A new addition to consider? Advice would be appreciated

[nickarp2000]

Hi All

Due to the sad demise of my old Equinox ED80 Pro (fine focus unit just doesnt work even after strip down) I am now in the market for a new wide field refractor for my astrophotography which encompasses mainly Galaxies and planetary nebula.

I am considering moving up to 102mm diameter aperture, which I know will give me slower optics at F7 but that really just means longer subs and longer in the garden I suppose?

Looking at various options I seem to keep going back to this unit:-

TS-Optics Doublet SD Apo 102 mm f/7 - FPL53 / Lanthan Objective

Has anybody any experience with this frac.

I would welcome their comments.

Its not a bad price for something that states FPL53 at this aperture

Many thanks

Nick

 

[bosun21]

I have the same telescope only branded the Starfield 102. First Light Optics has two in stock at the moment. They are a fantastic refractor with great optical quality. No sign of chromatic aberration even at high magnification. The 0.8x reducer/flattener added for AP works out at f5.6. You won’t go wrong with this scope.

[nickarp2000]

Thanks

Yes I did go to FLO and noticed they had the same in stock (different name of course)

So you have found it great to work with then?

I have a Senso Sesto 2 robotic focuser which I would love to use and am hoping I could couple it to the focuser on this

Many thanks

Nick

[The Lapwing]

It’s an excellent scope for visual observation. Others will tell you about it with regards to photography. I believe a triplet is usually suggested 

[The Lapwing]

You could always replace the focuser. Everyone did it years ago. 

[nickarp2000]

Thanks

Unfortunately the Equinox ED80 Pro has a screwed in focuser, which doubles as a rotator.

I can find a fitting to fit a new focus unit into it

TS have given me some options but when I add an adapter and focus unit it gets upwards of £500, which is a lot to spend on an 11 year old telescope!

Thanks

Nick

[bosun21]

The focuser on the telescope is very good and smooth as butter. I had the ZWO EAF on mine which is straightforward to attach to the focuser. There are many people imaging with this telescope and getting good results. The focuser also rotates.

Edited June 8, 2023 by bosun21