16 replies to this topic

[Mordakyblu]

I have a Celestron SPC SPC 102 F10 achromat. I’m want to upgrade the focuser, but the GSO is out of stock.  The Moonlight replacement is 700 dollars. I can buy an Astrotech 80 or 102 ED for less. It looks like I might have to put the old scope down. And buy new.

[wrvond]

You’ll have a much better scope, too.

[Adluginb]

The AT80edl is $699, just saying….

[betacygni]

I’d upgrade. Even if you can find the GSO crayfords in stock they aren’t spectacular, especially for the cost. The Astro-Tech focusers are far superior and you’d have a better objective on top of that.

Edited by betacygni, 30 January 2023 - 11:32 PM.

[wrvond]

Agena Astro

None of those you circled will fit, one of them is for an SCT and another for a reflector.  

[jlinsobe]

I think that you are strictly visual right?
If so then Get the 102ED by Astrotech.  It has a butter smooth focuser, plus it’s on sale.

Or The AT80ED is also as great as the 102, just more portable and smaller.

 

Well built, great looks and optics plus butter smooth focuser.  If u are not in the USA then Svbony has virtually the same models. 

 

[wrvond]

I think that you are strictly visual right?
If so then Get the 102ED by Astrotech.  It has a butter smooth focuser, plus it’s on sale.

Or The AT80ED is also as great as the 102, just more portable and smaller.

 

Well built, great looks and optics plus butter smooth focuser.  If u are not in the USA then Svbony has virtually the same models. 

For outside the US, I'd go with Teleskop Service :

 

https://www.teleskop...Telescopes.html

[vtornado]

you can place a want ad for a focuser.

if you have enough travel, you could also add a helical microfocuser

[Polyphemos]

If your OTA is made by Vixen I wouldn’t be in a rush to replace it; they can have excellent optics. If the scope has been well cared for and is in good condition I’d probably get the non-linear bearing GSO Crayford Focuser. Here’s one that may fit and is in stock now:

 

https://agenaastro.c...peed-112mm.html

 

But then I have a soft spot for vintage Japanese achromats.  If you’re looking for a reason to upgrade please let me assist you by putting this link to the AT102ED, currently on sale for a very reasonable $549, within easy clicking distance:

 

https://www.astronom...ractor-ota.html

 

Practically irresistible

Edited by Polyphemos, 31 January 2023 - 01:25 AM.

[stevew]

I have a Celestron SPC SPC 102 F10 achromat. I’m want to upgrade the focuser, but the GSO is out of stock.  The Moonlight replacement is 700 dollars. I can buy an Astrotech 80 or 102 ED for less. It looks like I might have to put the old scope down. And buy new.

The Celestron [Vixen] SPC102 is a great scope. I have owned several over the years. But an Astro Tech 102 ED will provide sharper more contrasty images.

If I were you, I'd look at upgrading. Let us know what you decide.

[bobhen]

I had a Celestron 102mm F10 achromat with the exact same lens that you have now. I purchased an Astro-Tech 102mm F7 "ED" and compared the two scopes. The Celestron 102mm was sharper than the Astro-Tech 102mm F7 ED on every object I tested: Moon, Sun in white light, Jupiter and daytime targets.

 

Keep the Celestron. Wait for a focuser to be back in stock.

 

If you want something sharper and with better color correction, consider the Astro-Tech 102mm F7 "EDL" or the Sky Watcher EvoStar 100 ED F9 doublet.

 

Bob

[sportsmed]

Yea I would upgrade. I have the AT80ED and love it. And if you have a decent mount and can budget it I would go for the AT102ED. I wanted the AT102ED but I would of had to upgrade my mount at the time. Now I have a mount that can handle the AT102ED but I really like my AT80ED and dont want to sell it haha.

[wrvond]

I had a Celestron 102mm F10 achromat with the exact same lens that you have now. I purchased an Astro-Tech 102mm F7 "ED" and compared the two scopes. The Celestron 102mm was sharper than the Astro-Tech 102mm F7 ED on every object I tested: Moon, Sun in white light, Jupiter and daytime targets.

 

Keep the Celestron. Wait for a focuser to be back in stock.

 

If you want something sharper and with better color correction, consider the Astro-Tech 102mm F7 "EDL" or the Sky Watcher EvoStar 100 ED F9 doublet.

 

Bob

Heresy!   

[t.r.]

That is a classic scope with renowned optics…wait for a focuser…did you try scopestuff.com?

[Mordakyblu]

Thanks for advice. I buy the GSO and new scope! It’s only money! (Don’t tell my wife)

[Mordakyblu]

If your OTA is made by Vixen I wouldn’t be in a rush to replace it; they can have excellent optics. If the scope has been well cared for and is in good condition I’d probably get the non-linear bearing GSO Crayford Focuser. Here’s one that may fit and is in stock now:

 

https://agenaastro.c...peed-112mm.html

 

But then I have a soft spot for vintage Japanese achromats.  If you’re looking for a reason to upgrade please let me assist you by putting this link to the AT102ED, currently on sale for a very reasonable $549, within easy clicking distance:

 

https://www.astronom...ractor-ota.html

 

Practically irresistible

I love my Celestron/Vixen. I won’t get rid of it.

[Polyphemos]

Thanks for advice. I buy the GSO and new scope! It’s only money! (Don’t tell my wife)

The right solution