Glenbo

Sad news indeed, I have both of this books , Nightwatch & Backyard Astronomers Guide .  He had a talent in his tutorials of simplifying the language so that a newbie astronomer could understand without the least bit of intimidation. He is a recipient of the Order of Canada  & even has an Asteroid in his name! RIP Mr. Dickinson.

There are 2 versions of the TS Optic 102 f/7 , one says ED, that is the FPL51 model, the other is the TS Optics  Photo Line  102 APO which uses the FPL53  lass which is the one I have. They look identical.

Yes the new version of the EAF is powered by a 5V USB as well as data transfer so I would need an active hub. 

Nice piece of art! i just bought a TS Optics Photo line 102 APO, same scope as the Starfield.

Yes it's the same scope as the Starfield 

A TS Optics Photoline 102 APO arrived 2 days ago!

Hope I'm in the right category here.

I currently use an ASIAIR PRO as the brain that connects to my AVX mount, Cannon D100 DSLR & ZWO120 mini guide scope. It also powers my 2 dew heater straps as well as a wifi extender. I would like to add an ZWO EAF however I have run out of ports on the ASIAIR. One of the USB3 ports holds the storage card so I suppose I could free it up by having the ASIAIR transfer the data storage to the DSLR card. I would also like a planetary camera down the road like a ZWO ASI224MC. Same problem, or magnified problem if I get the EAF. Can a power management box like a Pegasus or Wanderer Lite V2 connect to the ASIAIR pro as an extension under its control?  

I like the ASIAIR  because I live in an area where connecting to a laptop outside is not an option for much of the year. 

I have a modded DSLR that I use for DSO's but I would to know if anyone has used a ZWO ASI  planetary - Lunar camera with good results given the small aperture of the 102 F/7 scope.  I mention ZWO as it is compatible to run through my ASIAIR Pro.

Well after lots of pondering and almost buying a beautiful used Orion EON 120 until coming to my senses & realizing that my AVX mount would be taxed to handle it for astrophotography I bought  the TS OPTICS PHOTO LINE 102 APO. Thank you for all of your good advice based on user experience i, it was pretty obvious that everyone preferred  the variation that I bought. I am excited plus I got a good deal from Telescope Service on a showroom demo. 😀

Came across 2 ED /APO refractors that have peaked my interest for my Celestron AVX mount. To be used for both Astrophotography & planetary, lunar visual.

They differ a bit in their features, ones strength may be another's weakness.

1./ TC Optics 102APO f/7

Uses FPL53 glass and lanthanum coating 

2./ Stellamira ED 110 F/6 (similar to Orion EON 110)

Uses FPL51 glass, a bit faster scope, slightly wider field of view.

TS Optics has the superior glass. May be easier for visual viewing.

Stellamira has 8mm. more aperture may be easier to centre a large target like Andromeda for astro.

Comes with a case.

Does anyone have any experience with either of these two for astro & visual? 

Price is fairly similar for either. They both are inline with my budget. 

Hi everyone,

I have been an on & off astronomer for 15 years, mostly observing until recently. 

I dove into astrophotography last year, and have a 102ED refractor with all the basic astro equipment, but mostly seem to enjoy my DSLR with my MSM tracker & tripod just because it's so grab and go & quick to set up.  Im always looking to learn from others & hopefully I can do the same for anybody that I can help.  

Cheers!