Handles on the Apertura AD10 Base

Carrying the AD10 is not an easy task.  The only way to set it up is to take the tube from the base and carry it in two pieces.  But when I want to move it from one spot to another, I would have to bear hug the tube and base and this thing is awkward and heavy!  I decided the base needed handles.  Instead of adding handles and adding weight, I decided to cut some handles out of the base.

I used a drill with a spade bit and a jig saw.  After cutting the handles I used moleskin to line the insides of the handle holes.  Now carrying the scope is much easier.  It is still pretty heavy but it's not as awkward as before.