[chris lewis]

I have had my Equinox ED120 version on a HEQ5 mount for about 6 months now. It It has given me very good images and service. I traded it on an Orion ED100 which was good in it self - however the ED120 is really like an ED100 on steroids. It gives me that extra headroom for magnification and brightness esp. on planatary viewing - Jupiter and Saturn displays a wealth of detail. 300x on steady nights is easily achievable witout deterioration of image. There is minimal CA - no more the the ED100 and it is an F/7.5 compared to F/9 of the ED100. The FPL- 53 doublet glass gives flat images that are sharp to edge and it displays no obvious zonal errors.
The consistency of the quality of the Synta doublet lens appears excellent worldwide. Quality of the Equinox is of a high standard. The 2x speed focuser is smooth. It is to be noted however some have had concerns which is related to roughness when focusing.
The ED120 has proved popular on othe overseas forums and generally gets excellent reviews and comments.
I think the 'almost' 5 in. ED120 'APO' - APO certainly for visual use - is an excellent choice for cost effectiveness and portabilty.
I have a colleage with a lovely Televue 127 APO and the ED120 gives about 80% - 85% of the performance of the TV and the TV costs over 3x times the price. My friend also comments on this also so it is just not my bias showing.
I have not done any A.P. so cannot comment but again results from others appear very favourable.
Get this and later a 12. in Dob. - and you will be smiling.

Chris