Bresser Messier AR-102/600 OTA

[Terryvasa]

I'm new to this forum and thinking of buying this 

Bresser Messier AR-102/600 OTA

Is it a decent telescope

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

That is a nice wide-field instrument, I would expect slightly less chromatic aberration than with the ST102 from Skywatcher. For planets a longer focal length would probably be better.

[xtreemchaos]

yes mate a very good scope, i have the bigger ar127l , optics are very good and the OTA is well made, i think the only drawback is weight compared to the sw evo range there a little bit heavyer. goodluck  charl.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

The AR127L is substantially longer in focal length, and will be much better corrected for planets.

[Putaendo Patrick]

Welcome to the SGL forums! The Bresser Messier range of achromat refractors are very good and excellent value.

The model you are interested in has a short focal length (600mm) which means it will perform best for wider views at low magnification. Apart from the larger aperture AR127L with a focal length of 1200mm which Michael mentions above, there is also the AR102/1000 with a focal length of 1000mm at a price much closer to the one you are considering.

What do you intend to use the telescope for? For general observation, including planets and double stars, I personally would go with the longer focal length. Longer focal length (and slower focal ratio) also mean less chromatic aberration or colour fringing which is a problem inherent to achromat refractors.