News from North Group

[gbeal]

Many of the forum will know of Gilman and "North Group", having purchased a few of their ED127 telescopes. I have had a couple myself, and found him excellent to deal with.
Chris asked about the bigger releases due soon, and I accordingly asked Gilman, and got this reply just now. Nothing really new, but if you are in the market for a serious piece of refractor, maybe give it some thought.
I hasten to add though, I am in no way affiliated with North Group, merely the bearer of the news.
Gary


"Dear Gary,

Thank you for your mail.
ED152-CF 6" f/7.5 ED APO
Perfect instrument for demanding wide field observing and astrophotography.
Hoya ED Glass, is a critical element of 152mm f/8 Carbon Fiber Air-Spaced Triplet ED Apochromatic Refractor, minimizing chromatic aberration.
Includes a precision ten-to-one, two-speed Crayford-style precision focuser with tension adjustment and lock to obtain and hold perfect focus.
The 152mm f7.5 Carbon Fiber Air-Spaced Triplet ED Apochromatic Refractor allows for optical centering to collimate the lens elements should the telescope ever require it.
there are 2 pcs of ED glass during 3 elements objective lenses,

(built-in 2pcs of ED glass during triplet elements objective lenses)
with advanced quality 3inch dual speed focuser for astro-photography,
with black carbon fiber tube,
with ring and dovetail rail,
with aluminium case package,
delivery time is by the end of this month,

Best Wishes
Gilman
North Group"

[h0ughy (David)]

they have been working on this one for a while

[Octane (Humayun)]

Have you ordered a couple yet, Dave?

H

[allan gould]

Binos - Dave?

[cventer]

I am pretty interested in one of these.

In his response to me it starts out as f7.5 then is an f8 then f.75 again if you read email below. I wonder which it is ?

Also i am guessing based on experience i have read with 127 ed that the focuser will have to go. this means moonlite or feathertouch adding another $500 - $700 to cost.

Be great to see some pictures of this as well.

Expensive gamble but could be worth it if it pays off.

[gbeal]

After you mentioned it Chris, I queried this and was told definitely f7.5.
I agree with the focuser, I certainly didn't have any joy with the ones I had, but this being 3" might be better.
What we need is an early adopter.
Gary

[cventer]

I plan on askiNg for Some pictures. If I like what I see I might take a punt.

Always wanted a 6 inch refractor. If performance is even on par with my trusty ed80 I will be happy.

[h0ughy (David)]

well the first price i got was a doozy - well over 6K

note these are old prices

Sent: Wednesday, 24 November 2010 12:22 AM
To: David Hough
Subject: quote 127ED telescope delivered to Australia from North Group


Dear David,

Thank you for your mail.
ED152 with advanced dual speed focuser only for observing, OTA,
2 pcs of ED glass in 3-elements objective lens,
with carbon fiber tube,
with ring and dovetail rail,
with aluminium case package,
without diagonal,eyepiece,finder scope.
USD6350


so given the time difference it has dropped a grand or so in 12 mths

[h0ughy (David)]

Originally Posted by allan gould

Binos - Dave?

no

[h0ughy (David)]

Originally Posted by octane

have you ordered a couple yet, dave? :p

h

no:p

[netwolf]

Guys do you know what the middle element is in the triplet they always say 2pc ED for both the 152 and the 127 but no mention of the third element. From a price perspective the 152 is quiet good value but I thin the Tec 140 is still the better buy given the quality is already well known. Ok 12mm smaller and 500$ more.

[cventer]

Good point on TEC 140. Fair chance the NG 152 will need focuser upgrade anyway so that puts price on par for 12mm more aperture.

Guess the TEC waiting list may be isue though.

[scagman (John)]

Their price has gone up $700 since april. This is the quote I got when I was chasing the 127mm.
Thank you for your mail.
our ED152 OTA,
(built-in 2pcs of ED glass during triplet elements objective lenses)
with advanced quality electro-motor dual speed focuser for astro-photography,
with ring and dovetail rail,
with aluminium case package,
with 2 inch dielectric diagonal 99% reflex,
with wide angle eyepiece,
with 8x50 erecting image of finder scope.
USD4250

our ED127 with advanced dual speed focuser only for observing, OTA,
with normal aluminium tube,
with ring and dovetail rail,
with aluminium case package,
without diagonal,eyepiece,finder scope.
USD995

our ED127 with advanced dual speed focuser for camera, OTA,
with carbon fiber tube,
with ring and dovetail rail,
with aluminium case package,
without diagonal,eyepiece,finder scope.
USD1195

[cventer]

Wow your price included more bits and pieces for a lower price

with advanced quality electro-motor dual speed focuser for astro-photography,
with 2 inch dielectric diagonal 99% reflex,
with wide angle eyepiece,

It did not say carbon fiber tube though so maybe this is the difference in price ?

[scagman (John)]

True but there was only $200 diff in the 127mm between Cf and Alum.

maybe the US$ has something to do with it aswell