TheSkySearchers

Sky wrote: ↑Sat Feb 18, 2023 3:17 pm High Point Scientific is a good company to purchase telescopes and accessories. Don't hold it against them because the manufacturer isn't shipping out their products.

However, you can buy the Explore Scientific FL-AR102 Firstlight Refractor with Nano mount from Amazon and shipped free from Explore Scientific for $249.95 (7 in stock ... delivery 2/23 - 2/24).

I'd cancel the order from High Point and buy one through Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0743 ... MRYT&psc=1

Good Luck with your telescope hunt ....

Thanks for the reply. The Explore Scientific FirstLight 102mm Doublet Refractor with EXOS EQ Nano Mount is a gift from my family to give me something to do because of failing health. HP will come through for me and I will see what is available as time goes on. Have a great day and clear skies!

As of today, we still have no scope from HP. The order has been canceled and we are continuing the hunt. The hunt for me will be to save and get a DOB.
*We have ordered a Popular Science by Celestron Starsense Explorer™ DX 5" Smartphone App-Enabled Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope for my granddaughter. She uses them at her club so she is set for now. Due next week. Confirmed.
*I however will be leaning towards a AD8 for our project. I too like the AstroTech 102 but will check both out with friends before getting one.
Thanks to all for the help.

FWIW, I have an AT102ED. The optics are very sharp, but I find the scope to be a bit bigger and bulkier than I like. The stock R&P focuser also is a little stiff although I’ve not tried adjusting it yet. My AT7EDII is a dream though, which makes me curious about the AT80ED.

pakarinen wrote: ↑Sat Apr 15, 2023 1:09 pm FWIW, I have an AT102ED. The optics are very sharp, but I find the scope to be a bit bigger and bulkier than I like. The stock R&P focuser also is a little stiff although I’ve not tried adjusting it yet. My AT7EDII is a dream though, which makes me curious about the AT80ED.

I noticed they had the AT80ED for $370.00 and thought about starting with that for a grab and go. My neighbor SWEARS by his AT72EDII and so do others. Have not talked with them about the AT72EDII.
What is it about this AT72EDII that makes it a keeper? I am just starting out with just viewing but will attempt some photography later.
Placing order this week. The AT102ED still is in the lead for me.

I usually observe from my back deck /yard and can't keep a scope outside for practical reasons like the weather, so I prefer to use a grab-n-go scope. Given that the weather here is often garbage, it's good to have a scope that I can be observing with on short notice for short (or longer) sessions. The 72 on a carbon fiber tripod and lightweight mount is hard to beat for that - one-hand carry out the door.

The sharpness of the optics is quite noticeable compared to my 80mm and 120mm achros. People have written that a 72ED has a "reach" comparable to an 80mm achro, but I'm not sure about that. The focuser on the 72 is very smooth, almost as smooth as my 2-speed Crayfords.

And then the size and weight of the 72 is great for packing in my car for trips to club sites and longer trips to VRBOs or camping under dark skies.

Since you mention photography, the 72 does have a rotating focuser although I don't use that feature myself.