Bresser 127 L refractor

[doug mc]

Could any owners of this refractor tell me how it performs. Visual only use.

[omegacrux (David)]

I'd be curious too

David

[AG Hybrid (Adrian)]

Probably the same or similar optics or optics maker as the Explore Scientific AR127. That gets pretty good reviews. They most likely have very similar experiences.

[doug mc]

The AR127 has a shorter focal ratio i believe. Not the same scope in a different package.

[AG Hybrid (Adrian)]

Originally Posted by doug mc

The AR127 has a shorter focal ratio i believe. Not the same scope in a different package.

Same manufacturer though

[anj026]

Though I've never tried one I would expect it to be similar to the Meade 5" achromat in this review.

http://www.cloudynights.com/page/art...refractor-r730

Basically a good value refractor for the price, but may need some fine tuning and understanding to get the best of it.

Here is another review;

http://www.cloudynights.com/page/art...efractor-r1245

And another;

http://www.cloudynights.com/page/art...d75-ar-5-r1259

[brian nordstrom (As avatar)]

I agree with Andy and think that these would be a good scope , and at f9.4 the aberration,s would be well controlled and would work well with basic Plossl,s and the like .

The 5inch class scopes seem to be overlooked mostly as people like to go to the 6inch classes but the jump from 4 to 5 inches is very profound , shame really as they look like a good scope. .

I would say if these perform anything like my iStar 127 f8 you will really like it , mine performs brilliantly on all objects.

You thinking of getting one. ? ,I don't think you will do wrong for the price , look forward to a review if you do .

Brian.

[doug mc]

Myastroshop has been selling these for some time now. Whoever is buying them is keeping quiet.

[brian nordstrom (As avatar)]

Yes I have noticed that , they are quite the bargain considering that they come on an eq5 type mount , yes I wonder where they all are
Brian.

Originally Posted by doug mc

Myastroshop has been selling these for some time now. Whoever is buying them is keeping quiet.

[cydonia]

The Explore Scientific AR127mm is built like a tank, had a look through one and now have it on my wish list. They come with a 2" diagonal I see Frontier optics have these on there website too.

[floyd_2 (Dean)]

Just in case anyone is still watching this thread, I recently purchased an Explore Scientific AR127 from Frontier Optics. I was after a 5” refractor of manageable weight and size for casual observing, that could also fit across the boot of my SUV in a soft case for transport now and then. The longer focal length Bresser equivalent was going to be too long for me, and I know I would have ended up replacing the focuser on it. Looking at feedback from people who had dealt with Explore Scientific, and also Frontier Optics in the past it looked like they both offered very good service. As it turned out, both companies offer excellent service and support.

The AR127 is a great telescope for the money and arrived with excellent collimation. I was expecting to have to tweak it after such a long journey, but it just wasn’t necessary. I haven’t looked through the Bresser equivalent so can’t compare the two. The AR127 is a great performer though and has surprisingly good light gathering power. Fit and finish is excellent, and it’s not too heavy to carry around. I decided to use a Baader Mark III zoom eyepiece with it for ultimate convenience, and the focuser handles it with ease. I’ve had the opportunity to look through it a couple of times since it arrived so far, and was initially expecting similar views to my old Televue 102 (except with achro performance). The extra inch of aperture, however, makes quite a difference. For a small scope, I couldn’t be happier. It’ll never be a 15” Obsession, but that’s not what I bought it for anyway 

[eskimo20 (Robert)]

I have a Bresser 127L (= Meade AR5?). And I use it regularly.

It's the best $520 I've ever spent.

At f9.4 residual chromatic aberration very well controlled.

I often use a Fringe Killer for visual and it produces pin-point stars against a completely black sky. CA is virtually non-existent.

Out of the box collimation was perfect.

This scope gives sharper views than my 12" Skywatcher.

I also have a n 8" f7 home made reflector with an excellent mirror and the Bresser performs as least as well.

If all their scopes are good as mine, I'd have no hesitation in recommending it.

[brian nordstrom (As avatar)]

Thanks Robert and Dean , this is exactly what we need to hear as the low'ly old Achromat more often than not gets slagged by all who think that a little CA is the end all of good viewing ... forgetting the awesome views only an achro can show , , the old 'Diamonds on black velvet ' effect .
Beautiful

WRONG ! these scope's do perform brilliantly and I was out last night looking at Jupiter at 275x with my iStar and the detail seen was impressive .

ps. Dean have a look on the Cloudy Nites website in the 'Refractors' forums , the AR127's get great reviews there , they are well liked in the USA .

Brian.