Wedge for precise polar alignment

I've had great results with my MSM mounted to pan/tilt head with arca swiss plate. Achieving accurate alignment with laser is easy. As I tried a bit longer lenses, Rokinon 135mm, it became clear that my set up wasn't effective. After watching several YouTube videos, I decided to try the MSM wedge. I'm a bit disappointed in the overall quality of the wedge. The latitude drifts despite being tightened as much as possible. The azimuth adjustment knobs could be smoother. They are a bit glitchy. Being able to mount the Polar Scope +/- Laser is a challenge as there is only a minute amt of space between the knobs and alignment devices. That said, I think the wedge makes a huge difference to the effectiness and ease of alignment.

Was using a ball head. However, was trying to move to longer focal length and attempting to increase the exposure time. The wedge make the polar alignment easier and less time is spent on alignment. Was able to achieve longer exposure time too.

Make polar alignment much easier than using ballhead or 3-way head. Such a smooth movement!

I purchased an MSM Wedge to cut down on some weight when travelling to image total solar eclipses to replace a bulkier geared head. Unfortunately the initial wedge I was sent would not stay in the set vertical position, despite tightening down very hard on the locking lever, so I requested a replacement unit which was sent within a few days. Sadly the second unit also slipped in the same way and so I looked into the build of the unit and found the issue. It seems that during transit some of the internal grease had made its way onto the nylon washers that the locking lever utilizes to secure the altitude position causing it to slip. Removing this grease cured the problem and I was then able to use it as intended to take an image of the Sun using a small light weight 70mm refractor fitted with a suitable solar filter and a CMOS astronomy camera. The unit is convenient for travel, but will need to be checked for such problems when travelling overseas by air in case the same thing happens again in transit. Maybe the design can be modified to prevent this particular issue happening in future?

veramente molto utile, con questo e il laser si allinea con la polare in un attimo

Perfecto y preciso para realizar la alineación polar, la verdad es que muy contento con el producto

Compact, simple to use, precise enough. Has a bit play in the tilt mechanism but acceptable. I like it for not being as complex as other geared heads.

Easy an precise alignment and keep it adjusted for long time

The build is outstanding in quality - no shaky bits or play. the size is nice and compact. I'm looking forward to trying the wedge, hopefully this autumn when skies darken again here in latitude 60 - if the Nomade Star Tracker, which I ordered before the wedge, eventually ships (was supposed to ship in February!).

I find that the wedge works great with the MSM and not a too heavy camera setup. I got it to have something that is smaller and not as heavy as my regular wedge, this really fit the purpose.