Quote:
Originally Posted by Gurutronic
Hi All
I am looking to purchase an apo in the 100-110mm range, but like many, have to work to a budget, mine being around $2000. This rules out all the big brand scopes, so I have started looking into scopes sourced from China. Namely Sharp star, Kunming United, William Optics and Longpern. I was wondering if anyone on the site owned or had used any of these a scopes, and if so, what they performed like? I am looking to use it both for a grab and go visual scope, as well as to use with a 60d for some beginner astrophotography.
Some background on my other equipment.. I already have an svr80ed which I enjoy using due to how easily portable it is. I also have an C8 edge HD which I use when I want to go a bit deeper, so this new scope will hopefully give me somewhat of a middle ground. I also really like carbon fiber ota's..
So currently my not so shortlist is:
Sharp star cf 106
Sharp star APM 107 (there's also a carbon fiber version out)
Longpern ed 110
William Optics GT102
William Optics FLT 98
And (somehow) sourcing a Kunming United cf102
My wife will be in China for a couple of weeks in September so having her bring one of the Chinese scopes back wouldn't be a problem if needed.
So if anyone has used the scopes above, please let me know as I am really not sure which way to go.
Thanks
Ernie
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Hi Ernie,
I have the Williams Optics FLT 110 and for the price, currently $2,298 plus $99 freight, it is a great buy. It also comes with a bonus Field Flattener, if purchased directly from WO. Don't forget GST is also payable.
I am very happy with it and use it for visual only, so cannot comment on its photographic capabilities. It is about the best value scope vs quality in that price range. Now that I have the FLT 110, I kind of wished I had gone for the FLT 132, however, at over $2,000 extra I just couldn't justify it. At the current price, the FLT 110 is a great compromise. I certainly won't be upgrading it any time soon, if ever.
Cheers Peter