Explore Scientific ED102CF 102mm f/7 Apo Triplet Refractor Telescope with Exos-2GT Mo

[LaughingBeagles]

Hi All,

I recently watched a YouTube link on Astrophtography (https://youtu.be/l_IYaC31GlY) and the guy was using an Explore Scientific ED102CF 102mm f/7 Apo Triplet Refractor Telescope with Exos-2GT Mount.

It had its own hard carry case and seemed idea for travel.

B&H sell it as a kit (see https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1183032-REG/explore_scientific_edt10207cf_exos2 gt_ed102_for_7_refractor.html), but I can't seem to find it anywhere in Australia.

Folks on Cloudy Nights rave about it and it looks like a great lightweight travel option.

Are there Australian equivalents for around the same price (including the hard travel case) or even the same gear?

With the exchange rate being what it is and add to that over $200US in shipping, it becomes pretty pricey.

Pete

[MortonH]

You'd also get hit with GST if you buy from overseas.

Unfortunately there are no official ES dealers here. Best option is to place a wanted ad for a used one on this site. There have been a few bought and sold before.

The mount is essentially just an EQ-5.

[cydonia]

Actually there is a dealer here, I recently purchased a ES 30mm 82deg eyepiece from them. Www.frontieroptics.com.au, fantastic eyepiece and good service.

Clear skies
Nick

[MortonH]

Yes, I just remembered that Frontier Optics is now a dealer.

http://www.frontieroptics.com.au/Explore%20Scientific%20Carbon%20Fib re.htm

[The Mekon]

Yes, do not be deceived. The USA price will be around $3500 by the time the package is in your hands. Better to go for the tube only from the Australian dealer and source a mount separately. Good Eq6 mounts go for $1000 used so could be better off than buying overseas.

[LaughingBeagles]

Thanks everyone, much appreciated.

[gaseous]

Have a look at telescope house in the U.K. Once you put in your delivery address, they remove the VAT and the price comes right down. I bought 2 ES eyepieces before Christmas and saved about 20% on the frontier optics prices (sorry Nick!) I'm all for buying local, but $140 in savings isn't chicken feed.

[MortonH]

Just remember that purchases over $1000 will be charged GST on arrival in Oz.

[gaseous]

True. bull**** rule, but true.

[LaughingBeagles]

You're right about the telescope house. The same telescope there (less vat) is 873.33 pounds, which converts to $AU1427.42. Purchase from frontier optics in Australia and they charge you $AUD2500. So even with GST, it's a lot cheaper!!

[gaseous]

I think the one for around 873 pounds isn't the carbon fibre model - from what I can tell the carbon fibre model works out to a touch over $2k AUD, but is still cheaper, even with GST applied.

[LaughingBeagles]

A tad over excited on my part I think! Good pickup.

[cydonia]

That's ok, I got the eyepiece a bit cheaper then their web price and it ended cheaper then buying from US believe it or not.

Contact them to see if their web price is still valid mate, the other thing I have found out over the years is that if you buy overseas most Manufacturs will not honour local warranty and you will be forced to send the scope back to U.K. Which will cost you a fortune.

Clear skies
Nick