4” refractor opinions

[jnelson]

Looking to upgrade to a 4” refractor for imaging but trying to keep the price point in the 2-3k range, native speed f/6 or less. I’ve looked at several and reviewed images taken by them and at least to my eye it’s hard to discern significant differences in the image quality. Here is a list of three scopes that have had generally good reviews some of which are being sold on CN:

Stellarvue SVQ100 (2k on CN)
ES 115ed CF (2.5k on CN)
SW Esprit 100 (hard to come by used)

I’d appreciate any opinions esp if anyone has had any experience with any of these scopes. Thanks in advance!

Jim

[Lady Fraktor]

I would go with the Stellarvue, premium build quality lens compared to ES/ Skywatcher mass produced quality and lens.

[pakarinen]

AT102ED might be worth a look. It's f/7 though.

[Unitron48]

I would go with the Stellarvue, premium build quality lens compared to ES/ Skywatcher mass produced quality and lens.

I too highly recommend Stellarvue. Own two (SV110ED and SVX127D) and have been impressed with their mechanical and optical quality. Their customer service is top notch!!

Dave

[XCalRocketMan]

Another option is the William Optics 102, but you probably have to get them used.

[jnelson]

Thanks everyone for your input…I believe there may be an SV130
up for sale on CN for 2.5k if it’s still available with a 0.7x reducer which would bring it from f7 to f4.9. I may try to go that route if it hasn’t sold. Thanks again!

[jnelson]

So I went with the Stellarvue SVQ100, a four element apo with Ohara FPL53 glass. At a FL of 580 mm, it’s still a relatively fast astrograph at f/5.8. Spoke to Vic at Stellarvue who indicated they ended up not going ahead with production of a compatible FR so probably can’t use another FR as he felt it would alter the optics. Images from the seller were quite impressive, sharp stars all the way to the edges thanks to the built in flattener.