127mm ED Triplet for $1199 at VTI Optics

[RobC (Rob)]

I purchased their promoted ( astrophotography ) focuser for both scopes. From my understanding this is an updated version of their intial astrophotography focuser. I use a batinov mask to get precise focus.

Regards

Rob

[Sarge (Rod)]

I am absolutely rapped with my NG CF 127ED. Cannot fault the optics at all. I did replace the focuser with a Moonlite, as NG just does not make a decent focuser. Scope works perfectly sitting on top of my NEQ6.

Best couple of grand I ever spent!!

Clear skies

Rod

[Profiler (Profiler)]

Hi Morton

Yes - that is one of my points made much earlier on this thread - we are dealing with something that is incredibly cheap and priced pretty close to what you typically get for an achro of comparable size.

For folks getting into astronomy or someone who simply wants a big refractor for visual use I can't see how you can go too wrong at this price. However, for AP use then I agree folks are certainly going to be more discerning.

[Larryp (Laurie)]

Originally Posted by MortonH

They used to offer two focuser options - one for visual only and the other for astrophotography. Is that still the case? And if so did you go with the astrophotography version?

I ordered my 102mm with their photographic focuser. It arrived with part of the focuser missing, and when I got the missing piece, it still fell apart!. Replaced it with a Moonlite, and its brilliant!

[RobC (Rob)]

Laurie,

I purchased the AstroPhotography focuser. The one on the 127 ED was a bit loose and I tightened the retaining screws. Apart from that they both work like a charm. Takes me about five shoots to get precise focus using a batinov mask. Admittedly I am only using a DSLR , not sure how they would handle the additional weight of filter wheels , but I have done a fair bit of imaging just before the meridan without any slippage.

If I could work out how to attach images to these threads I would send you some photos of the focuser to see if they are the same as the ones you purchased.

Regards

Rob

[Larryp (Laurie)]

Originally Posted by RobC

Laurie,

I purchased the AstroPhotography focuser. The one on the 127 ED was a bit loose and I tightened the retaining screws. Apart from that they both work like a charm. Takes me about five shoots to get precise focus using a batinov mask. Admittedly I am only using a DSLR , not sure how they would handle the additional weight of filter wheels , but I have done a fair bit of imaging just before the meridan without any slippage.

If I could work out how to attach images to these threads I would send you some photos of the focuser to see if they are the same as the ones you purchased.

Regards

Rob

Bob,
I'm sure my focuser would be the same as yours-the difference is you got one that worked!
I sent mine back to North Group, and they replaced it with the standard focuser. But I had already bought the Moonlite, which is absolutely superb.
Regards
Laurie

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Originally Posted by MortonH

Since buying an Explore Scientific eyepiece from VTI I'm on their mailing list.

They're offering the HiOptic version of the 127ED triplet for $1199 plus $100 delivery.

I'm happy with my current scope collection but I imagine others may be interested. Just passing it on...

Curses to you....
Delivery charge to my place was quoted at $87
I guess mine will be here in time for New Moon.

[allan gould]

Can anyone explain why the same scope badged as ES or hioptic can be sold for a difference of $800 by the same dealer? Is it the same scope? IDN.
Caveat emptor

[MortonH]

I was told that ES imposes a minimum price on its resellers but for the HiOptic version there's no such restriction.

Remember that ES has additional QC over the HiOptic version. I don't think anyone would expect to receive an Explore scope with the issues that Tony described.

[Profiler (Profiler)]

Another point for some perspective as to why these generic 127 models are becoming much cheaper is that a new design is now on the horizon - the first examples/incarnation being under the badge of 'Meade 6000 series' refractors (these 127's being examples of the previous Meade 5000 series). Examples of the 6000 series can be found on the Bintel site.

[casstony]

Just adding a comment on the very minor CA with these scopes and more generally with any achromat or fast ED refractor:
if a particular objective design is not capable of bring all desired wavelengths to the same focus the designer can choose to let the blue end of the spectrum go out of focus or the red end go out of focus. While red wavelengths are more important for planetary viewing the eye is more sensitive to blue so observers are more likely to complain about blue chromatic aberration. Designers can choose to bias correction towards the blue end to keep customers happy, but those same customers are unaware that they are losing out on planetary detail.

So in less than perfect apochromats visual observers benefit from best correction at the red end of the spectrum.

I'd read about this from respectable sources many years ago, then there wasn't much about it on the forums for a long time, but recent threads on cloudy nights have reiterated the point.

[MortonH]

Do we know if the lens has changed in the Meade 6000 or just the quality of the tube and components?

[casstony]

Originally Posted by MortonH

Do we know if the lens has changed in the Meade 6000 or just the quality of the tube and components?

I suspect it's a different lens made by a different company and also a little higher quality (and higher price). I went looking for images through the 6000 a while back and it seems like a very nice scope. A scope with the same appearance and specs has been sold in Europe for some time now. (I'll find the name and post it here)

[MortonH]

Probably this one:

http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/...ford-1-11.html

[casstony]

There's a few places selling 6000 look alikes, here's another: http://www.altairastro.com/product.php?productid=16494

[MortonH]

Saw that Altair one before. Their branded scopes seem to have received decent reviews in the UK. But again I wonder if the lens is better or it's just the mechanics of the scope, and presumably the QC issues you encountered would be much less likely.

[MortonH]

Found this review of the Altair 115 triplet. Sounds impressive and possibly a notch above the HiOptic models, but with a commensurate price increase.


https://www.altairastro.com/public/1...ompressed).pdf

[spacezebra (Petra)]

You going a Triplet JJJ? sweet!

Originally Posted by jjjnettie

Curses to you....
Delivery charge to my place was quoted at $87
I guess mine will be here in time for New Moon.

Cheers Petra d.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Less spending money now for Spacefest.

[spacezebra (Petra)]

I must admit Im pretty happy with the 102 - its delivering superb views.

Cheers Petra d.