[pmrid (Peter)]

You could not get 2 pieces of equipment more different: On the one hand we have a brand new ED127 from North Group with what they describe AND SELL as an " advanced 2inch dual speed focuser for astro-photography". On the other hand a Moonlite "CFL 2.5 inch Large Format Crayford Refractor Focusers".

When the ED127 arrived, and I removed it from it's case, the focuser simply fell off. It was not attached to the OTA at all, but merely sitting in place. There are 3 grub-screws that had not been tightened in the least degree. So much for Quality Control and Presentation. But wait, there's more. When attached, the focuser that is supposed to suit the needs of astrophotographers proved unusable for any purpose. There is a locking bolt underneath the body. When fully engaged, the drawtube moved easily in and out and would not hold even a light DSLR. But worse still, the focuser flopped a good half-inch to left and right as well as up and down. Even when racked well inside the focus point for this scope, the drawtube waved around like a leat on a tree: and that with the locking bolt fully engaged. On looking inside, it was clear that there should be two rollers per side holding against the metail rails that centre and stabilise the drawtube. Only one roller per side was visible. There did not seem to be any second roller, so the whole drawtube was centered by two rollers in the front position. No wonder is flopped around.

By way of extreme contrast, Moonlite's focuser arrived promptly, fitted wthout a hitch and is firm, stable, accurate and does precisely what is says it will.

On describing the complaints I have with their focuser, the NG response was to ask for photos. I sent a short video instead but have had no reply from them to those. Even if they do reply, there is now no way this side of eternity that I will put anything they make onto this telescope.

What remains now to be done is to test the optics. The scope is sold as an APO. I am suspending judgment on that and may report back when I get a chance.

If you are contemplating buying an ED127, do so by all means, but do not have any expectations of a usable focuser as part of the package.

Peter.