[WITHDRAWN] Celestron sp-c102f refractor

[Astromelb]

FOR SALE - RARE & HARD TO FIND

CELESTRON SP-C102F REFRACTOR

I have two of these systems, and simply do not use the 2nd unit, so I am selling it.

These are exceptional.
It is a true apochromatic refractor, and beats the performance of my Vixen FL102's that I own.
For those that know these units they will be very well aware how very highly regarded they are.
They are the 102mm aperture f8.8 f900mm Fluorite optic that was made in modest volume by Vixen, and marketed under the Celestron banner. These are regarded globally as superior to the much more common Vixen 102mm f9 Fluorite refractors, which themselves are most highly valued and very highly sought after.

I am offering this to an Australian audience first to see if there is someone here in our fair country that wants it, before moving on to an overseas webpage to sell it (where it will go very quickly), and where these systems usually sell for usually around the US$ 1750 or a bit more mark.

Optics and mechanicals are in excellent condition. The tube has a few minor marks on it from use, as this telescope has been used, and deserves to be used. Optical quality is sublime, absolutely beautiful, crisp, pin sharp and massive detail, but this is what you expect from something that is as highly regarded as this unit.

Supply includes OTA, tube rings and standard Vixen type dovetail.
Units mounts up the standard 1.25 inch focuser, but I can change it over to a Crayford 2 inch with 1.25 inch adaptor if someone wants to do so (extra cost).
Units fits a standard Vixen, Skywatcher, Celestron, Saxon finderscope dovetail bracket to attach your own finderscope (or I can add one if you wish). Pic of the focuser end shows the standard cutout with locating screw fitted to fit your finderscope bracket.

Price $ 2,200

Plus shipment nationally (or internationally) at cost.

Thanks for looking.

[LewisM]

Has this one got the 2" back, or the American market 1.25" version?

Just a correction - the Vixen marketed ones are 920mm FL. The lens elements were made by Canon's optical manufacturer, as were Takahashi's FC objectives - the Tak and the Vixen/Celestrons are virtually identical,and both brands exhibit extraordinary Strehl ratios. The Vixen 102/Celestron is still considered in the top 3 best 4" APOs ever made, outperforming most more recent offerings easily.

In the absence of photos for now, I assume this has the peculiar to Celestron versions rotatable centrally mounted finder?

[Astromelb]

Dear I In Ser's,

Thank you for the clarification Lewis.

You are correct the Vixen units have a focal ratio of f9.

This unit is not f9, it is the higher regarded f8.8.

IMHO it is a better optic, and yes I also agree with Lewis it is as good as my Tak FS102 which was the same lens manufacturer - who I regard so highly that I get them to makes lenses today for my business Astronomy Alive.

IMHO it's performance is a little better than my Tak FS102, which I regard as one of my best telescopes, but I have two of these SP-C102F Celestron units, and I do not need two, so this one goes.

Thanks.
Cris.
Astromelb.

Originally Posted by LewisM

Has this one got the 2" back, or the American market 1.25" version?

Just a correction - the Vixen marketed ones are 920mm FL. The lens elements were made by Canon's optical manufacturer, as were Takahashi's FC objectives - the Tak and the Vixen/Celestrons are virtually identical,and both brands exhibit extraordinary Strehl ratios. The Vixen 102/Celestron is still considered in the top 3 best 4" APOs ever made, outperforming most more recent offerings easily.

In the absence of photos for now, I assume this has the peculiar to Celestron versions rotatable centrally mounted finder?

[LewisM]

Could you show an objective image please Cris.

Incidentally, if you have a spare/take-off aluminium dew shield/hood from one of these or a Vixen, let me know pls.

[Astromelb]

Dear I In S'ers

Image of the lens has been added. The image isn't that great as it is difficult to get an image without using a flash as the level of light inside the dewcap is meant to be dark, as this is a telescope after all

Using a flash makes any lens look awful. This lens is clean and needs nothing doing to it.

Trust this assists.

Rgds,
Cris,
Astromelb.

Originally Posted by LewisM

Could you show an objective image please Cris.

Incidentally, if you have a spare/take-off aluminium dew shield/hood from one of these or a Vixen, let me know pls.