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Just in case anyone is still watching this thread, I recently purchased an Explore Scientific AR127 from Frontier Optics. I was after a 5” refractor of manageable weight and size for casual observing, that could also fit across the boot of my SUV in a soft case for transport now and then. The longer focal length Bresser equivalent was going to be too long for me, and I know I would have ended up replacing the focuser on it. Looking at feedback from people who had dealt with Explore Scientific, and also Frontier Optics in the past it looked like they both offered very good service. As it turned out, both companies offer excellent service and support.
The AR127 is a great telescope for the money and arrived with excellent collimation. I was expecting to have to tweak it after such a long journey, but it just wasn’t necessary. I haven’t looked through the Bresser equivalent so can’t compare the two. The AR127 is a great performer though and has surprisingly good light gathering power. Fit and finish is excellent, and it’s not too heavy to carry around. I decided to use a Baader Mark III zoom eyepiece with it for ultimate convenience, and the focuser handles it with ease. I’ve had the opportunity to look through it a couple of times since it arrived so far, and was initially expecting similar views to my old Televue 102 (except with achro performance). The extra inch of aperture, however, makes quite a difference. For a small scope, I couldn’t be happier. It’ll never be a 15” Obsession, but that’s not what I bought it for anyway
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