HiOptic Refractors?

[Crazydog (Lea)]

I came across the HiOptic page last night, at telescope-astronomy.com.au (really should just stop looking ). Price and specs look good on both the 102/660 and 127/820 (assuming the page is current)and both would be around F6.5 which I thought may be a bit better for me than the shorter tubed F5 Skywatchers I was looking to get. A bit more versatile for both planet and DSO, perhaps??? I also do terrestrial viewing so am not keen for an EQ mount but they may swap it out for a AZ.
I can't find any info relating to these particular models, but in general the brand seems to be ok as it is related to/supplier for many other known brands. Does anyone have anything they can offer on these models or the brand itself? Thanks.

[Crazydog (Lea)]

Hmm, obviously not very popular, not that I would let that deter me. Found some nice reviews from OS.

[h0ughy (David)]

no not popular

[Larryp (Laurie)]

I think they are the same as North Group, and lots of IIS members seem to use them.

[MortonH]

Yes, they are the same as North Group. They can be good, but quality control seems to be lacking so sometimes you can get a bad one.

I considered the 127mm f/6.5 model myself but didn't do it in the end, not because of the quality but because I changed my mind on the "big achro" idea.

If I was buying one I would be asking the vendor to check the scope before posting it in case there are obvious issues. Even if you returned it you'd still pay for the postage between yourself and the shop so it's better they don't send it at all if it's a lemon.

[Crazydog (Lea)]

Thanks....yes, North group was all I could really find any reviews on and it was pretty much as you say, MortonH. That's a good idea about getting the vendor to check before postage, and I will do that if I decide to go that way. I'm after a first scope so not sure this is the way to go, just checking the options.