rhw1967

I actually just got a reply from Ian Knight at AA. He didn't answer the question about the type of glass, but did answer my other two questions.. Was it in stock now ? ("Yes").. and Does it come with a case ("NO, but you can buy one of our soft cases"). I have messaged back repeating my question about the glass, will post if I get a reply.

RVO stock the f11 version I think, and Adam from RVO is always very quick to answer an enquiry. I sent a message to AA on Friday, still nothing back from them. Adam's comment about the F11 is he felt Skywatcher offered better optics in their 100ED (closest match he could give for the price) and also he felt SW's service was better than AA's. He said they didn't hold them in stock, and any orders made he would then order from AA. As I said, this was all about the ED102 f11 though, nothing about the f7. Will keep looking for info about the 102ED f7 as I quite fancy them

Did anyone that contacted AA about the Ascent 102ED F7 get any info back at all ?

I hear that. That would throw anyone off kilter. Mine are coming to stay in a few weeks. Hope every night is a clear one when they come... Hahaha

Maybe worth dropping them a message though bud. They do say on our "Contact Us" page "You'll be surprised what we can source or build". Worth a try at least https://www.altairastro.com/help.php?section=contactus&mode=update

Check these guys out:- https://www.altairastro.com/Padded-Bags-Telescope-Mount/

Haven't seen the glass type mentioned anywhere, with the f7 or f11

My opinion (for what it's worth as I am a rookie) having done some reading around is that I love the look of the AA and it's a great price brand new. But I am the same as you, love new (or at least a very very trusted seller that when they say something is "as new" it really is... Haha ?). Just purchased a used ED100 off this site, for my nephew, and having seen the AA f7 am seriously considering treating myself. May go for an AZ5 however, only reason is I already have a couple of spare steel tripods and I cannot find an AZ4 mount sold without tripod. Whichever you choose wishing you the best with it. And thanks for starting this thread, otherwise I wouldn't have found out about the AA ?

I think the main difference I can see is the AZ5 has slomo cables. Think the weight capacity is the same.

Been following this thread with great interest. Actually been looking at the AA's new ones, both the F7 and F11 as have been mentioned in this post, for myself. Trying to find out a little more info, however cannot find any reviews or anything in depth.

Anyone have any further info on these and how they stack up against the Evostar 100ED ? Been trawling the internet and cannot find any direct comparisons or in-depth reviews.

Know this is an old post, however am in the process of getting a black heq5 mount to go with an Evostar 100ed... Was wondering if I could upgrade it to GOTO, where to get the kit, and how difficult is it ? I am terrible at anything DIY etc... Haha OR should I just purchase a new heq5 mount ? Thanks for any help and replies. Cheers Richard

Amazing, amazing service from Barbara at W&W Astro. Contacted her about a dew shield for my telescope. She messaged back right away and over the course of the following hours exchanged a number of messages with her, sorting out exactly what I needed. Nothing was too much trouble and having decided on what I wanted, it was received the very next day. She messaged me too saying if I needed any adjustments just to let her know. Cannot say enough about this wonderful service, and would recommend Barbara at W&W for all your dew shield and dew heater needs. Amazing !!!!

Huge "Thank You" to Martin and the guys at FLO. Purchased an eyepiece from them (Panaview 32mm) however needed it quickly as am moving house. From the moment I first messaged FLO their service was superb. Martin got right back to me, explained my options, stock, etc and also let me know exactly what was going on all through my order process. Got the eyepiece the very next day and have to say am delighted with their customer service. Wish all retailers were this good. Cheers Richard

I think this may be the first post on this thread for a while, but just wanted to give my feedback. VERY new member, and also new to the hobby, have to say I have had some very very helpful and valuable advice from members here. People have been very friendly and it's made me feel very welcome. Have to admit now I "check in" here a few times a day. Many thanks !!!!