North Group CF 127mm ED APO

[scagman (John)]

Hello,

Just wondering if anyone has seen/used the carbon fibre 127mm ED APO from North Group?

I have recieved a quote from them, the OTA is US$1195 with the better focuser.

If they have the same qlt as the original from the post I have read I will buy one.

Any thoughts
Regards
John

[allan gould]

Must be honest as I think that CF is a gimic especially with a refractor of f7.5. My Al tube holds focus all night and night after night. Never seen the need for it, but if you like the look of CF then go for it as it will be lighter and make you feel good at the same time.

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by allan gould

Must be honest as I think that CF is a gimic especially with a refractor of f7.5. My Al tube holds focus all night and night after night. Never seen the need for it, but if you like the look of CF then go for it as it will be lighter and make you feel good at the same time.

I'll go against the grain on this one. I have converted my C11 to CF and it did a hell of a difference in keeping focus. I also have an ED80 (alu tube at F7.5) and a CF triplet 90mm (F6.7). The triplet will keep focus and won't get as wet as the ED80 does if temp drops a lot. So it did work for me.

[Waxing_Gibbous (Peter)]

I plan on stealing Marc's triplet quite soon.
Heads - up.

The NG 127 is, I believe, the same optical assembly that's found in the Meade and Explore Scientific 'scopes.
I haven't heard any compalints and lots of good things have been written.

I'll second his liking for CF tubes. While I'm not fond of the look, and can't comment on their thermal stability, the weight saving is noticable, making them easier to handle.

[scagman (John)]

Hi all,

I actually went for the CF version over the Al version because it came with the better focuser and Gilman has the Al version listed for viewing and the CF version with the better focuser for imaging.
I could have gotten the Al and a better focuser but was only $200US extra for the CF version.

I think either version will make me feel good as the only differance I would notice will be the color and weight as I dont have anything to compare it to except a 10 year old memory of looking at Saturn with my 3" tasko with a wobblie wooden tripod, which still makes me feel good.

John

[Rigel003 (Graeme)]

Congratulations on the purchase. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Looking forward to the photos.

[allan gould]

John, congratulations on your scope and I bet you will enjoy it as they are optically excellent.

[scagman (John)]

Thanks guys,

Now the hard part, waiting on delivery.

Should be leaving china today. :-)
Haven't got a mount or camera yet thier next.

[Terry B]

Bit hard to use without a mount. More shopping is needed.

[AdrianF (Adrian)]

A bit hard hand held A great scope by the way.

Adrian

[scagman (John)]

I wasn't expecting such prompt delivery.
Looks like I'll just have to make do with a fence post till I get the mount.
The mounts about a month off so just have to be patient now.