a lock knob. The
tension-adjustment knobs allow you to set the desired ease
of motion for each axis.
Panning is easy using the pan head handle. Its angle relative
to the mount head is adjustable. Loosen the handle lock
knob, then remove the handle from its sleeve completely.
Reinsert the handle into the sleeve at the desired position
and thread the lock knob back in until tight.
The removable mounting shoe allows quick attachment and
removal of your instrument. The shoe has a 1/4"-20 thread-
ed post and a ribbed mat, and is retained by a spring-loaded,
quick-release lock lever. When mounting an optical instru-
ment, you must first remove the shoe from the head by
releasing the lock lever. Attach the shoe to the instrument,
then replace the shoe on the head. Make certain the shoe is
locked securely in place before releasing the instrument from
your grip. It is recommended that the instrument be removed
from the tripod for transportation.
It is possible to point an instrument at the zenith (straight up).
This is especially useful when using the tripod for astronom-
ical observation. Instead of pushing the handle down to tilt
the pan head up, tilt the pan head so that the handle points
upward
. This way the handle will not contact the tripod itself
Orion®Paragon™HD-F2
Field Tripod & Fluid Pan Head
#5370
Elevator
hand crank
Quick release shoe
Pan head handle
Elevator lock knob
Elevator shaft housing
Brace lock knob
Tri-brace
Helical leg
lock knobs
Rubber feet
Two-way
pan head
Handle
lock knob
Elevator shaft
