Orion Telescopes & Binoculars OrionTelescopes.com

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 Paragons feature 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 rela- tive 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 threaded post and a ribbed mat, and is retained by a spring- loaded, quick-release lock lever. When mounting an optical instrument, 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

One-Year Limited Warranty

This Orion Paragon HD-F2 or Paragon-Plus XHD Tripod is warranted against defects in materials or workman- ship for a period of one year from the date of purchase. This warranty is for the benefit of the original retail pur- chaser only. During this warranty period Orion Telescopes

&Binoculars will repair or replace, at Orion’s option, any warranted instrument that proves to be defective, provided it is returned postage paid to: Orion Warranty Repair, 89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076. If the product is not registered, proof of purchase (such as a copy of the origi- nal invoice) is required.

This warranty does not apply if, in Orion’s judgment, the instrument has been abused, mishandled, or modified, nor does it apply to normal wear and tear. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state. For further warranty service information, contact: Customer Service Department, Orion Telescopes & Binoculars, 89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076; (800) 676-1343.

Orion Telescopes & Binoculars

OrionTelescopes.com

89 Hangar Way, Watsonville CA 95076

Customer Support Help Line (800) 676-1343

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 astronomi- cal 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 and hinder the tilt. You will have to rotate the instrument 180° on the pan head from its normal position to point it upward in this “reversed” way.

Raising and Lowering the Pan Head

To raise or lower the pan head, first loosen the elevator lock knob. Then use the hinged hand crank to move the aluminum rack-and-pinion elevator shaft up or down. Retighten the ele- vator lock knob to secure the instrument at the new height.

The elevator friction will need to be adjusted depending on the weight of the instrument on the tripod. To adjust the elevator friction, rotate the elevator shaft housing with your hands. Rotating it clockwise will increase friction, and makes the elevator hand crank harder to turn. Rotating the elevator shaft housing counterclockwise reduces friction. The elevator friction should be adjusted so that the pan head maintains its position and the hand crank is easy to turn.

General Care and Cleaning

When using the tripod in direct sunlight, be aware that its black anodized surface can become hot. If the tripod is used in wet conditions, dry it completely with a soft cloth after use. Clean the tripod with mild detergent and a soft cloth.

Specifications
	Paragon HD-F2	Paragon XHD
Height fully extended:	69-1/2"	66"
Height folded:	31-1/2"	34-3/4"
Elevator travel:	13-1/2"	10-3/4"
Rotation axes:	two	two
Weight:	7.5 lbs.	9 lbs.

Suggested Accessories

#7033 Orion Precision Slow-Motion Adapter

Attach this adapter to the tripod pan head to add micro- motion altitude and azimuth control. Very useful for fine terrestrial panning or for manually tracking celestial objects with binoculars or spotting scopes. Built-in 1/4" -20 threaded socket for attachment to tripod; has 1/4" -20 threaded post for attachment of instrument.

#15167 Soft Case for Paragon HD-F2 Tripod

Highly recommended for protection, storage, and convenient transport of the Paragon Tripod. Made of heavy polyester stock and fully padded, this case has strap handles and an adjustable-length shoulder strap. Full zipper access. Navy with black trim. Does not fit Paragon-Plus XHD.