Which 4-inch Refractor to Get??

[cshahar]

Hi Everyone:

I am interested in 4-inch refractor models. I was hoping to get recommendations. I was looking to do solar and lunar imaging, but would like a portable, resilient and sharp unit that I can also use for observing. The scopes I have looked at have various issues, although not necessarily fatal unless they are beyond my budget. I have looked at scopes such as:

William Optics FLT98 and GT102 (no North American headquarters so if there is a problem I may be screwed as my local dealer won't touch them)

Skywatcher Esprit (problems with first models, specifically poor collimation, and I am not sure whether this problem has been resolved)

Orion Eon (not a true APO but my dealer has one available and it would be the easiest solution)

I have also considered:

Stellarvue SVR102T (just starting to go beyond my budget... don't know much about it)

Astro Tech 11 EDT (don't know much about it)

Explore Scientific 102 triplet (don't know much about it)

My max budget is $2,500, give or take a couple of hundred dollars.

What would people recommend, both in terms of quality and reliability?

Thanks,

-Charles

[ollypenrice]

Second hand Takahashi or TeleVue would be my choice on that budget.

Olly

[NGC 1502]

Hi Charles. As to the scope - what Olly says in post #2.

But please don't forget to include the mount in your budget. A great optical tube on a poor mount is an exercise in frustration, for visual and more so for imaging.

Regards, Ed.

[bond19]

Charles, I have recently acquired a used Tele Vue 102. Unfortunately I've not had first light yet due to the adverse weather. But on build quality alone it's lightyears ahead of any scope I've owned previously. Craftsmanship and finish is exemplary. If the optics live up to their reputation, this is going to be one capable scope that will easily out last me.

[cshahar]

thanks. That is also very helpful!

[Caldwell14]

If the optics live up to their reputation

Oh they will!

[Ahab]

You can't go wrong with the Explore Scientific ES102. I was simply astounded when I got mine. Perfectly collimated and comes in a tuff carry case.

[Herbig]

I got a second hand Tak TSA102s, read the reviews on line for this scope, would seem to be ideal for what you describe your proposed use. Build quality and optics are legendary!

[denis0007dl]

I would go with Explore Scientific 102 triplet!