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My new TS Optics 102 mm f7 ed scope had just arrived, and even though the moon was big and threatening, I just had to give it a go. This was an evening of firsts; I also chose to check out a local dark spot about 25 min away from me. It's bortle 5, which is a lot better than Bortle 8 sky I live under. It was also completely free from any man made light! When I arrived there where no need for any red light, the moon gave me all the light I needed to set up. Oh well. Up until now I have only used a red dot as a finder. This evening I tried out a 6x30, and star hopping was so much easier! Point with the red dot, star hop with the finder, and boom, the target right in sight. I very nice combo indeed. Even the M42 was dangerously close to the moon I had to start there. I have previously been a bit dissapointed with the view of it in my 70 mm frac back home, but this time it was a marvel to look at, even with the moon creating a lot of light. No need for averted vision, I could clearly see alot even without it. I took a snap shot with my iPhone, and I was surprised I actually saw colors! To moon glow is very visible though. I went on to M31. I was expecting much, but at least I could clearly see it. Snapped a picture here as well. I roamed around a bit, enjoying the freedom I felt the 6x30 gave me. M45, the Hyeades, all around Orion, before I turned to the moon. My scope was frosting up, and I started to get cold, so I wrapped it up. I'll certainly invest 25 min driving to this spot again another time!

Thanks alot, that was the answer I was hoping for!

I apologies for resurrecting this old thread, but since it is a related issue I figured it was better to continue this one, than starting another. I just received the TS 102, and the focuser had made a dent in the packaging just as you experienced. However, because I ordered a few other things as well in the same order, the scope was in a box that was in a another box, and there where lots of foam in between. The focuser cap was intact, and the focuser actually feels quite good. I havent tested it alot though. My question is about the misalignment of the screws: mine are just like that as well. Does that have to be a problem? Or is it just something that happens when the scope is put together? I hoping to test it properly tonight, but I am still a rookie in this hobby, and I fear I might miss a defect simply by beeing to unexperienced..

Finally upgraded my Mercury-705 to a TS-Optics 102mm f7. Got the SW 100ED case for it. It's a nice fit, just needed a little trimming to fit the focuser. Got room for all the important accessories as well: 6x30 finder, diagonal, 32mm plossl, Baader zoom and a barlow. Since the case fits a f9 scope, I got room for a red dot and the few filters as well. Can't wait for the clouds to clear!

Thanks alot for the pictures; really helpful. It seems like the case they sell today is quite a bit different. The interior has a different layout, and for instance the handle looks much more robust now. Because of the price, and the fact that I simply need something to store the scope safely, and carry it for 200-300 meters, I guess the SW version should do. Thanks again.

That would very helpful! Thank's alot for offering.

I'm considering getting the TS-Optics ED 102 mm f/7 (FPL-51): 102 mm f7 and I would like to get a solid case for it as well. Have any of you ever used the case for the SW 100ED on a smaller scope? 100ED case I like this case because of it's price (£66 ex vat) and the fact that there is room for accessories in it as well. I only ever use a Baader Zoom, 32 Plossl and a Barlow, so I'll probably fit everything I need in the case. The alternative is something like this: TS-Optics case It's probably a better fit, and I'm guessing there is no need for any modifications, but it is more expensive (€121 ex vat) and I would need a separate case for accessories, which probably would cost me another €/£ 40-60.

This is very true! I tried again last night. A very big moon, but the sky was clear so out I went. I started at 20x on M42; pretty much the same view as last time. Then I cranked it up to 62x, and then 122x. A big difference! The core was much more visable. Then I tried the UHC-filter: even better! Truly a marvelous view. Snapped a new shot of the moon as well.

After many weeks with heavy clouds, a clear sky was finally showing up. My 70mm refractor and AZ3 mount has served me well, but my new Twilight 1 on a 1,75 inch steel tripod with an extension pier was about to get its debut. First observation: it is heavy! The az3 was not even 4 kg; the new setup is almost 13! Truly a big difference. I do not really need such a mount with the 70mm, but since I am planning to upgrade to something bigger in the future, I thought it would be a waste to buy something better for the 70mm alone. Although the Twilight 1 has gotten a bit of critic I hope it will serve all my needs with a few modifications. Anyway, I put the mount head and the extension pier in a backpack, grabbed the case with the scope and accessories in one hand, and the tripod in the other, and lugged of through the snow to my “local” dark site (a small field in the woods behind a parking lot; a lot more dark than my balcony!) I started out the M42, my very first view of this one! 70mm + Bortle 8 skies is not really a good match for DSOs, but nebulosity was visible with averted vision. I could not see much while looking straight at it. A bit disappointed really, since most of my viewing will be from this spot, and I was hoping for a bit more on M42. I had forgotten my UHC filter, and I did not bother to go back for it at this time, but it might have improved things. Snapped a picture with my iPhone 6, and you can actually see some nebulosity there. A handy way of documenting my viewings. I moved over to the Hyades followed by the Pleiades. Always a nice view, nice and crisp. I went back to Orion, and just paned around for a bit. It is always interesting to view the color differences in stars, and in Orion you have a nice mix: from the orange Betelgeuse to the intense white Rigel. I ended the evening with the moon. Snapped a picture of that one as well. All in all a pleasant night!

Very nice pictures. What phone, app and settings did you use?

Hi, did you ever find a solution to this problem? I was hoping to get this scope and use it as a travel scope with a 1.25’’ diag and the Baader Zoom (IV). You were using it with a 2’’ diag right, and an adaptor? Did you ever try it with a 1.25’’ diag and the Baader? cheers, Stian

Excellent report! A very nice read. What did you use to create those images/sketches? They look really nice.

Wow, I'm jealous, I haven't had a clear night since october 7th..

Haha, that explains alot! I actually use another norwegian service; storm.no. If you select the Storm/YR tab on the website, you get both services side by side. Quite convenient. When they both agree it's usually correct!

Hmm, looks like Serbia and Norway uses the same weather service layout. This is for Oslo: Haven't seen the sun in a while, hoping the next week will bring some clear skies..

After what feels like ages without clear skies, I'm contemplating to use my 70mm scope for terrestrial views as well. I would also like to get a tripod that I can put in a backpack to bring on hiking trips. I have been looking at something like this: https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p8275_TS-Optics-Optics-A284FMO-Aluminium-Tripod---Height-145-mm-to-1670-mm.html It says it can handle 15 kg, but what is the maximum weight you would put one something like this with both stargazing and bird viewing in mind? I'm also unsure about the mount head. Something like this is an option: https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p9334_TS-Optics-Tilting-Head-and-Altazimuth-Mount-for-photo-tripods.html Small, lightweight. Sturdy enough for a sub 2 kg scope I would assume, but without slow motion. Another option is something like this: https://www.365astronomy.com/365Astronomy-AZ5-Versatile-Vari-angle-Micro-Motion-Alt-Azimuth-Telescope-Mount-HEAD-ONLY.html It's bigger, heavier (1,9 kg), but it allows both paning around and slow motion. Do any of you have any experince with any of these?

PM sent

I'll admit the Skytee 2 is tempting. And with something like this perhaps: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adm-replacement-saddles/adm-vixen-style-saddle.html

If I end up with the Skytee; would I need a new clamp, as I see alot of other people recommend, for a scope like the TS102 or 100ED, or are they light enough so that is not needed?

I’ve done some more digging, and it seems that the ED100 is 3,5 kg with rings, and that the TS-102 is 5 kg with rings. Sounds strange that the shorter 714mm is 1,5 kg heavier than the 900mm.. The ED80 is about 3 kg.

Hanging around on this forum gets more costly by the minute!

Yeah, seems like the cost is steadily rising Suddenly I'm up to 1100 euro for scope, mount + tripod and travel case. And I would have to get some dovetail clamps as well it seems. I was considering a 80mm doublet in the beginning (something like a 80ED, 435 euro from FLO) but I figured the jump up from 70mm to 80mm wouldn't be worth it. Might have to reconsider that now, since at least it would be more viable on the AZ-3.

Hmm, that's a shame. You don't happen to have any experience with any of these: https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p8069_TS-Optics-Altazimuth-Mount-with-Fine-Adjustment-and-Quick-Release.html https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p1753_TS-Optics-Altazimuth-Mount-GSAZ-with-fine-adjustment-and-tripod.html The first seems to be the same as the VersaGo III/Twilight 1, and the last one the GSO Skyview. Both seems like a step up from Az-3/Az-5 in regards to stability, without a giant leap in price.

I really enjoy the slow motion controls, so I don't think the AZ-4 is an option. The AZ-5 has the same weight limit as the AZ-3, but is it regarded as a more sturdy mount overall? That could be an option..

Thanks for your swift reply. Do you think both of them will be okay on a simple AZ-3? I will most likely use a simple red dot and 1,25'' diagonal and eypieces, and not of the heavy premium kind.