Celestron C102HD

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Date: NA
Price: under $500.00
Design: 102mm achromatic refractor operating at f/9.8 with a focal length of 1000mm
Description: Large 102mm achromatic refractor that ships with a 25mm Plossl eyepieces, 6x30 finder, mirro diagonal, and a CG5 equatorial mount with an aluminum tripod.

The Review

I no longer own this telescope, but looking back I now consider that this scope may be one of the best buys.

Of course there was always a mild violet halo around bright objects and this could be eliminated by using a yellow or orange filter which also would improve contrast on planets.

The double-double was cleanly split. Cassini's division very evident. Very good contrast on brighter deep-sky objects.

The CG5 is a copy of Vixen Polaris mount. It can be improved by removing its glue-like lubricant and replaced with bicycle lithium grease.
I found that the Vixen controllers and motors were much superior to the Celestron, s-Chinese made motor systems. The Vixen motors were a perfect fit. The mount will be vastly improved by replacing the shaky aluminum legs with wooden ones.

I also lined the inside of the dew-cap with felt.

This telescope will accept 2 inch eyepieces and diagonals.

Easy to use, good-looking.

A true beginner's (and old-timers too) telescope.

P.S.  Aries of Ukraine, through APM is marketing fluorite lenses that can convert this telescope into an APO (about $500.00).

Submitted by Al Misiuk - amisiuk@wescospec.com - Seattle, Washington

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