rhw1967

13 minutes ago, david_taurus83 said:

Yes! So do I! I'm trying to find a good all rounder as well. I'm selling my 200p as it's hardly grab 'n go and the 420mm length WO I use for imaging is a bit lacking for visual. So around 700mm focal length I reckon is about right and I want no bigger than an AZ4 mount!

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.

3 minutes ago, david_taurus83 said:

Nope. No response though I do seem to remember a thread a while back where someone was struggling to get hold of them. If RVO stock them might get an answer off Adam?

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

Just now, Prador said:

Cheers for all your suggestions and I can't believe I didn't check Altair. Having a look, they do have an extensive range but nothing for a 250pds. It's quite a brute and I'm having trouble finding anything under £150.

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/

3 minutes ago, heliumstar said:

Tha AA 102 for 599 is seriously inviting

It seems they have this new Ascent range. They don't mention the glass type though and it looks like 80 ED-re is out of stock. Would be interesting to see the difference in build quality. Something gotta give for the same price?

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

2 minutes ago, parallaxerr said:

So I had a reply from the Stellarvue 102ED seller on ABS.

He is the second owner, only recently having purchased it as part of a bundle. It is 10yrs old, originally purchased from Altair Astro but he claims condition to be a solid 9.5/10. I've asked about the glass just to measure the pricing, but I'm 99% positive it's the FPL51 version.

So what would you do?

1. 10 year old Stellarvue SV102ED with Feathertouch focuser and nice clamshell ring. £600 + travel/postage

2. Brand new Altair Astro Ascent ED102 FPL51 with 2.5" R&P, std tube rings etc. £549 delivered to the door

To be honest I'm leaning towards the Altair version. I do like new.

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 ?

3 minutes ago, david_taurus83 said:

What is the main difference between the AZ4 and AZ5? I was thinking about the 5 myself?

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.

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 !!!!