Hey there,
I've got the original ES ED127. I mean original because when I gave Explore scientific the serial number they couldn't even look it up in their current systems. So think at least 13-15 years.
The gripes with the current scope are the focuser is showing it's' age and doesn't have the ability to hold my herschel wedge or binoviewers securely. There is no upgrade path directly from ES for a focuser, so I'll need custom adapters, and I'd like to do binoviewing without a barlow, so cutting the tube is on the table.
The great part of the scope is that it still provides amazing views. At a recent astronomy day everyone was coming by to tell me that the views of the Moon were the best through my scope. (and I'd be inclined to agree) There were only the tiniest hints of chromatic abberation around the edge of the Moon and I really had to look for it.
I wouldn't mind selling this scope and spending another 1.5k for a better one that has a better focuser and native binovieweing support without a barlow.
So before I go cutting the tube on my current scope and adapting a new focuser to it, I am curious if anyone has a 130mm APO in the Ottawa area they would be willing to loan me so I can compare the performance of my current scope side by side.
I'd be happy to lend my Cornado 90mm double stack of the ES127ED in return.
Thanks!
