TS-Optics PhotoLine 102mm f/7 FPL-53 Doublet Apo

[dweller25]

Does anyone own one of these FPL-53 doublets?

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p9868_TS-Optics-PhotoLine-102mm-f-7-FPL-53-Doublet-Apo-with-2-5--Focuser.html

Online reviews seem to be very scarce.

I would appreciate any real world user feedback on this scope.

Thanks.

 

[mikeDnight]

Parallaxerr (Jon) bought the Star Wave 102 R  FPL53 doublet at the Kettering event last saturday. I believe its the same scope with a better focuser. It looked like a first class piece of kit in the flesh, but no first light report yet.

 

[vlaiv]

Look up Stellarvue Access 102 F/7 - they seem to be the same scope - at least exterior and focuser.

Specs are the same apart from Stellarvue listing Access as FCD100 + Lanthanum element, TS one is FPL53 + lanthanum.

I've read yesterday here on SGL that Altair Astro rep said something about all three scopes being the same, except each vendor specifying required standard of figure of their batch (AA being of highest standard).

[david_taurus83]

A bit of light reading here:

 

https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/330586-ts-optics-102ed-fpl51-any-inforeviewsusers/

And related:

https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/331683-new-refractor-figure-vs-flourite/

A tale of tragedy and redemption!

 

I also bought the 102ED-R. It's cheaper than the TS one and has a better focuser. I've had a brief first light with it last week and an hour or so last night. I'm not a relatively experienced observer but it gives good views imo.