North Group 102mm triplet

[Larryp]

Hi-does anybody have a North Group 102mm ED triplet refractor?
I would like to hear opinions of its quality.

[brian nordstrom]

:) Hi Larry , I have the 127mm of these and if the 102mm is as good it will be a very good scope , build and optics .Good luck and hope you get what you are looking for .
Brian

[Sarge]

Laurie,

I have the 127 also. Can't fault the optics, the extras need a little upgrading, but the scope is wonderful.

Clear skies

Rod
:D:D

[Larryp]

Thanks Brian and Rod

[brian nordstrom]

:) No worries Laurie , I am sure I speak for all here , please keep us up to date with your scope , with photos and descriptions ....:thanx:.
Brian.

[wasyoungonce]

I saw a interferometer test of this scope done by Wolfgang Gryzbowski. I think he does outsource testing for German telescope shops.

Anyway his report is quite good. About 1/2 way down this page (http://www.fernrohr-service.de/9.html).

Further to this, he has removed some older tests which he rated the optics as very good.

FWIW.

[Larryp]

Thanks Brendon-that makes me more confident about buying one

[traveller]

Judging by all reports, you wont be dissappointed Laurie.
I did plan to get the ED102 but the budget didn't allow for it. So I settled for a second hand ED80 instead.
Pls post some photos once you get it.
Cheers,
Bo

[Larryp]

Thanks Bo. I got a quote from Gilman for the 102mm, and with the upgraded focusser for AP, it costs US$905.00-very cheap for a 4" triplet!

[traveller]

Yes, I did see some member on this forum with the upgraded focuser (claimed 4kg capacity). But I was planning to get the stock focuser and then spend a few more $$ on a Moonlite or even Feathertouch unit. All that is theoretical for me now, but you might want to consider.
Cheers, Bo

[Larryp]

Think I will buy it with the upgraded focusser and see if it is ok-if not, I can always upgrade later.

[Retrograde]

Hi Laurie,

I have the North Grooup 102mm triplet and am very happy with it.
Side by side with a Vixen 103mm (albeit optimised for AP) it was equal if not marginally superior on Jupiter.

I also got the upgraded AP focuser but I don't think I would bother with that if I were you. Although it works for AP I'm unable to get focus on my longer focal length eyepieces as the focuser doesn't allow the drawtube of the diagonal to sit all the way home. Going to try fixing it but if that fails I'll probably just go for a Moonlite or Feathertouch and be done with it.

[Larryp]

Thanks Pete-I took the plunge and ordered it today,actually. Glad to hear from a happy owner!

[DavidU]

Awesome, can't wait to see what you think of it.

[Retrograde]

Good stuff Laurie - I'm sure you'll be happy with it.
That price/performance ratio is hard to beat.