Refractor Telescope - Explore Scientific 127mm ED

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Please support this KZbin channel and SUBSCRIBE for more videos like this.

[@njcck]

I know this is years later, but I just got this scope and wanted to thank you for the video. Two 37.5mm spacers were included in the package and I needed both of them to achieve focus. A light bulb went off when I viewed your video at 4:40. Thanks again!

[@garylanders1470]

After seeing what you have accomplished with the ES 127, I am sold. Gary

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Good choice, this telescope has served me well. I think I might own one eye piece, I'm not even sure where it is because I haven't used it in a couple of years. But on my imaging videos, I a;always list the equipment I use in the description, so if you see me using the same stuff over and over again, that's a good indication that I'm happy with it.

[@Thunder_Dome45]

Man, even goofing around with test shots your images are good.

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Thanks Seti!

[@BackyardAstronomyNow]

If you have the room in your backyard, you can always go with a concrete pier and permanently mount and surround it with a roll off shelter to get rid of those legs completely. I have the CGX-L....love it.

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Right, maybe in the future, I don't want to do it in my current location. My CGX has performed well right up until sub-freezing weather came. Guiding has not been like it was before.

[@Stewkers]

I recently purchased an Explore Scientific 102mm APO, the carbon fiber variety. I'm using an AVX mount so was wanting to make sure to keep the weight done as much as I could. I've only taken it out a couple times but its been an amazing piece of equipment so far, especially compared to what I was using, a Celestron 102 SLT. I look forward to seeing how you like your 127mm!

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Glad you think it's amazing, I am hoping for the same experience.

[@RaysAstrophotography]

Chuck, Do you exactly measure the back focus or do you keep adding adapters until you find the back focus? My question really is, I heard if you are using field flattener, you have to be exact in the back focus. I noticed elongated stars in the edge when I am using my ES ED102, I was wondering how did you avoid that. I saw your video on removing the compression ring and screw directly. But If I use the what comes with ES scope (compression ring), not sure if I can screw it than using a compression ring. I have many questions in the above, so please answer it as you go.

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

I called HighPointScientific and they helped me get the exact spacers I need to achieve the correct spacing (55mm). Removing the compression might not be possible on some focusers.

[@RaysAstrophotography]

@@ChucksAstrophotography thanks Chuck.

[@RaysAstrophotography]

@@ChucksAstrophotography I called ES. For 2 inch flattener it is 45mm. This is for ES flattener. For 3 inch it is 55.

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

@@RaysAstrophotography Good to know.

[@nadirteymurov1]

Excellent detailed review, Chuck ! Thank you

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

You're welcome, Nadir

[@sanju7wizzboy335]

How did you set it up like, it's standard other tools from where you got them can you please make a video on how to fix that in tripot to take pics

[@elliottmelan3457]

I love my ES 127. I have set my limits on my Celestron Dx mount to prevent crashing into the legs. I might go to a pier mount once I build my observatory. The hood on my scope works great never slips. Focuser is not very good but my n_steper focuser keeps it focus.

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Yeah, the CGX mount is an issue because the tripod legs are spread out more than normal.

[@davepastern]

I've peered into your destiny Chuck and I foresee a pier! Lovely new scope!

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Thanks. Yes, a pier would certainly solve the current problem I have now. Don't tempt me, lol.

[@davepastern]

You need a pier Chuck. Better, still, several piers. :-) I'm evil. You're welcome!

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

WOW, several piers so I can easily switch between all my scopes. I like that idea. You're the little devil on my shoulder.

[@davepastern]

I've downloaded PixInsight and some data from Jim Misti (Ha, L, R, G, B), now have to figure out how to combine all of them. Any tips/videos that cover this sort of thing on your channel?

[@davepastern]

Just tell the wife that the piers are for birds to perch on. :-)

[@JediFight]

Great. I like these images. The universe is magical.

[@seanmolony-redstickastro238]

Tripod interference is the nature of the beast with these long refractors. Set your pier limits and engage auto meridian flip and you will be fine. Great choice on scope. I shoot with one also

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Yes, I did set my auto-meridian flip to -10 minutes so it will flip sooner. I wasn't aware of the pier limits, I can check that. But I'm having a threaded rod specially made so I can clamp a small counter weight under the rear part of the mounting bar - which will let me scoot the telescope forward.

[@seanmolony-redstickastro238]

Chuck's Astrophotography interesting You can set your pier limits in eqmod

[@StevenParrisWard]

A great scope. That "halo" could be the beginnings of dew? May be a heater would fix it? I really like the sharpness and the field of view through refractors of this aperture though. Thanks for posting.

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

You may be right about the heater. I had a dew heater on the scope, but in the morning, I noticed it was too far down - nowhere near the main lens.

[@nelsonrivera6575]

Thank you for the video , can you share the specs on the losmandy bases , i really like this set up ,and i already have a ED80 ,so looking forward one of these ,thank you ,i hope you post more videos

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

I know this 14" bar on the bottom is this one: www.highpointscientific.com/losmandy-14-quot-universal-dovetail-plate-for-refractors-dup But I don't know exactly the one I used for the guide scope, but it was 12 inches.

[@ETERNITYISHERE]

hi chuck, i'm just starting out and bought before i researched. i got the celestron 8 inch evo how did that wedge work out for you? thinking about getting one or should i just wait to get a EQ mount?

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

I would put that money towards an EQ mount. My Atl-az mount was way too wobbly and the wedge did not help. As for guiding, I don't recall how it performed - so long ago. I consider the wedge a waste of money.

[@ETERNITYISHERE]

Chuck's Astrophotography tyvm.

[@TheNewfiePilot]

Chuck, now that you have had this scope for almost a year, would you have rather gotten the FDC-100 version, or are you more then happy with the Essential Series scope?

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Actually I don't know what the FDC-100 version, but if I had to buy another scope, I would buy the same one. More than happy with it.

[@xtl-qb9yf]

Is the Explore Scientific FirstLight 127 mm White Tube Maksutov-Cassegrain for planets and deep sky objects? And the 102mm?

[@markhaythorne549]

Hi Chuck I’m in the process of getting roughly the same setup as you and I was wondering what model of focuser do you use is it the 2” or the 2.5” model? Loving your videos Mark

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Just email Ron at MoonLite Telescope Accessories and tell him you want a 2.5" focuser like Chuck's, lol. He will tell you exactly what you need.

[@Gosling_dkc]

Were you able to get guiding this good right off the bat? Or did you have to make any adjustments to your mount?

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Right off the bat, which surprised me because I know I didn't balance the new scope perfectly the first time around - but the CGX did a good job anyway.

[@Gosling_dkc]

Chuck's Astrophotography awesome! I've got the Atlas Pro and I cannot seem to get my guiding down.. I constantly lose guide stars. And my RA just seems to jump around. The best I've got my guiding is 1.20 total RMS.

[@Gosling_dkc]

So since you've had the CGX you've never done any adjustments to the mesh or even a sort of tuning?

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

No, never had to do anything. It had a wiring issue when it first arrived, so I had to send it back. But since then it's been great.

[@astrophotonics9470]

Just grabbed one of these on sale, gonna try off axis guider with this thing..see what happens.

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Congrats on your new scope! Good luck!

[@jeffreybarton1297]

Beautiful! How much does this beast weigh? Light enough to hike up a hill with it?

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

A bit heavy at 22 pounds.

[@jeffreybarton1297]

@@ChucksAstrophotography Thanks Chuck! Yes, That would be a test of my stamina!

[@deejaybustab]

Nice upgrades!! Can't wait to see what you post with this one. I too just made another purchase lol I picked up a small refractor from highpoint. It's the Skywarcher Pro 80mm F 7.5. Also picked up some dew heater strips & a 50mm guide scope for it. Should be in tomorrow. Hopefully I can get some wider shots now as the 8se has such a high focal length. I'll still use the 8se for planets & other things that are smalll but really like the wide field images others are posting.

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Nice scope, it's nice to have that option for wide field. The 8SE performed very well for me, but I have a feeling my results with the new refractor may be very similar to what I had with my 8SE until I really learn how to work the data better.

[@SuperNova-py1ec]

Chuck, I thought you had ceased purchasing more kit. Seem to recall a video about a month saying "that's it no more" lol. Nice scope looking forward to some more images. Well done with getting it all setup in one night too.

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

I really tried not to spend anymore money, but I had a relapse and went on a binge - 😬

[@IPM71]

Yes, I remember that as well and thought "famous last words" :D

[@hovlandbound]

Ya, I remember that video too! :) I just new it wouldn't last. But that's good for all of us.

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

LOL, but not good for my wallet.

[@IPM71]

Well, you don't get into astrophotography if you want to save money :D I spent like $4k since June... And I still haven't got a good mount ( either it's the Star Adventurer, or I borrow the club's G11 ). Please send help !

[@simonpepper5053]

Hey Chuck please help! I have this scope it’s sitting here doing nothing how do you connect all the camera etc? The extension tubes that come with it I think are M68 and need to get this to T2 for zwo. Do you use an adapter or is your hotech flattener just attached to the compression ring on the focuser? Thanks

[@allanphillips7952]

Hi Chuck, what is the overall length of the scope with the focal reducer, filter wheel & camera, have limited space in my roll off roof shed, so would like to know before I purchase one.

[@aperturedriven88]

"You know who you are, Jeff!" haha

[@Janet_Airlines802]

I’m looking to buy this as my first telescope. Can this view through the eyepiece well? Can you see planets like Jupiter well?

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

I bet planets would look awesome with it, but I never tried it - I only use it for imaging.

[@ignatprokhoropchyuck4652]

Jupiter should be amazing with this scope!

[@Sovereign_54]

Hey Chuck, I know you’re probably flooded with comments but, how do you feel overall about your ES 127? From here it doesn’t seem like you’re impressed. With the cheap dew shield and internal reflections. I’m considering purchasing one and am very curious to hear the opinions of competent imagers that have one. Thank you, and love your videos! “Let’s take a look at my guiding” 😂

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

In retrospect, I was a little too hard on it over the dew shield. I love this scope - I've had 10 Top Pick on Astrobin with it, an Astronomy Magazine Picture of the Day, and another photo even appeared in their magazine. If I could go back in time and buy a telescope - I would buy this one again.

[@Sovereign_54]

That's awesome news and congrats! Have the reflections sorted themselves out? What caused them? And thank you so much for the reply!

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Big stars and this big scope, and my ASI1600MM - halos might always be a battle issue - but not a big concern.

[@Sovereign_54]

Chuck's Astrophotography thanks a million for the prompt answer brother! Clear skies! My IG is iDeepSpace if you’d like to check out some of my work!

[@astrogerard2022]

Looks identical to the Saxon FCD100 127mm Apochromatic Chuck. Is it Japanese Hoya FCD100 optics?

[@llamarvasquez1803]

How’s it going Chuck had a question maybe you can answer I just bought me a explore scientific 102 F7 Triplett focal 714mm, and also a field flattener reducer 0.8X.. which makes it a F5.6 and I think focal Length should be 536mm... I’m using a ZWO 1600mm pro camera... my question is do I have to change the focal setting in telescope tab to 536mm In sequence generator pro???? Help thanks

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Hi Llamar, I just checked my settings, it looks like I never even bothered to change my Scope Focal Length setting when I added my reducer. I suppose it doesn't matter.

[@llamarvasquez1803]

Chuck's Astrophotography sounds good thanks for the info...

[@astronomyeast2966]

Awesome Chuck. I'm sure you will do great with the scope. I wish you looked at the SW Esprit 120 APO. I love it but honestly if you are swapping out the focused it's not worth the extra costs... looking forward to more images... see ya...

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

I don't know much about that brand, I should have checked.

[@andrewtymkewycz6068]

the ES 127 ED APO dew shield is a firm fit on the tube with virtually no slack/wobble

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

I wish mine were the way.

[@ignatprokhoropchyuck4652]

@@andrewtymkewycz6068 Mr.Tymkewycz are you Ucrain Jewish? Me and my Ukrainian family are welcome to you home for two month living together!!! Pls check you address my friend!!

[@easylivingsherpa]

CHuck what did you use for the reducer corrector for the 127ed? The oem price is off the charts?

[@cablsurfin]

Chuck, did you put a Moonlite focuser on this scope? I have the ES ED127CF. My Moonlite is arriving on Saturday. I'd like to know what focuser settings you are using in SGP so that I have a good starting point. Thanks, Nick

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

I did. Check out my video here. I go through all of my SGP settings (including the focuser). You should be able to use the exact same focuser settings. kzbin.info/www/bejne/omTSaZZnZbl2kLM

[@cablsurfin]

Great. Yes I had checked that out. That video was very helpful. Wasn't sure if your focuser settings had changed since making that vid. Thanks again for your informative videos. Much appreciated!!

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Those are my latest settings, good luck!

[@cablsurfin]

Got the Moonlite up and running great with autofocus thanks to your videos. Much appreciated. On another note, is your imaging train still that long with the ZWO 1600 or have you figured out how to shorten it somehow. That camera is on my short list and I'm wondering what I'll need to get it to work on my ES 127 w/ moonlite.

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Glad to hear it! My imaging train is still the same, but I manage. That scope is very front heavy but I solved my problem with adding a counter weight in the rear. Not sure if you saw this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4SvpH6babR3eac

[@thesammyjenkinsexperience4996]

So how far back are you on the guidescope there? Is that 2 x 50mm extension tubes for that?

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

I use two of these. I could have gotten away with just one, but two is a little more sturdy. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000XMUH8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@thesammyjenkinsexperience4996]

Thanks again mate!

[@ericmartin6142]

Any thoughts on now to rotate the focuser? Also what are the two differently sized screws underneath it for? Thanks.

[@kajouman]

wow triplet..thats gonna give pinpoint stars..so...when is the new mount coming gehgeh..but serious,how is the chromatic abberation ? im thinking for this scope too.

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

I don't really know yet. When I start doing color images, with the right spacing for my flattener, and an auto-focuser, I'll know more. I hope I get pinpoint stars.

[@etiennebertrand8817]

Hello, What is the glass of this Triplet ? FCD1 or FCD100 ?

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

FCD1

[@etiennebertrand8817]

@@ChucksAstrophotography thanks, you see chromatism or not with this glass?

[@DustyCowdog]

Stupid question, can you just look through the telescope without all the gadgetry and software, etc? I feel like if I want to look at stars on a computer I can just surf the net. Nice images considering I have no idea about this...

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Yes you can, and that can be a lot of fun too. But many times, the images I go after are far beyond what can be seen through a telescope using an eyepiece and the naked eye.

[@DustyCowdog]

@@ChucksAstrophotography -- excellent, thanks for the quick reply! cheers!

[@janporter9462]

Chuck, I have the ED127 (for a year now - love it!) and the ED80. I see your 80 piggy-backed on the 127. Can you give me a "parts list" so I can do the same? All I have are rings for the ED80. BTW - pick up the .7 FR - you won't regret it!

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Thanks. I'll take a look at the .7 FR. Here is the ring set you need for the ST80 (I wish I could still use it, but I had to slide my gudie scope all the way back to balance my scope better). www.highpointscientific.com/losmandy-guidescope-ring-set-2-108-mm-rings-1-66-mm-ring-dvr108-66

[@espritastrophotography9925]

Chuck on this scope did u use Explore Scientifics rings? Like ur setup

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Yes, I did use the rings that came with the scope, but I unscrewed the handle from them.

[@espritastrophotography9925]

So Chuck what did u mount rings on? Length of dovetail. Also what dovetail u used on top. Thanks. I have ed102 c.f. and need something else

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Sorry, I didn't see this comment earlier. For some reason it got flagged and I had to approve it. This is the mounting bar I'm using: www.highpointscientific.com/losmandy-14-quot-universal-dovetail-plate-for-refractors-dup

[@espritastrophotography9925]

Thank You

[@johnsojka8168]

Hi Chuck! I am a proficient astrophotographer. I want to start imaging the sun. I also have a 127mm Explorer Scientific (127mm). I was hoping to purchase a DayStar Chrome to use with it. What else do I need? I already have all the stuff for night time imaging. Please let me know before I start down a $$ endeavor! Thanks!

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

I would get the Quark (chromosphere) version, a solar finder, and a Quark T-Adapter (to reduce vignetting). But I would also email Jen (the owner of Daystar, [e-mail]). Let her know what equipment you have - she will put you on the right path. And tell her Chuck sent you, lol.

[@dankahraman354]

Chuck you are good!

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Thanks Dan!

[@DeanJohnson67]

The dew shield on my EON 104mm Triplet Apo Refractor did the same thing! Really annoying considering its a very pricey scope.

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Right, I would consider it a defect but it was obviously designed this way.

[@markc7889]

Hi Chuck, I have the same telescope ES ED127. I found it is so hard insert a diagnal or camera into the focuser, esp with the extension tubes. How do you cope with the problem? Thanks.

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Hi Mark, I didn't seem to have a problem inserting a camera or field flattener into the focuser - not that I can remember anyway. I did not try diagonal with this scope. But I only used the focuser for one night (in this video). I replaced it the next day with a MoonLite Auto-Focuser.

[@thesammyjenkinsexperience4996]

Hey Chuck. How long is that Losmandy D plate you've got there? Would I be correct in saying you can't retract the dew shield without removing the scope from the cradle. Do you have a cap for the dew shield?

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

The dew shield will either bump the tube ring or the plate if pushed down. The cover that came with the scope is complete junk - it only covers the lens, not the dew shield - and since I can't push the dew shield all the way down, then I can't use the cover for the lens. The plate I'm using is 14". Here is the link: www.highpointscientific.com/losmandy-14-quot-universal-dovetail-plate-for-refractors-dup

[@thesammyjenkinsexperience4996]

Thanks Chuck. I've got an ED127 CF (FCD100 glass) and I've been thinking of swapping out the standard Vixen dovetail with a Losmandy UDP. The lens cover issue you described is exactly what I've been trying to figure out how to solve. That cap is almost impossible to remove while the dew shield is extended.

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

If you figure it out, please let me know too :-)

[@thesammyjenkinsexperience4996]

Well right now I'm looking at LensCoat Hoodie Lens Caps. They're made of neoprene and will stretch around the end of the dew shield. $15US. The XX Large should do it. There's a plastic protection disc and foam in them to protect the lens from damage.

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Oh cool, thanks!

[@brucewitherell6249]

Looks like you need to slide the ota forward in the mount

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

The opposite. I have to slide everything to the rear. This OTA is super heavy in front. In fact, I even had to add more weights to the rear. I wish I could slide it forward, then it wouldn't interfere with my tripod legs.

[@dinomonaco2665]

Congrats on the ES ED127, Chuck. I got the carbon fiber version. Totally agree about the cheesy dew shield. I thought mine was broken or something until I saw your video. One thing I'm disappointed w Explore Scientific is that I returned mine once for a metallic flake that I saw lingering inside the triplet lens. When it was returned and I shined my flashlight into the glass, I found there are now 2 smaller flakes. After several attempts of emailing customer service and trying to leave a message w them, no one got back to me. So I gave up. You'd think that after spending $1200 you would at the very least get clean optics. I've been a customer of ES for awhile and always had nothing but great reviews, but not this time. I've been a fan of Scott Roberts and his philosophy. I think they got overwhelmed over the Eclipse period and bit off more than they chew. Anyway, good luck w the new scope.

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Yes, I saw a couple of dust specs on the inside of the lens, and I know someone else who bought an ES refractor and saw the same thing. But I can deal with it, but there is a definite lack of quality control with this company.

[@raizalmohammad7444]

You should get the Celestron RASA.... btw great Apo refractor...

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Yeah, that looks like a nice scope!

[@raizalmohammad7444]

@@ChucksAstrophotography .....Finally you bought the RASA...Told you its a great scope...👌🙂👍.... Hope to see more great videos of it in the future...

[@Hotled1944]

My the equipment you have would have bankrupt me. I’m looking for my very first telescope lol.

[@dustinfleming7083]

Hey check! Mind sending me a link for losmandy rigging you got to mount the guide scope to the 127? Having all kinds of trouble getting my Orion 60 mounted to the 127. Thanks man. Great videos!

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

For the mounting bar on top of my scope to screw the guide scope onto, I can't seem to find the exact one I ordered, but I found this link: www.highpointscientific.com/losmandy-v-series-universal-dovetail-plate-vup14

[@dustinfleming7083]

Chuck's Astrophotography thanks man... really struggling. Can’t tell you how much your channel has helped. Keep up the good work.

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

@@dustinfleming7083 Thanks. Good luck!

[@sarakshik]

What camera did you use!

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

ASI1600MM-cooled

[@thesammyjenkinsexperience4996]

Ok, one last question for the night. Did you get a Bahtinov focus mask for this beast, and if so, what size?

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

No, I didn't get one. I have a MoonLite focuser for it, so all I need to do is get a little close for the focus that first time, and the MoonLite focuser takes over.

[@thesammyjenkinsexperience4996]

Hrm, interesting. I have the Starlight Instruments Focuser Boss II with PDMS system, I imagine it works the same way as the MoonLite focuser in SGP. I guess I'll have to learn how to use it!

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Oh ok, I'm not familiar with that one, I'll have to look it up.

[@thesammyjenkinsexperience4996]

Well that was extremely easy! I just took my first sequenced capture in SGP at 600 seconds with PHD2 guiding, plate solving and autofocus. My guiding could be better (RMS error total 0.88" in perfect seeing conditions) but I'm pretty sure I am right at the weight limit for imaging on a AZ-EQ6 GT. I might drop the ST80 and ring system and try the ZWO OAG with my Ultrastar instead. Thank you so much for all your help, you would not believe how happy I am right now! Time to get the rest of the Astrodon narrowband filters, I only have Ha-5nm at the moment.

[@thesammyjenkinsexperience4996]

Are you able to see the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds from your area? I've got a feeling I'm going to be spending a looooooot of time on all the goodies in those.

[@losteden]

how can turn this kind telescope into infrared?

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

I have a friend who uses an infrared filter, but I don't know much about it.

[@timoteifulgeanu6857]

Hello Chuck ! Can you tell me the name and model of every piece of the entire thing? Starting with the tripod and all equipment and accessories you have on it, please? Thank you!

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Hi, I am afraid that is too big of a task, but if you watch more of my videos, you will get an idea.

[@zakkk2k]

Congratz on the new scope, looks promising :) Looking forward to seeing more shots! After rebalancing with the camera and other equipment, is your scope still obstructed by the tripod legs? Looks like you moved it a lot more forward...

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

It can still hit the legs, but the way the mount moves the telescope around, it may avoid the legs. I still want to find a way to scoot the telescope forward so I know for sure it will never hit the legs.

[@jualbar1]

hola amigo buen dia... sky warcher trae un diagonal de 2 pulgadas muy bueno. yo lo utilizo para eso. asi evitas ese proble,a que tenes y de foco tambien. .me esta costando aprender somo realizar los flats bias darck en el generator--- me da pena. no puedo

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Good to know, thanks.

[@IPM71]

You know what's next, right ? Yup. A better mount :)

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

I know it, but that may be a while.

[@IPM71]

I know. I'm trying to upgrade as well.

[@MrWesleymoon]

Do no remove the handle just mount the guide scope on top of the handle. I have my telrad finder on the handle and the explore scientific 10x50 finder/guider on the scope. I am however a eyepiece viewer and not into photo stuff. If I want photos I can log into nasa and take pics from the hubble and wait a few days to receive them :-) I must admit there has been a few times of pics I captured with hubble and colored etc and said look what pics my scope can take! People blown away but they are not aware I lied and cheated hahaha anyways all fun.

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Well you summed it up nicely at the end. As long as it's all fun. Sometimes I get frustrated when the equipment is not working right, but I have to remind myself to have fun, lol.

[@ignatprokhoropchyuck4652]

What kind of soft do you use? Viva Ukrain Astro Amateurs!!!

[@SparkyMcBiff]

Thanks!

[@stardarkroomequipment9495]

Don't Americans have BACK gardens, in the UK you won't see people in the front being watched by onlookers, wierd

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

We have backyards which is where I do all of my astrophotography. Nobody can see me.

[@fararayfajhan]

I wanna see uranus pls

[@andrewtymkewycz6068]

my ES 127 ED APO came with two extension tubes, each 37mm long. That allowed my Canon 450D to focus with a short extension of the standard essential focuser.

[@MrWesleymoon]

Nice shots just sad someone with your knowledge uses a 2 lens inferior refractor. I assume this is because of money is the reason why. I have the 127mm explore scientific ed apo 3 lens carbon fiber with a twilight ii modified tripod for visuals with 2in 24mm and a 2x and 3x 2in barlows

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Very nice. As for me, yes, price was big factor.

[@MrWesleymoon]

I was thinking it was a 2 lens my bad

[@dennyoconnor8680]

Ah Chuck, tsk tsk. Relapsed again eh? But, you are Satan's apprentice. Here I sit with a pier and an adapter already welded and machined for my CGEM and you keep showing off sub arc second tracking with the CGX. And then I look at my trusty Genesis scope and you are showing off an APO, no less. And I am struggling with a cheapy electric focuser and you shove that Moonlite in my face with all the goodies. You Sir, are a bad example. My mother, rip, would be telling me I cannot go out and play with you. Keep up the good work!

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

LOL, I'm bringing everyone down with me. Thanks Denny!

[@fararayfajhan]

But pics look amazing

[@ChucksAstrophotography]

Thanks

[@natelove187]

Should have bought Orion refractor 130mm APO